For UAE Union Day long weekend, residents want unique experiences or bargain deals on travel

Dubai: UAE residents will enjoy a long weekend – the last of the year – this upcoming week and data shows that expats are open to trying out different things to make the most of the short break. The official holidays of the private sector are from December 2 to 4 (Saturday through Monday).

Skyscanner data revealed that residents would be open to go anywhere as long as the deals made it worth the trip. Another study by YouGov for Shamal Holdings showed that if not travelling abroad, residents were looking for memorable, ‘never-done-before’, and new experiences.

Value for money is key, data shows. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2024 reveals that the cost of flights (32 per cent) and hotel expenses (16 per cent) influences destination choices for residents. The portal has an ‘Everywhere’ option which users can use for travel inspiration within budget.

The Shamal Holdings survey shows that most people (80 per cent of respondents) are actively putting aside money for experiences, after their needs.

These include saving for travel and vacationing (52 per cent), entertainment (62 per cent), and dining and hospitality (56 per cent).

India, UK, Philippines, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and USA are the top ten destinations searched by UAE residents ahead of the long weekend, according to Skyscanner. [Pictured: Pamukkale, Turkey]

But people who are not travelling – over half of the residents surveyed by YouGov for Shamal Holidings – are looking at creating memorable experiences. Staycations, a trip to the beach, and nature activities are high on this list.

A yacht trip (52 per cent), skydiving (44 per cent) and hot air ballooning or helicopter rides (44 per cent) ranked as the top three bucket list experiences for UAE residents.