UAE, Saudi Travelers to Take at Least 7 Holidays in 2025, New Travel Trends Show

UAE travelers are planning to take two long-haul trips and nearly three short-haul trips in 2025.

Dubai: Travel remains a top priority for holidaymakers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia this year. A recent study by Marriott Bonvoy, called the "2025 Ticket to Travel" research, has revealed that travelers in both countries are planning an average of seven holidays in 2025—meaning they will go on trips more than once every two months.

The report, which surveyed 4,700 travelers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, found that people in these two countries expect to take about 2.7 domestic trips within their own country in 2025 (2.7 for UAE travelers and 2.6 for those in Saudi Arabia).

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Additionally, they plan to take about 2.3 short-haul trips, which involve flights of four hours or less (2.5 for UAE and 2 for Saudi Arabia), as well as 2.1 long-haul holidays (2.3 for UAE and 1.8 for Saudi Arabia).

This research was carried out among 21,374 adults across ten markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EMEA).

The study found that 84% of people in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are planning to take the same number or even more holidays in 2025 compared to last year. In fact, 54% of respondents (54% in the UAE and 53% in Saudi Arabia) said they plan to take more trips in 2025 than they did in 2024. Only 9% of travelers said they would take fewer trips (10% in the UAE and 7% in Saudi Arabia).

Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Luxury, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, said, "Most travelers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia will take the same or more holidays in 2025 compared to 2024. This strong interest in international, regional, and domestic travel is great news for the travel industry, and we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead."

Smart Spending on Travel

Even though people are planning more vacations, the study found that travelers are being careful with their spending and want to get the best value for their money.

The report noted that the biggest factor influencing people to book a trip is getting a special price. About 54% of respondents (51% in the UAE and 57% in Saudi Arabia) said that a good deal or discount would encourage them to book a holiday.

Travel Trends: Bravecations and Heritage Holidays

The research also highlighted some emerging travel trends for 2025. One of these trends is "bravecations," where travelers become more adventurous during their holidays. Another growing trend is "heritage holidays," where people travel to learn more about their family history and ancestry.

More than four in ten travelers have already taken a heritage holiday before (49% in the UAE and 41% in Saudi Arabia). Additionally, 44% of people plan to take a heritage holiday in the near future (47% in the UAE and 40% in Saudi Arabia).

Overall, 81% of travelers across both countries are interested in taking a heritage holiday, with the percentage rising to 85% among those aged 25-34. The main reason people want to take these trips is their belief that "it is important to know where your family comes from and understand what their life was like." About 43% of respondents (44% in the UAE and 41% in Saudi Arabia) shared this view.

What Are Bravecations?

Another key trend is "bravecations," where travelers feel more adventurous while on holiday. More than 80% of respondents (80% in the UAE and 83% in Saudi Arabia) said they feel braver when they travel compared to when they are at home.

The top three activities people are willing to try on vacation but not at home include:

Climbing to high places

High-adrenaline activities like zip-lining, skydiving, or theme park rides

Trying unusual or exotic food

These travel trends show that in 2025, people in the UAE & Saudi Arabia will not only take more trips but will also be more adventurous in their travel choices.