UAE travellers prioritise staycations and purpose-led travel during Ramadan 2026

Wego, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) travel app and online travel marketplace, has revealed Ramadan 2026 travel trends among United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents, showing strong interest in staycations, cultural experiences, and spiritually focused city breaks.

As Ramadan commences, data indicates that UAE travellers have increasingly been planning shorter, experience-led trips aligned with adjusted daily routines. Domestic travel dominates, alongside selective short-haul outbound journeys to culturally significant destinations.

Staycations remain central

Staycations continue to anchor travel planning, with searches from UAE residents more than doubling compared with Ramadan 2025. Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain top destinations, with 31% of hotel searches for 4-star properties. Average hotel rates have risen 17% in line with increased demand.

Cultural experiences drive choices

Travellers are prioritising destinations offering heritage, tradition, and community engagement. Wego reports that nearly 75% of top searched hotels are near cultural districts, heritage areas, and landmarks, reflecting a focus on meaningful, slower-paced experiences.

Outbound travel selective

Outbound searches to nearby MENA countries rose 94%, mostly for family visits or heritage-based trips. “Outbound trips remain short-haul and selective, with average airfares showing a year-on-year increase of 9%, as travellers prioritise cultural relevance over leisure-focused travel,” Wego said.

Mobile platforms remain central, with 69% of bookings via the Wego app, highlighting the role of location-led decisions in proximity to mosques, cultural districts, and dining areas.