TL;DR
- Travel abroad is more expensive and unpredictable this year
- UAE hotels are offering better deals for local guests
- People are realizing there’s plenty to enjoy close to home
In 2025, a growing number of UAE residents are putting their passports away, and it’s not because they have to. They’re doing it by choice. International travel is more expensive, more stressful, and less appealing than it used to be. And at the same time, local hospitality has seriously stepped up.Hotels across Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and beyond are offering thoughtful packages designed for residents. Think short weekend breaks, family-friendly rates, and no long-haul flights to deal with. With inflation still driving up global travel costs, a staycation feels simpler and smarter.And the numbers back it up: Visa’s 2025 UAE Travel Pulse shows local travel spending is up nearly 70% compared to last year. What used to be a backup plan is now becoming the main plan.Let’s break it down why more people are staying put in 2025.
1. International Travel Is Costing More Than It’s Worth
Flights in and out of the UAE are more expensive this year. And it’s not just the airfare, visas, travel insurance, and rising hotel rates in popular destinations are pushing overall costs higher.For a lot of people, spending AED 15,000 for a four-day trip to Europe just doesn’t feel like a good deal anymore. Especially when a staycation within the UAE can offer luxury hotels, five-star service, and beach access, without leaving the country or breaking the bank.You drive, you check in, and you’re on vacation.
2. UAE Hotels Are Giving Residents What They Want
Hotels here have seen the shift, and they’ve adjusted. Properties like those under Central Hotels & Resorts report a sharp rise in local bookings. And that’s not just a blip. It’s a response to new demand.Local packages now include:
- Free stays for kids
- Late check-outs
- Spa and dining discounts
- Add-ons like desert safaris and beach access
These aren’t just offers, they’re real reasons people are choosing local over international.And it’s not only in Dubai. Resorts in Ajman, Sharjah, and the northern emirates are pulling in more local guests with similar deals.
3. The UAE Has More to Offer Than You Think
Many people still underestimate how much the UAE has to offer. You can drive a few hours and end up in a completely different setting.Some options residents are enjoying more of in 2025:
- Desert resorts with stargazing and dune dining
- Quiet beach stays with all-day brunches and private cabanas
- Mountain hikes in Hatta and Fujairah
- City breaks with rooftop pools and skyline views
And with more hotel openings planned this year, options are expanding fast.
4. It’s a Better Fit for Families and Working Professionals
For parents, travel has to be simple. The less time spent at airports, the better. Staycations make it easy, especially with flexible bookings, kid-friendly activities, and short travel times.Professionals, on the other hand, want quick breaks that don’t disrupt their schedule. A Thursday night check-in and a Sunday afternoon check-out is now common. That rhythm works well and it’s catching on.Even solo travelers and couples are seeing the upside: fewer logistics, more flexibility, and no jet lag.
5. Staying Local Helps the Economy
It’s not just about comfort or convenience. When residents choose local holidays, it helps keep money within the community.Hotels stay busy. Restaurants benefit. Tour operators and local attractions get more footfall, even during off-peak seasons.According to STR, Dubai’s hotel occupancy rate is already over 78% in 2025, and a large share of that comes from domestic guests.
What it comes down to
You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re on holiday. In 2025, more UAE residents are realizing that a short drive can give them everything they need, a break, a change of scene, and time to relax.And when you’re not wasting hours at an airport or spending thousands on flights, you have more time (and money) to enjoy the trip.Sometimes, the best place to go is just down the road.
FAQ
- 1. Is a staycation really cheaper than traveling abroad?
Yes. Once you factor in flights, visas, and overseas hotel prices, staying local is often far more affordable.
- 2. Are there good staycation options outside Dubai?
Definitely. Places like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and even Al Ain offer great stays, many with nature, history, and family activities.
- 3. Are local hotels offering real value or just promotions?
The offers are real. Hotels are competing for local guests, so packages now include useful perks like dining credits, spa access, and flexible check-in times.
