UAE Travelers Seek Cooler Weather Abroad This Eid Al Adha; Local Staycations Also Rise: Visa Study

  • 87% of UAE residents favored short getaways abroad over extended trips 
  • London, Paris, and Istanbul were top choices for those seeking cooler climates abroad
  • Domestic spending surged 68% y-o-y as staycation demand also grew 

Dubai, UAE, June 30, 2025: Visa’s latest Travel Pulse: Eid Al Adha Edition reveals a strong preference among UAE residents for shorter getaways in search for cooler places, with 87% opting for short trips during the Eid break (June 5–8). 
 

Outbound Travel Preferences: Cool Climates & Curated Spending

There was a 2% growth in number of UAE residents traveling abroad during Eid Al Adha, with most favoring cooler destinations.

  • London emerged as the leading international destination, capturing 4% of traveler share and 5% of total spend. Visitors spent an average of $819 per card. Shopping dominated the visit, accounting for 9 of the top 10 merchant interactions, and dining spend (17%) outpaced that in Paris and Istanbul.
  • Paris followed as the second most visited destination, accounting for 2% of traveler share and 3% of spend. It posted the highest average spend per card at $1,325, driven largely by luxury shopping, which made up a remarkable 49% of total spend, solidifying the city’s standing as a premium retail capital.
  • Istanbul ranked third with 4% of traveler share and 3% of total spend. Average spend per card was $586, reflecting its appeal as a more affordable option. Shopping led spend at 29%, underscoring the city’s position as a value-driven destination for retail-focused travelers.

 

Staycations Continue to Gain Popularity:

  • 12% of frequent travelers remained within the UAE, up from 10% last year, driving a rise in staycations.
  • Domestic spend saw a 68% increase and spend per card was up 20%.
  • Popular destinations included Dubai (70% spend share, 52% of travelers share) and Abu Dhabi (20% spend share, 21% travelers share), with most of the spending in restaurants (18% of total spend) and luxury shopping (15%). Sharjah was also a popular destination among UAE staycationers (5% spend share, 14% travelers share) with most spending on restaurants & food (33%).

“This Eid Al Adha, we saw a dual trend. While many UAE residents took advantage of short-haul getaways to cooler destinations like London, Paris, and Istanbul, others embraced high-quality local experiences,” said Salima Gutieva, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for UAE. “These evolving habits highlight the importance of tailored offerings. Whether traveling abroad or staying close to home, Visa continues to empower cardholders with benefits that enhance every step of the journey – from shopping and dining to lifestyle and convenience.”
 

Recommendations for enhanced travel and tourism experiences

For businesses and banks, Visa’s Travel Pulse offers unique insights to improve the payment experience for UAE Visa cardholders traveling abroad or opting for local experiences. 

  • Data-Driven Personalization: Utilize data insights to create personalized offers and improve customer experience based on spending patterns.
  • Exclusive Partnerships: Collaborate with UAE merchants locally and in popular international destinations to offer exclusive discounts and packages, enhancing cardholder value.
  • Enhance Local Offerings: Capitalize on the rising preference for staycations by partnering with local merchants to offer compelling cardholder rewards.
  • Early Booking Incentives: Encourage early planning with rewards or cashback for advance bookings, particularly focusing on family-friendly travel options.