From farm stays to set-jetting holidays, UAE residents are embracing new ways to experience the world in 2026. The upcoming year is set to be one of meaningful escapes, cultural connections, and cinematic wanderlust. As travel trends shift from luxury and shopping to authenticity and adventure, residents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are redefining what it means to “get away.”
Whether it’s trading skyscrapers for serene countryside farms or flying across continents to visit iconic movie locations, the UAE’s travelers are more intentional than ever before. Here’s how the travel playbook is evolving — and why 2026 could be the most exciting travel year yet.
Farm Stays: The Rise of Slow and Sustainable Travel
After years of jet-setting across continents, UAE residents are turning toward slow travel. Farm stays have emerged as one of the top preferences for next year — a refreshing antidote to urban stress. These experiences offer guests a chance to reconnect with nature, enjoy local produce, and live simply for a few days.
From organic farms in Italy and eco-retreats in Bali to hidden gems in Al Ain and Fujairah, travelers are seeking places where the pace of life slows down. Instead of grand hotels, they are opting for rustic cottages, open fields, and morning coffee overlooking green landscapes.
The rise of wellness tourism is deeply linked to this trend. Travelers want mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of grounding — and farm stays deliver exactly that. For families, it’s a chance to teach children about sustainable living. For couples, it’s a digital detox. For solo travelers, it’s a quiet journey inward.
Set-Jetting Holidays: Living Inside the Movies
Set-jetting — traveling to destinations featured in movies and TV shows — is set to dominate 2026. UAE residents are increasingly inspired by the screens they love, and this cinematic form of travel blends escapism with exploration.
Thanks to popular streaming platforms and global productions filmed across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, travelers are curating their holidays around iconic film locations. From the rugged cliffs of Ireland featured in Game of Thrones to Jordan’s Wadi Rum seen in Dune, set-jetting is no longer a niche concept — it’s becoming mainstream.
Even within the UAE, the trend is growing. Locations used in Hollywood and Bollywood films across Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi are attracting both local and international visitors. People want to walk the same paths as their favorite actors, dine where scenes were shot, and feel part of the cinematic magic.
What makes set-jetting holidays special is the emotional connection — travelers aren’t just sightseeing; they’re reliving the emotions of their favorite stories.
The Rise of “Meaningful Travel” Among UAE Residents
The pandemic years reshaped how people view travel. For many UAE residents, vacations are no longer about quantity but quality — fewer trips, but richer experiences. Meaningful travel focuses on immersion, contribution, and transformation.
Whether it’s volunteering at wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya, attending cooking classes in Tuscany, or learning Arabic calligraphy in Morocco, travelers are looking to return with stories that have depth. Experiences that educate, inspire, or give back to communities are now a priority.
This desire for meaningful travel also aligns with sustainability goals that many Emiratis and expatriates are becoming more conscious of. Eco-lodges, community-based tourism, and carbon-neutral trips are gaining popularity.
Micro-Adventures and Long Weekends: The New Norm
Not every journey has to involve international flights or long itineraries. With a growing emphasis on work-life balance, UAE travelers are discovering the joy of “micro-adventures” — short, local getaways packed with excitement.
Places like Hatta, Khorfakkan, and Ras Al Khaimah are witnessing a surge in weekend travel bookings. Activities such as kayaking, hiking, glamping, and desert safaris are becoming staples for residents looking for quick escapes without leaving the country.
These mini-breaks offer flexibility, affordability, and spontaneity — perfect for the modern lifestyle where every moment counts. The ability to experience thrill and relaxation just hours away from home is redefining what travel means for the UAE audience.
Tech Meets Travel: Smarter, Seamless Journeys Ahead
The UAE’s residents are tech-savvy travelers, and 2026 will see even greater integration of AI, apps, and digital tools into their journeys. From virtual reality previews of destinations to AI-based itinerary planners, technology is transforming how trips are designed.
Booking platforms now allow travelers to customize eco-friendly options, view carbon footprints, and receive real-time recommendations based on preferences. Biometric check-ins at airports and smart hotel services ensure smoother, faster experiences.
For UAE residents, who value efficiency and innovation, this tech-driven travel revolution fits perfectly. It allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds — convenience and creativity — while exploring with ease.
Family-Centric Getaways on the Rise
With family values at the core of UAE culture, next year’s travel plans will revolve around togetherness. Multi-generational travel — where grandparents, parents, and children explore destinations together — is seeing a major rise.
Destinations offering both fun and learning are leading the charts. Think safari lodges, heritage villages, and educational tours that combine entertainment with discovery. For UAE-based families, such trips build stronger bonds and lifelong memories.
Farm stays and set-jetting holidays are particularly popular among families — the former for hands-on outdoor fun, and the latter for cinematic excitement that appeals to all ages.
Luxury Reimagined: From Glitz to Genuineness
Luxury travel is taking on a new definition in 2026. Instead of excess, UAE travelers are seeking exclusivity, authenticity, and personalization. A private vineyard tour in France, a secluded island stay in the Maldives, or a traditional riad in Marrakech — these experiences are about meaningful indulgence.
Luxury is no longer about how much you spend; it’s about how deeply you connect. The UAE’s elite travelers, in particular, are choosing destinations that blend sophistication with culture. Private chefs, silent yoga retreats, and eco-resorts that give back to the community are replacing five-star chains.
This “quiet luxury” mindset reflects a larger shift in lifestyle — a move from showing off to showing up.
Set-Jetting Meets Social Media: The Perfect Trend
Social media continues to influence travel choices, but the next year will bring a more thoughtful approach. Instead of simple photo ops, travelers are now using their platforms to share experiences that inspire others.
Set-jetting holidays fit perfectly here — scenic backdrops, movie nostalgia, and emotional storytelling make for compelling content. Influencers in the UAE are expected to lead this movement, encouraging followers to explore destinations that blend fantasy with real-world wonder.
The Future of UAE Travel: Authenticity Over Itinerary
The evolving travel mindset in the UAE mirrors the nation’s own cultural dynamism — forward-thinking yet grounded in values. From farm stays to set-jetting holidays, travelers are crafting experiences that reflect who they are and what they care about.
2026 is shaping up to be a year of conscious exploration. The focus is no longer on how far one can go, but on how deeply one can connect. Whether it’s milking cows in a quiet European farm or standing where iconic film moments were made, UAE residents are traveling not just to see the world — but to feel it.
Key Takeaway
From farm stays to set-jetting holidays, UAE residents’ travel plans for next year reveal one clear truth: the future of travel is about meaning, mindfulness, and magic. As they pack their bags for 2026, their adventures will tell stories of simplicity, cinema, and soul — journeys that redefine wanderlust for a new generation.
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