Lifestyle
Why Wellness, Food and Short Escapes Are Becoming the New Luxury for UAE Residents
A growing number of residents are choosing personalised, restorative and experience-led trips over traditional long holidays.
By 19Network Editorial Team · May 22, 2026 · 3 min read
UAE residents are increasingly putting wellness, food and short local escapes at the centre of their travel plans, reflecting a broader shift in how luxury is defined.
Lifestyle trends in the UAE are shifting in a clear direction in 2026: residents are choosing wellness, food and short escapes over traditional, long-haul holiday planning. What used to be defined mainly by distance and destination is now increasingly defined by how restorative, personal and convenient the experience feels. Recent travel trend coverage shows that UAE residents are leaning toward “smart” and soulful getaways, with value-conscious decisions, wellness-driven trips and a stronger desire for personalisation and privacy shaping the way people book time off. That means more interest in staycations, quick regional breaks, spa-focused weekends and trips built around dining, culture and relaxation rather than sightseeing alone. Food is playing a bigger role in the equation too. Travellers are not just looking for a place to sleep; they want memorable meals, curated restaurant experiences and a sense of discovery built into the trip itself. That aligns with broader consumer behaviour across the UAE, where dining has become an essential part of social life and leisure, not just an add-on to travel. For many residents, food is now part of the value of the trip. Wellness is…