TL;DR:
- Dubai’s staycation demand is surging, driven by value deals, convenience, and enhanced local experiences.
- Hotels offer steep discounts, often up to 30–40% with special packages for UAE residents.
- Domestic tourism growth aligns with Dubai’s Vision 2025 tourism strategy, supporting year-round demand and local economic resilience.
As of mid-2025, residents in Dubai are increasingly opting for local getaways, fueled by hotel promotions offering up to 40% discounts and immersive in-resort experiences. This uptick comes amid soaring global travel costs, regional concerns, and a broader shift toward domestic tourism, turning traditional low-season summer months into a vibrant staycation economy.
Deals & Resident Offers
- Luxury resorts like Atlantis, Jumeirah, and Pullman Downtown feature up to 30–40% off for UAE ID holders, with complimentary breakfast, beach or waterpark access, and spa credit.
- Central Hotels & Resorts has seen bookings from residents rise by 25%, offering family packages, “kids-stay-free” promotions, and flexible check-in.
- At Banyan Tree Bluewaters and Barceló Al Jaddaf, residents enjoy 20%–30% discounts, upgraded amenities, and dining credits.
Why Staycations Are Making Sense in 2025
1. Cost-Efficiency Avoiding international fares, currency volatility, and long-haul travel makes local stays more attractive, especially with heavy discounts and amenities included.2. Full Hospitality Experience Guests increasingly savour in-hotel dining, spa access, cultural activities, and themed experiences instead of venturing out, thanks to comprehensive staycation packages.3. Staycation Economy Support Rise in bookings helps flatten seasonal dips in occupancy, domestic leisure stays comprised 35% of revenue in 2025, up from 28% in 2024.
Strategic Alignment with Vision 2025
- Dubai’s Vision 2025 roadmap emphasizes tourism diversification, with a goal under Economic Agenda D33 to rank among the top global destinations. Staycations support this by sustaining hotel demand during traditional off-seasons.
- The city aims to add 11,300 new hotel rooms by 2027, responding to robust domestic demand.
Why It Matters
- Community Value: Residents enjoy luxury and lifestyle offerings familiar yet refreshed through curated, value-forward packages.
- Market Resilience: Reliance on domestic tourism buffers hotels from geopolitically triggered declines in international travel.
- Policy Reinforcement: Supporting staycations aligns with national objectives to boost domestic economic activity and balance tourism cycles.
Dubai’s staycation phenomenon in 2025 reflects more than just summer deals, it’s a calculated pivot toward empowering domestic tourism as a core pillar of economic stability. With strong resident uptake, aggressive hotel packages, and alignment with Vision 2025, staycations are transforming into strategic growth drivers for Dubai’s hospitality sector. Expect this market to continue evolving with more creative resident-centric offerings, sustainable tourism programs, and expanded appeal beyond peak outbound travel periods.
FAQ
- 1. Why are staycations popular in Dubai this year?
Because they offer premium experiences; luxury hotels, resorts, and dining at reduced rates, avoiding the cost and hassle of international travel.
- 2. How much are residents saving?
Packages provide 30–40% discounts, plus extras like free stays for children, spa credit, and dining vouchers.
- 3. Are these offers limited to Dubai?
Offers are widespread across all seven emirates including Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, with tailored family- and nature-focused experiences.
- 4. What percent of hotel revenue in summer is from locals?
Domestic bookings are estimated to contribute 35% of total occupancy revenue, up from 28% in 2024.
- 5. How does this align with government strategy?
It reinforces Dubai’s Vision 2025 and Economic Agenda D33, aimed at making the emirate a year-round global tourism hub.