New research from SixthFactor, based on a survey of 1,046 UAE residents, finds that life stage can matter more than age when it comes to travel choices. Married and single residents in the same age bracket can make markedly different choices. The UAE's highest earners are the only income group where international short-break preferences outweigh domestic ones. And household size can significantly change travel and booking preferences, with agent preference rising from 37% among those with no dependents to 54% among households with five or more. The findings provide a closer look at how travel preferences differ across the UAE, and what that could mean for travel and tourism businesses.
Dubai, UAE, 24 September 2026: SixthFactor has released UAE Travel Trends 2026, a study of 1,046 UAE residents examining travel planning, travel budgets, destination preferences and booking behaviour across the country.
The research finds that marital status and household size reveal more significant differences in travel behaviour rather than that broad age groups.
Among UAE residents aged 25 to 34, married residents prefer domestic short breaks, while single residents in the same age group lean more towards international short breaks.
The study also finds that the UAE's highest earners are the only income group where international short-break preference outweighs domestic preference.
Household size also makes a marked difference to booking behaviour, with preference for a travel agent rising from 37% among residents with no dependents to 54% among those with five or more dependents.
The findings offer a closer look at what shapes travel choices across the UAE, providing useful context for businesses operating across the travel, tourism and hospitality domains.
Married 25–34s lean domestic; singles in the same age group lean international.
Among AED 50K+ earners, 47% prefer international short breaks vs 32% domestic.