GCC Countries Staycation Market

GCC Countries Staycation Market Size and Share Analysis Forecast Outlook 2035

The GCC Staycation Industry is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting an increase from USD 25.2 million in 2025 to USD 63 million by 2035, marking a CAGR of 9.6%. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing interest in local travel due to a strong preference for nearby destinations and cultural explorations, as well as the rising demand for short, convenient getaways that avoid the complexities of international travel. Economic changes, especially focusing on low-cost but luxurious holiday options, also strengthen staycations as a top choice. Moreover, health tourism, family entertainment, and cultural exploration are on the verge of becoming seminal themes that will drive the demand for staycations in the GCC nations.

Market Overview

Attribute	Value
Estimated GCC Industry Size (2025E)	USD 25.2 billion
Projected GCC Value (2035F)	USD 63 billion
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	9.6%

This expansion in market size is largely due to the trend of consumer choice towards discovering local treasures. Young professionals and families, in general, are taking staycations that provide both relaxation and excitement without the cost or lengthy travel time of overseas tourism. Additionally, upscale resorts and luxurious city getaways continue to draw visitors looking for value luxury within their own region.

Semi-Annual Market Update for the GCC Staycation Market

The following chart tracks shifts in market dynamics between the base year, 2024, and the current year, 2025, with a focus on the changes in CAGR.

CAGR Values for GCC Staycation Industry (2024 to 2025)

It is expected that the GCC Staycation Industry will grow at a CAGR of 8.4% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 8.7% in the second half. By the first half of 2025, the growth rate will reach 9.1%, bolstered by the popularity of luxury wellness retreats, family-centric resorts, and the growing preference for spontaneous local travel.

Footprint of the GCC Staycation Market (2024)

Category	Details
Market Value	The GCC staycation market is expected to generate USD 23.1 million in 2024, contributing 50% of the GCC region’s staycation market.
Domestic Market Share	Domestic travelers account for 75% of the market, with top destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat.
International Market Share	International visitors contribute 25%, with many opting for close-by GCC destinations like Dubai, which offers the attraction of both leisure and business travel.
Key Destinations	Popular staycation locations include Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach, Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, and the beaches of Muscat.
Economic Impact	Staycations contribute significantly to the local economy, especially through resorts, hotels, and wellness retreats, boosting hospitality sectors.
Key Trends	The rise of wellness tourism, family vacation packages, luxury desert escapes, and beach resorts continue to grow. Glamping and eco-friendly stays are also trending.
Top Travel Seasons	Public holidays, such as Eid, long weekends, and the winter months, see the highest volume of staycation bookings.

The GCC staycation industry is booming, especially in urban centers such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat, where world-famous resorts, beach hotels, and desert retreats are attracting local and foreign visitors. GCC locals are increasingly opting for luxury and wellness-oriented holidays within close proximity. The wellness tourism trend has made resorts with yoga retreats, desert safaris, and spas the top options for travelers looking to unwind.

Recent Developments

Date	Development & Details
Jan 2025	Desert Wellness Retreats: Dubai's Al Maha Desert Resort introduced a new wellness staycation package that includes desert yoga sessions, organic farm-to-table dining, and stargazing in the tranquil desert environment.
Dec 2024	Family-Friendly Resort Packages: Qatar's Katara Hotel launched a "Family Adventure" package that features activities like water sports, camel rides, and educational cultural tours aimed at children and parents.
Nov 2024	Luxury Beach Escapes in Abu Dhabi: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort unveiled a new "Oceanfront Serenity" staycation offering private beach cabanas, a luxury spa, and exclusive yacht tours.
Oct 2024	Cultural Staycation Experiences: Muscat's Al Bustan Palace Resort introduced a series of cultural exploration experiences, including guided tours of Oman’s heritage sites, local craft workshops, and traditional Omani cooking classes.
Sept 2024	Sustainable Glamping Experience: The newly opened Desert Retreat in Dubai offers eco-friendly, luxury glamping tents with solar-powered amenities, providing a sustainable yet lavish desert getaway.

Key Industry Highlights of the GCC Countries Staycation Market

Growth of Luxury Staycations

The staycation trend is gaining significant momentum across the GCC, especially in cities like Dubai and Doha, where high-end resorts are seeing an influx of local residents opting for luxury experiences close to home. The UAE’s coastal resorts, such as those in the Palm Jumeirah and Ras Al Khaimah, cater to affluent locals seeking relaxation without the hassle of international travel. In Qatar, the rise of luxury properties like the Marsa Malaz Kempinski in Doha highlights the growing demand for indulgent staycation options.

Popularity of Wellness and Spa Retreats

Wellness-focused staycations are emerging as a key trend, with high-end resorts and spas in the GCC offering personalized wellness packages. In the UAE, places like the Zaya Nurai Island and the Anantara Spa in Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort are capitalizing on this shift, providing services such as detox programs, fitness routines, and mental health retreats. Similarly, resorts in Oman’s Musandam Peninsula are tailoring staycation experiences that focus on wellness and rejuvenation in serene, remote settings.

Family-Centric Staycations Gaining Traction

GCC families are opting for staycations as a more affordable and convenient option for travel outside the country. Family-friendly resorts with amenities like water parks, children's clubs, and adventure sports are gaining popularity. The Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, with its Aquaventure Waterpark and kid-friendly luxury accommodations, has become a top choice for local families. In Saudi Arabia, Jeddah’s Red Sea coastline offers several family-oriented resorts, such as the Movenpick Hotel, with its expansive pools and kid’s entertainment facilities.

Rise of "Workcations" as a New Trend

The increasing phenomenon of "workcations," or when professionals mix business and leisure in a staycation environment, is especially seen in the GCC. Numerous residents in cities such as Dubai are reserving stays at hotels with business facilities, including meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and private offices, while indulging in luxurious relaxation during free time. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, located in its tranquil beachfront environment, is addressing this market by offering work-conducive areas combined with high-end leisure activities, making it a favorite among remote workers.

Country-wise Insights

UAE

The UAE takes the lead in staycation within the GCC, providing unmatched luxury experiences with resorts such as the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. The domestic tourism infrastructure of the country and a focus on local residents experiencing world-class amenities and comforts make it the region's best and most demanded staycation location.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's growing staycation economy is bolstered by the Vision 2030 strategy of the kingdom, emphasizing tourism growth. Jeddah and Riyadh are witnessing a growing number of high-end staycation activities, whereas the Red Sea coast offers an exotic setting for residents to enjoy both relaxation and thrill.

Oman

Oman’s unique landscape and emphasis on eco-tourism are driving the growth of nature-based staycations. Resorts like Alila Jabal Akhdar and Six Senses Zighy Bay offer tranquil retreats in the mountains and by the sea, appealing to those seeking a peaceful escape immersed in nature.

An Analysis of GCC Countries Staycation Categories by Booking Agency and Visit Purpose

% Share of Individual Categories by Booking Agency and Visit Purpose in 2025

Online Direct Channels Dominate GCC Staycations

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and direct online bookings will account for 58% of total bookings in the GCC staycation market by 2025. This is a drastic move towards digital platforms driven by the growing desire among consumers for convenience and ease of access. Younger, technology-aware consumers, especially, are spearheading this movement, as they welcome the hassle-free experience offered by online booking sites such as Expedia, Booking.com, and local ones like Wego. These websites provide customers with the option to compare different staycation packages, see real-time availability, and book instantly. This openness, coupled with thorough customer feedback, gives users a degree of security and convenience that is difficult for conventional travel agencies to replicate.

Furthermore, mobile devices have accelerated this change, which allows travelers to book spontaneously everywhere and anywhere. Whether one organizes a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway or plans an organized staycation, the fact that booking through smartphones or tablets is convenient to do means online websites cater to the modern-day traveler's aspiration for independence and flexibility. All this growing reliance on online information is part of a broader trend toward digitalized travel solutions internationally.

On the other hand, traditional travel agencies are expected to account for only 28% of staycation bookings by 2025. This decline underscores a shift in consumer preferences towards more personalized, direct interactions with accommodation providers. Although traditional agencies are still relevant particularly for older travelers or those seeking highly customized experiences the growing dominance of online channels reflects a move toward greater independence and accessibility. Travel agencies are still essential for specialized markets, including luxury or multi-destination trips, but they are becoming increasingly specialized.

Educational Staycations Increase in Popularity

Educational staycations are increasing in popularity in the GCC, to reach 46% of bookings by 2025, driven by a combination of the region's focus on education, rising demand for skill development, and appetite for learning alongside leisure. Educational travel will capture a growing percentage of staycation bookings by 2025 as students, families, and professionals seek activities that balance intellectual engagement with relaxation.

In the UAE, for example, the rising number of short-term study programs, such as language immersion and professional training, has encouraged an upsurge of staycations that are a mix of learning and entertainment. The Emirate of Dubai, with its world-class facilities, has a range of educational pursuits such as culinary schools, digital marketing workshops, and language academies. Educational institutions are increasingly collaborating with local resorts to create personalized packages that allow participants to participate in these programs in conjunction with the luxury of high-end accommodations. The Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai, for example, is renowned for offering leadership and wellness retreats that combine professional development with serene desert scenery.

Additionally, Qatar's thriving education sector, supported by activities like the Doha International Book Fair, has created educational staycation demand. Expats, families, and Qatar residents often take advantage of cultural and educational activities, like art exhibits or science camps, while staying at local resorts or hotels. The activities not only expose attendees to academic exposure but also offer space for family-friendly recreation and relaxation.

In addition, as more educational opportunities become available in areas like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and business, numerous professionals in the area choose weekend or holiday short courses. These staycations serve as a means of advancing their careers while learning about the recreational and cultural aspects of nearby locations. This movement is indicative of the overall trend of ongoing education in the GCC, and therefore educational staycations are an attractive choice.

Competitive Landscape

The GCC staycation market remains moderately fragmented, with both global hotel chains and local boutique resorts competing for market share. High-end luxury brands like the Ritz-Carlton, Al Maha Desert Resort, and Anantara Qasr al Sarab dominate the luxury segment, offering lavish experiences. While this, the regional operators are looking more toward sustainable stays, wellness retreats, and deep cultural immersion. Boutique resorts that are smaller are on the rise, serving niche segments that enjoy personalized services like exclusive desert safaris and local authenticity. Boutique resorts provide an exclusive option from bigger chains and offer the travelers who look for a more personalized and unique stay. The varied preferences of the burgeoning GCC travel market are being addressed by the staycation market with such variety of offerings.

2025 Market Share of GCC Staycation Players

Leading players include Booking.com, Airbnb, and FEWO-direkt. Other smaller boutique resorts are gaining traction by offering specialized wellness and cultural staycation packages.

Top Segments Studied in the GCC Countries Staycation Market Outlook

By Booking Agency:

The industry is segmented into Online Travel Agency, Traditional Travel Agency, Travel Management Companies, and Corporate Buyers.

By Age:

The market is analyzed by age group, including Under 15, 16 - 25, 26 - 35, 36 - 45, 46 - 55, and Over 55.

By Visit Purpose:

Segmentation includes Business Travel, Leisure Travel, Education, Employment, Pilgrimage, and Others.

By Demography:

The industry includes Individual, Couples, Families, and Group.

By Booking Channel:

The market is segmented into Phone Booking, Online Booking, and In-Person Booking.

By Tour Type:

Segmentation includes Independent Traveler, Package Traveler, and Tour Group.