Tourists in the UAE are embracing “sportcations,” with some splurging up to Dh10,000 per night to enjoy the country’s exceptional sports facilities and experiences.
Visitors often take advantage of the UAE’s premier sports offerings, blending leisure with fitness. The trend of sportcations, which combines travel with sports activities, is gaining traction worldwide, with packages ranging from Dh370 to Dh10,000 to suit various budgets.
Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, noted, “We cater to golf enthusiasts traveling in groups. Our sportcation packages vary significantly in price, from Dh370 to Dh10,000 per night, accommodating different budgets. The winter season is especially popular for sportcations due to the ideal weather for golfing in the UAE.”
Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, highlighted that one of the top sportcation attractions is the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, drawing motorsport fans globally. Golf events like the Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship also showcase the UAE’s world-class courses.
“Ras Al Khaimah has gained popularity, particularly in the cooler months, with its Hajar Mountains offering excellent mountain biking and hiking opportunities. The emirate’s diverse landscapes, from ancient forts to beaches, enhance its appeal. Marjan Island’s corniche is perfect for running and cycling and hosts events like the Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon,” he added.
According to EaseMyTrip, the costs for a sportcation can vary widely. Economy class round-trip flights typically range from Dh1,500 to Dh2,500. For accommodation, 3-star hotels charge around Dh200 to Dh400 per night, while 4-star hotels start at Dh250 and can reach Dh450. Dining at mid-range restaurants usually costs between Dh100 and Dh250 per day. Leisure activities such as golfing range from Dh300 to Dh800 per round, and mountain biking costs between Dh150 and Dh250 per day.
Residents of the UAE are also increasingly drawn to sportcations, often willing to spend up to 20% more on unique experiences. Abu Mohammed, a UAE resident for a decade, shared his experience, stating he doesn’t mind spending extra on sports during his vacations. He planned a trip to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, determined to spend a little more to experience the event live for the first time.
Adnan Chaudhry, a frequent traveler and fitness enthusiast, emphasized the importance of sports facilities in his travel decisions. He allocates an additional 15% of his budget for destinations with gyms, cycling tracks, or water sports, as staying active during vacations is essential for him.
Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, noted the rising trend of sportcations. “We launched a sports division in recent years to meet the growing demand for sports travel from the UAE. Our packages combine event tickets with flights, accommodations, and extras like hospitality packages and stadium tours.”
He mentioned popular upcoming events, including the 6 Kings Slam in Riyadh, the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024, the Manchester City vs. Manchester United clash, and the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2025. Packages include three-night hotel stays, daily breakfasts, and event tickets, starting from Dh1,390 for the 6 Kings Slam and Dh2,150 for the Qatar Grand Prix.
Vlemmiks also observed that Formula 1, football, and cricket packages are particularly popular among sport package bookings, with offerings for various global sporting events.
Rashida Zahid, VP of Operations at musafir.com, highlighted favorite sportcation destinations for UAE residents throughout the year. In winter, popular choices include Georgia, Baku, Montenegro, and Switzerland. For spring and early summer, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are in demand, while summer travelers prefer Zanzibar, France, and Greece. Autumn sees interest in France, Spain, and South Korea.
Emerging spots gaining popularity include Costa Rica, Latvia, Slovenia, and Albania, especially for hiking. Destinations like the Maldives attract UAE residents seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, with activities such as football, volleyball, and water sports available at resorts.
Kandima Maldives’ general manager, Tom Van Tuijl, mentioned that Middle Eastern guests enjoy football, yoga, and Pilates. The resort also offers adventure sports like parasailing and diving.
Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, pointed out that the Russian capital is a diverse sportcation destination for UAE residents, offering activities like drifting, horse riding, and quad biking.
He noted that seasonal trends influence sportcation preferences, with increased interest in outdoor training during summer and various winter sports available in Moscow’s parks.
As the sportcation trend continues to grow, the UAE remains a top destination for travelers seeking to combine sports and leisure.
