Up To Dh10,000 Per Night: UAE Travellers Splurge On Sportcations

Travel companies said the Emirate's mix of sports events, luxury, and landscapes makes it a prime sportcation destination.

Travellers in the UAE are all splurging on “sportcations", with some spending up to Dh10,000 a night to enjoy the country's top-notch sports facilities and exceptional experiences. Travellers coming to the UAE quite often take advantage of the country's top-notch sports facilities and events, enjoying a seamless mix of leisure and fitness during their stay. Sportcation is a growing trend worldwide, and travel is mixed with various sports and fun activities with multiple options. From Dh370 to Dh10,000 per night, these packages cater to different budgets.

Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said that the UAE's mix of sports events, luxury and landscapes makes it a prime sportcation spot. He said, "Ras Al Khaimah has become increasingly popular, particularly during colder months. Its Hajar Mountains offer great mountain biking and hiking. The emirate's varied scenery, from ancient forts to beaches, enhances its appeal. Marjan Island is ideal for running and cycling and hosts events like the Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon."

As per Easemy Trip, the costs for a sportcation can vary significantly. Economy class flights typically range from Dh1,500 to Dh2500 for a round trip. For accommodations, three 3-star hotels charge around Dh200 to Dh400 per night, while 4-star hotels start at Dh250 and can go up to Dh450 per day.

Spending leisure on sports cations

Similarly, residents of the UAE have increasingly embraced sports cations, often willing to spend up to 20 per cent more on these distinctive experiences. For example, Abu Mohammed, a UAE resident for the past decade, shared his perspective on this trend, saying he never mind spending 10 to 20 per cent extra on his favourite sport when on vacation. Initially, he planned a visit to Qatar in 2021 but postponed his trip to coincide with the FIFA World Cup in 2022, aiming to combine his vacation with his passion for sports. "While accommodations were slightly pricier, I was determined to spend up to 20 per cent more to experience the World Cup live for the first time". Similarly, Adnan Chaudhary, a frequent traveller and fitness enthusiast, emphasized the relevance of sports activities when selecting travel destinations. In light of this growing interest, Matthew Viemmiks, leisure manager at Dnata Travel, shared his insights into the ever-increasing trend of sports. He noted, "We introduced a sports division in recent years to meet the rising demand for sports travel from the UAE; Dnata Travel now offers packages that combine tickets to sporting events with flights, accommodations, and extras such as hospitality packages and stadium tours, among other benefits."

He further explained their offerings, highlighting famous upcoming events: "We have launched sports travel packages for fans, including the 6 Kings Slam in Riyadh, the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024, the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Manchester United, and the Formula1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2025. All packages include applicable taxes and service fees, making it easier for sports enthusiasts to enjoy their favourite events."

Vlemmiks also observed that Formula 1 football and cricket packages are particularly famous among sports package bookings. "Recent examples include offerings for the ICC Cricket and T20 World Cups in India and the Caribbean as well as various Grand Prix and Premier League football packages throughout the year."

Lastly, he pointed out the increasing demand for sports events in Saudi Arabia, stating, "With sport now part of Riyadh Season and the country hosting high-profile boxing and other events, Saudi Arabia continues to establish its position as a leading destination for sports alongside other GCC countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain."

Top sport-cation destinations

Rashida Zahid, VP of Operations at musafir.com, highlighted famous sports-cation destinations for UAE residents throughout the year. "In winter, favourites include Georgia, Baku, Montenegro, and Switzerland. Spring and early summer destinations such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are in demand, while summer travellers prefer Zanzibar, France, and Greece. Autumn sees interest in France, Spain, and South Kores," she said.

She added, "Emerging spots gaining popularity are Costa Rica, Nepal, Latvia and Slovenia, with Albania being a top choice for hiking. Georgia, Slovenia, and Austria are also sought after for skiing."

Zahid noted that famous sports among UAE residents include skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, surfing, diving, snorkelling, and trekking. The Maldives is also one of the top destinations for UAE residents seeking sportscasting, offering adventure, relaxation, and tropical beauty.

Tom Van Tuijl, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, shared, "Football is top-rated among our Middle Eastern guests who frequently choose yoga and Pilates for wellness. There is a growing interest in adventure, like parasailing and diving. At Kandima Maldives, families can enjoy activities such as Football, volleyball, swimming and tennis together. For those looking for more adventure, diving, parasailing, and motorized water sports are available at an additional cost. Prices at the resort start from $275 for a half-board stay for two adults," Van Tuijl said.

Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted the Russian capital as a diverse accommodation destination for UAE residents. Popular sports for UAE residents include drifting, horse riding, and quad biking. These activities are gaining traction, with quad biking and horse riding being particularly popular. Specialised accommodation packages cost $100 per person," Nurmukhanov said.

Nurmukhanov said seasonal trends affect sport-cation preferences prominently.

"There is an increased interest in running, cycling and outdoor training in summer. Moscow also hosts mass sports events and festivals, such as Moscow Sports Day, which features diverse sports and activities. When temperatures drop, Moscow transforms with ski tracks, skating rinks and curling alleys opening in parks. Activities at these sites are often free, and professional coaching is available," added Nurmukhanov.

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