Tourists in the UAE are spending lavishly on 'sportcations,' with some individuals willing to shell out up to Dh10,000 per night to experience the nation's premium sports facilities and extraordinary activities. Visitors to the UAE frequently take advantage of the country's exceptional sports infrastructure and events, blending leisure with fitness seamlessly during their stay. The sportcation trend, which combines travel with sports activities, is gaining momentum globally. These packages, priced between Dh370 and Dh10,000 per night, cater to a wide range of budgets.
Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, told Khaleej Times: “We focus on golf enthusiasts who travel in groups specifically to play golf. The cost of sportcation packages varies significantly, from Dh370 to Dh10,000 per night, offering choices for various financial plans. The winter season is especially favored for sportcations due to the ideal weather for golfing in the UAE.”
Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, added: “One of the premier sportcation destinations in the UAE is the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, attracting motorsport aficionados from across the globe. Golf also draws significant attention, with events like the Dubai Desert Classic and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship highlighting the UAE's world-class golf courses.” Pittie emphasized that the UAE's blend of sports events, luxury, and scenic landscapes makes it a prime destination for sportcations.
“Ras Al Khaimah has grown in popularity, particularly during cooler months. Its Hajar Mountains offer excellent opportunities for mountain biking and hiking. The emirate’s diverse scenery, from ancient forts to beaches, enhances its appeal. Marjan Island’s corniche is perfect for running and cycling, and it hosts events like the Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon,” he noted.
According to EaseMyTrip, the estimated expenses for a sportcation can vary greatly. Economy class flights typically cost between Dh1,500 and Dh2,500 for a round trip. Accommodation prices range from Dh200 to Dh400 per night for 3-star hotels, while 4-star hotels start at Dh250 and can go up to Dh450 per night. 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.
UAE residents have also increasingly embraced sportcations, often willing to spend up to 20% more on these unique experiences. For instance, Abu Mohammed, a UAE resident for over a decade, shared his perspective on this trend, stating he doesn't mind spending an extra 10-20% on his favorite sport during vacations. He initially planned to visit 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.
Similarly, Adnan Chaudhry, a frequent traveler and fitness enthusiast, emphasized the importance of sports activities when choosing travel destinations. He explained to Khaleej Times, “Whenever I choose my next destination, I look for places with sports facilities like gyms, cycling tracks, or water sports. To ensure I can enjoy these activities, I allocate an additional 15% of my budget. Staying fit during vacations is essential, and sportcations provide the perfect solution.”
Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, shared insights into the growing trend of sportcations. 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 elaborated on their offerings, highlighting popular upcoming events.
Each package features three-night hotel stays, daily breakfasts, and event tickets, starting from Dh1,390 for the 6 Kings Slam, Dh2,150 for the Qatar Grand Prix, Dh1,999 for the Manchester derby, and Dh1,550 for the Bahrain Grand Prix. All packages include applicable taxes and service fees, making it easier for sports enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite events.
Vlemmiks also observed that Formula 1, football, and cricket packages are particularly popular among sport 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 sporting 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.”
Rashida Zahid, VP of Operations at musafir.com, highlighted popular sportcation destinations for UAE residents throughout the year. “In winter, favourites include Georgia, Baku, Montenegro, and Switzerland. For 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 Korea,” she said.
She also 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 popular sports among UAE residents include skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and trekking.
The Maldives is also one of the top destinations for UAE residents seeking a sportcation, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and tropical beauty. Tom Van Tuijl, general manager at Kandima Maldives, shared, “Football is highly popular among our Middle Eastern guests, who also frequently choose yoga and Pilates for wellness. There’s a growing interest in adventure sports like parasailing and diving. At Kandima Maldives, families can enjoy activities such as football, volleyball, swimming, and tennis together. For those seeking more adventure, diving, parasailing, and motorized water sports are available at an additional cost. Prices at the resort start from $275 (approximately Dh1,000) for a half-board stay for two adults,” Van Tuijl added.
Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted the Russian capital as a diverse sportcation 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. Prices for specialized sportcation packages start from $100 (Dh367) per person,” Nurmukhanov said.
Nurmukhanov said seasonal trends affect sportcation preferences significantly. “In summer, there’s increased interest in running, cycling, and outdoor training. 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 of charge, with professional coaching available,” added Nurmukhanov.
