Tourists in the UAE are spending lavishly on 'sportcations,' with some individuals willing to pay up to Dh10,000 per night to enjoy the country's premium sports facilities and extraordinary experiences. Travelers visiting the UAE frequently take advantage of its world-class sports amenities and events, blending leisure with fitness seamlessly during their stay. Sportcations, a global trend that combines travel with sports activities, offer packages ranging from Dh370 to Dh10,000 per night, catering to various financial capacities.
Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, told Khaleej Times: “We focus on golf enthusiasts who travel in groups. Our sportcation packages vary significantly, from Dh370 to Dh10,000 per night, ensuring options for 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, added: “One of the top sportcation destinations in the UAE is the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, attracting motorsport aficionados globally. Golf events like the Dubai Desert Classic and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship also draw crowds, showcasing the UAE's top-tier golf courses.” Pittie emphasized that the UAE's blend of sports events, luxury, and scenic landscapes makes it a prime sportcation spot.
“Ras Al Khaimah has grown in popularity, particularly during cooler months. Its Hajar Mountains provide excellent terrain 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, hosting events like the Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon,” he noted.
According to EaseMyTrip, the cost of a sportcation can vary widely. Economy class flights typically cost between Dh1,500 and Dh2,500 for a round trip. Accommodations range from Dh200 to Dh400 per night for 3-star hotels, and from Dh250 to Dh450 per night for 4-star hotels. Dining at mid-range restaurants generally costs between Dh100 and Dh250 per day. Leisure activities such as golfing range from Dh300 to Dh800 per round, and mountain biking from Dh150 to Dh250 per day.
UAE residents are increasingly opting for sportcations, often willing to spend up to 20% more for these unique experiences. For instance, Abu Mohammed, a long-time UAE resident, shared that he doesn’t mind spending 10-20% extra on his favorite sport during vacations. He postponed a planned trip to Qatar in 2021 to coincide with the FIFA World Cup in 2022, aiming to combine his vacation with his passion for sports.
Adnan Chaudhry, a frequent traveler and fitness enthusiast, emphasized the importance of sports activities when selecting travel destinations. He explained to Khaleej Times, “I always look for destinations with sports facilities like gyms, cycling tracks, or water sports. I allocate an additional 15% of my budget to ensure I can enjoy these activities. Staying fit during vacations is crucial, and sportcations offer the perfect solution.”
Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, noted the growing trend of sportcations. He said, “We introduced a sports division to meet the rising demand for sports travel from the UAE. Our packages combine tickets to sporting events with flights, accommodations, and extras like hospitality packages and stadium tours.” He highlighted popular upcoming events, including the 6 Kings Slam in Riyadh, the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024, and the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Rashida Zahid, VP of Operations at musafir.com, highlighted popular sportcation destinations for UAE residents. “In winter, favorites include Georgia, Baku, Montenegro, and Switzerland. Spring and early summer see demand for Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, while summer travelers prefer Zanzibar, France, and Greece. Autumn interest lies in France, Spain, and South Korea,” she said.
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.”
Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted Moscow as a diverse sportcation destination. “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,” he said.
