Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Sports are increasingly influencing UAE residents’ travel plans, according to a new survey released on Tuesday by Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Its findings indicate a rise in “sports-tripping”, with individuals planning to participate in an average of 12 sporting activities and attend seven events as spectators over the next year.
This survey, conducted by Perspectus Global in March 2025, gathered insights from 2,100 UAE respondents.
Nearly half (45%) of respondents said they would plan an entire holiday around a major sporting event. It also revealed that 45% of UAE residents believe attending live sporting events is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and nearly a third (30%) would travel thousands of miles to experience a key event.
Twenty-seven per cent said they would pay a premium to stay in a hotel that enhances their event experience, from location and amenities to atmosphere.
Football remained the most travelled-for sport (52%), but interest in cricket (29%), cycling (28%), swimming (27%), and bodybuilding (21%) reflected a diverse and growing sports culture across the region.
The survey also revealed that 30% of UAE respondents were drawn to hotels known to host professional teams, while 52% prioritised easy access to sports venues. One in three valued onsite facilities or access to fan zones.
This trend has already played out in recent years, with events like Formula 1 and key football fixtures driving high occupancy levels across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, an indication that sport is not just a calendar event, but a growing part of the region’s identity, according to Hyatt.
“Sports-tripping is reaching fever pitch, and we are increasingly seeing more travellers, with a passion for building their holidays around watching live sporting events, stay in Hyatt properties,” said Stephen Ansell, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at Hyatt.
“Whether people are discovering a new destination, or revisiting a firm favourite, travelling to watch sporting events offers the perfect opportunity for fans to enjoy a unique event as well as the wider experiences a city has to offer.”
The desire to travel isn’t limited to just enjoying the spectator experience. Two in five UAE residents said they loved travelling specifically to take part in competitive sports.
For many, these trips are as much about personal health and fulfilment, as they are about competition. For instance, many aimed to maintain fitness routines (40%), develop discipline (33%), or simply spend active time with family and friends.
That same mindset is also influencing how people approach business travel. Forty-two per cent of UAE respondents considered the ability to practise their sport during a work trip a major incentive, and nearly 40% tried to combine attendance or participation in sporting events with business schedules.
The report noted that sports-led travel is emerging as a key driver of tourism, both inbound and outbound.
Growing Calendar of Sports Events
The UAE continues to invest in world-class sporting infrastructure and hosts a growing calendar of globally renowned tournaments.
In Abu Dhabi, both residents and tourists enjoy access to a wide variety of sports facilities, many of which are free to use.
Public spaces across the city feature basketball courts, football pitches, playgrounds, and outdoor gym equipment. The Abu Dhabi Corniche, in particular, offers dedicated cycling and running tracks.
Abu Dhabi also boasts a number of private sports facilities, such as Al Ain Sportsplex and the Zayed Sports City, which cater to a wide range of activities, including football, basketball, swimming, and bowling.
In 2025, Abu Dhabi is set to host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula 1), the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, UFC Fight Night, Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, and World Tennis League.
The city is also a regular venue for the Abu Dhabi T10 cricket league and other international golf tournaments.
