If your summer 2025 holiday felt like it was planned entirely around the kids, you weren't imagining it. A major new trend shows that children are the real decision-makers behind the UAE's booming outbound travel market, which saw spending on trips abroad shoot up by a massive 48% during the recent school break.
This wasn't just about escaping the summer heat; it was a real shift in family priorities. Trips involving the whole family made up 20% of all outbound travel, nearly double the 12% average we see during the rest of the year. On top of that, 40% of leisure travelers took more than one trip, showing just how much disposable income is in play.
The Rise of 'Pester Power'
The real story is who's calling the shots on where to go. It’s the kids. The numbers tell a clear story: spending at amusement parks jumped by a huge 150%, and purchases at international toy stores saw a 70% lift compared to previous periods.
This means family holidays are no longer just about where the parents want to go. They are now carefully designed around experiences for children. Kid-friendly vacations, from theme parks to toy shopping sprees, are the new priority for travelers based in the UAE.
So where did families go?
- London is still the number one international spot, thanks to its mix of parks, museums, and big attractions.
- Closer to home, Muscat and Riyadh also remained popular choices for their convenience and familiarity.
A Global Hotspot
This trend hasn't gone unnoticed. Tourism boards around the globe are now watching the travel habits of UAE residents very closely.
According to the Head of Strategic Planning at the 'Global Destinations Network', this is more than just a seasonal trend. "The UAE is a key market for anyone in the global tourism business," he notes. "The combination of its population and high level of spending power makes it stand out from anywhere else in the world." This confirms that UAE family spending is directly influencing how destinations from Europe to Asia market themselves.
What It Means for the UAE
With so much money being spent on international holidays, what's the impact on Dubai's own economy? The trend is mostly led by two groups: high-income expats looking for cooler weather and Emirati families visiting relatives or second homes abroad.
But that's just one side of the coin. While residents are traveling out, the UAE is getting ready for a record number of international visitors. Their spending is expected to reach an incredible AED 228.5 billion in 2025.
This two-way traffic cements the UAE's role as a major global travel hub. After a huge year in 2024 with 18.72 million visitors, Dubai continues to prove it can attract the world, even as its own residents set new records for traveling abroad.