In the face of ongoing uncertainty, hotels and travel businesses across the Middle East are pulling out all the stops as they recalibrate to make room for staycations — the new RnR mantra for the region. Rejuvenation for guests, and Revenue for stakeholders.
Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager – Northern Emirates, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
Any booking made by corporate bookers or travel agents receives special treatment. Currently, we have many families staying with us from Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a month-long staycation, which is essentially a workcation, as the children are engaged in online schooling.
Nuran Kilani, Vice President – Commercial, TIME Hotels
Guests booking through our trusted agents or corporate partners enjoy elevated privileges, including exclusive staycation rates. They also receive seamless booking support and added value experiences designed to make every stay feel personal, effortless, and distinctly memorable.
Ravi Santiago, Cluster General Manager, Wyndham Hotels Ajman
Staycations have brought us a renewed revenue scheme whilst enhancing our occupancy levels. Hence our weekday occupancy averages around 70 per cent, while weekends consistently exceed 90 per cent. Families from other emirates are making use of the special staycation offers.
Ghaith Dalati, General Manager, Novotel Suite & ibis Mall Avenue Dubai
A key trend shaping the hospitality sector is travellers prioritising wellness-led staycations and workcations. The Stay Well, Work Well concept integrates productivity with wellbeing, alongside long-stay benefits, creating a balanced, restorative experience for travellers.
Elif Yazoglu, General Manager, Double Tree by Hilton M Square
Staycations in the United Arab Emirates have evolved into a vital revenue driver for the hospitality sector, particularly during peak holiday periods and long weekends. By encouraging residents to explore local destinations, hotels sustain occupancy levels year-round. Tailored offers, flexible packages, and experiential add-ons have further boosted demand, positioning staycations as a strategic tool to stimulate domestic tourism and diversify income streams.
Asif Shaikh, Manager – Leisure & MICE Travel Xperienz Holidays
From a UAE travel agent’s perspective, staycations have become a strong revenue driver, particularly during peak holiday periods and long weekends. Clients are increasingly seeking personalised, hassle-free escapes that offer luxury. By collaborating with hotels, we curate tailored packages — from spa retreats to family experiences — ensuring added value. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also encourages long-term client relationships.
Joe Nassoura, General Manager, Fairmont Dubai
For today’s discerning traveller, a staycation is no longer about convenience alone — it is about exclusivity and thoughtful detail. Hotels that tailor experiences based on guest preferences can command premium pricing. This approach not only boosts average daily rates but also enhances guest satisfaction. Personalisation transforms a short stay into a memorable retreat, strengthening revenue sustainability.
Amro Nagah, General Manager, Swissotel Al Murooj
Staycations have evolved into a powerful revenue generator for hotels, particularly in urban leisure hubs. By targeting residents seeking short, meaningful escapes, properties can drive occupancy during off-peak periods. The key lies in crafting personalised experiences that resonate with discerning travellers. This localisation of luxury allows hotels to maximise ancillary revenue streams.
Abbas Rahal, General Manager, The House Hotel Al Khiran, Kuwait
Staycations provide an opportunity for hotels to monetise experiences rather than just inventory. By bundling spa treatments, culinary journeys, and late check-outs into tailored packages, properties can increase per-guest spend. Discerning travellers are willing to pay for curated experiences that feel unique. This shift from transactional stays to experiential offerings enables hotels to unlock higher margins while differentiating themselves in competitive markets.
Tariq Dowidar, Regional VP – Saudi Arabia, Grand Iva Hotel Abha and Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah King Fahd
In a region where outbound travel often dominates, staycations help retain tourism spend within local markets. Hotels can tap into this by designing culturally relevant and seasonally themed experiences that appeal to residents. Personal touches — such as customised itineraries or family-focused activities — create a sense of discovery without travel. This not only drives consistent revenue but also positions the property as a lifestyle destination.
Hossam Kamal, General Manager, Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach
Technology plays a crucial role in elevating staycation experiences for discerning guests. Leveraging guest data to anticipate preferences allows hotels to offer hyper-personalised services, from tailored welcome amenities to curated in-room entertainment. This level of attention enhances perceived value, enabling properties to upsell effectively. As a result, staycations become a kety tool for revenue optimisation, blending convenience with luxury.
Fredrik Reinisch, General Manager, Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek
Corporate bookers and travel advisors are increasingly incorporating staycations into their offerings, recognising their revenue potential. By collaborating with hotels to create exclusive packages for clients, they help drive demand across segments. Personalised experiences appeal to high-value guests seeking privacy and comfort. This synergy between partners strengthens distribution channels while ensuring consistent occupancy and diversified revenue streams.
Hans Konings, General Manager, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
In Riyadh, staycations are no longer seasonal but a year-round revenue generator. Hotels are tapping into demand by offering customised experiences — from private in-room dining to exclusive spa treatments — appealing to discerning local travellers. These curated offerings allow properties to command premium pricing while enhancing guest loyalty. As a result, staycations are contributing not just to occupancy but also to overall profitability.
Fadeel Wehbe, MD, Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre
Staycations have emerged as a significant revenue stream for hotels in Riyadh, as residents seek premium experiences within the city. With evolving lifestyle preferences, properties are curating personalised packages that combine wellness, dining, and entertainment. This approach drives higher occupancy during weekends and holidays. The ability to deliver tailored experiences has positioned staycations as a reliable revenue contributor.
