UAE and Saudi Travelers Are Turning to AI for Booking Holidays – Discover the Latest Travel Trends for 2026!

Published on November 27, 2025

According to a report by Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 Ticket to Travel, a significant number of travelers from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to plan and book their holidays. The research reveals that two-thirds of travelers from these countries trust AI to handle accommodation bookings, signaling a major shift in the way travel decisions are made in the Middle East. This growing reliance on AI for travel planning highlights the evolving role of technology in shaping the future of the hospitality industry.

A Surge in AI Use for Holiday Planning
The 2026 Ticket to Travel Report reveals that a substantial percentage of travelers in the UAE (77%) and Saudi Arabia (68%) have used AI for either planning or researching their holidays. Notably, ChatGPT is the preferred AI platform for travel planning, with 76% of those using AI in the UAE opting for ChatGPT, followed by Gemini (38%) and Copilot (21%). This indicates that AI is not only used to research travel but is also becoming integral in making bookings, particularly for accommodation, transportation, and holiday activities.

Comfort with AI in Booking Accommodation
As AI’s role in the travel sector grows, an increasing number of travelers are comfortable with the idea of AI booking their accommodation. According to the report, 69% of travelers in the UAE and 67% in Saudi Arabia would feel comfortable using AI to book hotels in the future. This reflects the increased trust placed in AI technologies by travelers, with just 9% expressing discomfort with the idea of AI handling their accommodation arrangements. This shift in sentiment underscores the growing confidence in AI-powered platforms to handle complex, personal travel arrangements, including hotel bookings.

AI Goes Mainstream in Travel Planning
The rise of AI in the travel sector has become a key trend in 2025, and it is clear that the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets are embracing this technological shift. AI has become a mainstream tool in planning and booking trips, allowing travelers to quickly compare prices, check availability, and tailor their itineraries with ease. The use of AI in these processes streamlines decision-making, making the entire process more efficient for travelers who want to minimize planning time and maximize the quality of their vacations.

With its ability to provide real-time recommendations, detailed comparisons, and personalized suggestions, AI is transforming the way travelers engage with travel providers. This shift towards AI tools reflects broader trends in consumer behavior, with increasing demand for convenience, automation, and intelligent recommendations when it comes to travel planning.

The Popularity of Multi-Destination Travel
Another interesting trend highlighted in the Ticket to Travel Report is the growing preference for multi-destination trips among travelers. 75% of those surveyed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia plan to visit multiple countries on a single trip in 2026. This reflects the increasing popularity of multi-stop itineraries, where travelers explore more than one destination in a single journey. The convenience of booking these trips through AI-powered platforms further contributes to this trend, as it simplifies the planning of complex travel schedules.

‘Lux-scaping’ and Other Emerging Travel Trends
The report also identifies lux-scaping as a new trend in the travel industry. This involves booking luxurious experiences, such as a stay at a high-end hotel or a visit to a spa, either at the start or the end of a holiday. Over 80% of travelers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have engaged in lux-scaping at some point, with many saying it allows them to enter or exit their vacation feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This growing trend aligns with a broader desire for relaxation and indulgence, even for short breaks, and it is expected to continue to rise in popularity in the coming years.

Passion Pursuits Drive Travel Decisions
In addition to relaxation-focused travel, the report highlights the increasing role of passion pursuits in driving travel decisions. A significant number of travelers in both the UAE (84%) and Saudi Arabia (79%) travel primarily for passion-driven activities, such as sports events, safaris, and cultural exploration. For many, attending sports events (52%) or exploring new adventures (48%) are among the top motivations for planning a trip. The growing emphasis on passion pursuits reflects a shift toward experiences that cater to personal interests and hobbies, which in turn influences destination choices.

The Need for ‘Accommodating’ Accommodation
The Ticket to Travel Report also reveals the factors that travelers prioritize when choosing accommodation. Customer service (88%), cleanliness (87%), and location (85%) are considered the most important aspects of accommodation. Additionally, travelers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly looking for accommodations that are family-friendly (87%) and offer a wide variety of food options on-site (87%). These findings underscore the importance of flexibility, convenience, and quality when it comes to booking hotels and resorts, particularly for families and groups.

Sustainability Concerns in Travel
Sustainability continues to be a significant factor influencing travel decisions. 83% of travelers in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia now consider the environmental impact of their travel plans when booking holidays. This growing awareness of sustainability is reflected in the decisions travelers make, from choosing eco-friendly accommodations to selecting more sustainable travel options.

Conclusion: The Future of Travel Planning in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
The 2026 Ticket to Travel Report provides valuable insights into the evolving preferences and behaviors of travelers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. As AI continues to play a central role in the planning and booking of holidays, travelers in these regions are becoming more comfortable with the idea of relying on technology to organize their trips. From the rise of lux-scaping to the increasing demand for passion pursuits, these trends indicate a broader shift toward more personalized and experience-driven travel.

As AI technology continues to advance and gain trust, it is likely that even more travelers will turn to AI-powered platforms for all aspects of their travel planning. For the hospitality industry, these insights highlight the growing need to cater to tech-savvy, experience-focused travelers who expect seamless, intelligent, and personalized travel experiences.