Research reveals growing interest in memorable experiences, from entertainment to family fun, driving Dubai’s status as the global “experience capital.
The UAE is witnessing an evolving shift towards experiences over material goods, with 85% of residents seeking unique activities at least once a month, according to a recent study. A significant portion, 20%, even engages in such experiences daily. This growing trend has been outlined in a new white paper by Dubai-based investment firm Shamal, titled ‘Understanding the UAE’s Experience Economy.’ The research reveals that more than half of UAE respondents allocate up to a quarter of their disposable income to experiences, with entertainment, dining, and travel topping their expenditure lists.
The study highlights how social media, family, and friends strongly influence experience choices, shaping a market that seeks authenticity, hyper-personalisation, and digital innovation. B. Joseph Pine II, an expert in the experience economy, describes Dubai as the world’s “experience capital,” emphasizing the city’s ability to craft new and innovative experiences. As a result, Dubai is not just a tourist hotspot but a place where residents live and create memories.
Experiential activities like yacht trips, skydiving, hot air balloon rides, and concerts are increasingly popular, with local exploration gaining momentum over international travel. With Dubai’s distinctive leisure and entertainment offerings, including landmarks such as Kite Beach, Dubai Harbour, and Skydive Dubai, the city is leading this transformative shift in consumer behavior.
Thomas Gilovich, a Cornell University psychology professor, supports this trend, stating that people find lasting satisfaction in experiential purchases rather than material ones. Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal, echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the significance of creating resonant experiences that foster meaningful connections.
