What To Know
- In 2026, the Formula 1 season will once again run 24 rounds, starting in Melbourne and ending with the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
- Etihad Rail is set to enter its passenger era in 2026, aiming to connect the UAE across a large network spanning all seven emirates.
- From multi-genre events to electronic and youth culture festivals, the region is becoming a destination for travellers who build itineraries around live music.
Travel in 2026 is evolving fast. Destinations are becoming more immersive, technology is changing how we move, and cultural calendars are filling up with experiences built for modern travellers. From food-led adventures and wellness escapes to futuristic transport and major festivals, here are the trends and moments worth planning for now.
Street Food Tours Are Becoming the Best Way to Explore
Street food is one of the fastest ways to understand a city. It reveals how people eat, gather and live, offering a cultural snapshot that traditional sightseeing often misses. In the UAE, guided street food tours have become a standout way to explore neighbourhoods beyond the usual landmarks. Companies that combine local history with tastings across multiple stops are gaining popularity among visitors and residents looking to rediscover the city.
Motorsport Tourism Is Getting Bigger
Motorsport continues to pull travellers into the region, especially around headline weekends such as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Bahrain Grand Prix. In 2026, the Formula 1 season will once again run 24 rounds, starting in Melbourne and ending with the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Bahrain remains a key stop on the calendar, continuing to attract fans who plan trips around race weekends and entertainment programmes.
Wellness Travel Shifts from Luxury to Nervous System Reset
Wellness in 2026 is less about indulgence and more about recovery. Travellers are seeking experiences that improve sleep, lower stress and restore focus. Festivals and retreats built around breathwork, meditation, yoga and nature-based activities are growing in demand. Events in destinations with dramatic landscapes are particularly appealing, combining calm environments with structured programmes for mental and physical reset.
Architectural Travel Is Rising
People are travelling to see buildings the way they once travelled to see museums. The Middle East continues to lead with new landmarks, including Dubai’s Wasl Tower, a mixed-use skyscraper built with sustainability features designed to reduce energy use. These new developments blur the line between tourism, design and lifestyle, attracting visitors who plan trips around architecture and city-shaping projects.
Music Festivals and Live Events Are Expanding
Festival culture is accelerating, with major events continuing to grow across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In 2026, established favourites and newer large-scale festivals are drawing international crowds. From multi-genre events to electronic and youth culture festivals, the region is becoming a destination for travellers who build itineraries around live music.
Nature-Based Tourism Gets More Curated
Immersive nature experiences are becoming more structured, educational and premium. Seasonal festivals built around local traditions are drawing attention, while new eco-lodges and sustainable tourism projects are expanding options for travellers who want nature with comfort. In 2026, new openings and seasonal experiences across the region will offer alternatives to city travel.
Rail Travel Becomes a Major Middle East Trend
Image: Railway Technology/Website
Rail is becoming a new way to travel across the region without airports. Etihad Rail is set to enter its passenger era in 2026, aiming to connect the UAE across a large network spanning all seven emirates. Saudi Arabia is also introducing a new ultra-luxury train experience designed around curated routes, high-end hospitality and fine dining. Rail travel is expected to become one of the most talked-about shifts in regional tourism.
Air Taxis Move from Concept to Reality
Dubai is expected to launch its first commercial air taxi services in early 2026. The service will be app-bookable and positioned as a premium transport option. Initial vertiport locations are planned around key areas including Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. If launched as planned, this will be one of the most significant transport changes the city has seen in years.
Major Culture Calendars Are Getting Stronger
Cultural events are becoming travel anchors. Book festivals, film festivals and large international art events are attracting visitors who want more than malls and beaches. The region’s cultural calendar in 2026 includes literature festivals, art fairs and film events that bring global names while spotlighting regional talent.
A World-First Mosque and New Innovation Districts
Image: Platinumlist/Website
Dubai is expected to open a fully functional 3D-printed mosque by the second quarter of 2026, marking a world-first milestone in architecture and construction technology. At the same time, new innovation districts and tech hubs are expanding across the region, reflecting how quickly the Middle East is positioning itself as a global centre for future industries.
Cruises, Water Routes and Multi-Destination Travel
Cruising is gaining popularity as travellers look for easier ways to visit multiple locations without constant packing and airport transfers. New cruise itineraries that include Middle Eastern ports are expanding, while regional cruise operators are also increasing offerings aimed at Gulf travellers.
New Mega Attractions and Thrill Experiences
Large-scale entertainment projects continue to reshape travel, especially in Saudi Arabia. Mega theme parks and record-breaking rides are becoming travel reasons on their own, pulling in visitors who plan trips specifically for high-impact attractions and experience-led destinations.
The Food Scene Keeps Getting More Experimental
The region’s dining scene is becoming more chef-driven, more local and more creative. Food festivals that bring together global chefs and signature dishes are expanding, while open-fire cooking and ingredient-led menus are rising as travellers seek authentic, elemental dining experiences. In 2026, food-focused travel is becoming a core reason people visit the region.
Surfing in the Desert Goes Mainstream
Surf parks and artificial wave pools are becoming a major trend in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Abu Dhabi has already set a high bar with a major surf facility, and Dubai is expected to add its first indoor surfing destination in 2026. These projects blend sport, technology and lifestyle, creating experiences that feel futuristic while being accessible year-round.
Mountain Escapes and Outdoor Micro-Adventures
More residents and travellers are escaping cities for mountain destinations with cooler temperatures and outdoor activities. Areas such as Hatta, Jebel Hafeet and Ras Al Khaimah continue to expand hospitality options, including glamping and adventure experiences. The rise of short outdoor breaks is one of the most noticeable travel patterns heading into 2026.
What 2026 Travel Looks Like
In 2026, travel is more experience-led than ever. People are planning trips around food, festivals, nature, wellness, innovation and once-in-a-lifetime moments rather than standard sightseeing. With new transport options, world-first projects and a packed cultural calendar, the year ahead is set to deliver more variety, more access and more reasons to explore.
