Against this backdrop, fresh behavioural insights from Ithara.ae, a UAE based experience curation platform spanning dining, wellness, leisure, workshops, attractions, and travel, suggest that the same values are shaping how residents book local experiences too.

Anna Krejca, co-founder of Ithara.ae, said: “We are seeing people become more intentional with their time. It is not about doing less. It is about choosing better. People are planning earlier, protecting their weekends, and prioritising experiences that feel meaningful, whether that is time with loved ones, self care, or simply a break from routine that feels worth it.”

According to Ithara.ae’s data of anonymised booking behaviour, customers are moving away from last minute decisions and toward more intentional planning. Median lead time increased from approximately 4.8 days to 8.1 days, indicating a stronger tendency to plan ahead rather than book impulsively. Experiences are also becoming more concentrated into defined leisure windows, with nearly 70% now scheduled for weekends, reflecting a preference to reserve Saturdays and Sundays for higher value moments.

The shift is also visible in the types of experiences people are choosing. Dining remains a leading category, accounting for close to 40% of bookings, while activity-led formats such as attractions, leisure, and hands-on workshops continue to show strong demand. Together, these patterns suggest a consumer who is still actively booking experiences, but doing so with more selectivity, clearer intent, and a stronger focus on moments that feel memorable.

These combined signals point to a maturing experience economy in the UAE, one increasingly defined by intention, balance, and emotional value, with consumers seeking moments that restore, connect, and create lasting memories.