New attractions across the UAE are creating opportunities to extend visitor stays and bring repeat travellers back with fresh itineraries, according to Senthil Velan, CEO, Rayna Tours. He said Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah continue to add experiences that give travellers more reasons to explore the country beyond traditional itineraries.
“When it comes to the UAE, we continue to amaze and surprise the travellers,” Velan said. “Be it Dubai, be it Abu Dhabi or be it Ras Al Khaimah, you will see new attractions popping up every two years, every three years.”
He said the pace of development allows the trade to create substantially different programmes for repeat visitors. “Once in three years, I can create an entirely different itinerary for a traveller without touching any of the attractions as we have done before.”
Velan highlighted the upcoming attraction pipeline, including Harry Potter and the Wynn casino in Ras Al Khaimah, alongside new attractions in Dubai. “There are plenty to explore for new travellers as well as experienced travellers into Middle East,” he said.
The growth of individual destinations is also influencing stay patterns. “What used to be a four nights Dubai, a two nights Abu Dhabi, now Abu Dhabi wants to compete, grow and become a four night or a five night complete destination in itself,” Velan said.
He added that Ras Al Khaimah is also seeking to grow as a standalone destination, while Dubai continues to retain its leadership. Infrastructure such as Etihad Rail could eventually make GCC travel easier, but Velan said he does not see multi-GCC country itineraries becoming popular in the short term.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.