Ramadan 2026: Some UAE residents travel for silence, not sightseeing

As Ramadan approaches, not everyone is planning iftar buffets or late-night shopping trips. Some UAE residents are choosing something very different — silence and reflection.

Instead of crowded hotels and busy schedules, travellers are opting for island resorts, farmhouses and quiet retreats, calling it a ‘spiritual staycation’.

For Ahmed Ali, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, Ramadan follows a clear structure for the last 5 years. The first ten days are spent in the UAE with family. The second ten are dedicated to reflection in a calm setting abroad and the final 10 days are reserved for Umrah in Makkah and Itikaf in Madinah.

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Last year, he travelled to the Maldives during the second Ashra. He avoided excursions and tourist activities and his routine was simple — wake up for Tahajjud, pray Fajr by the sea, read the Quran daily, journal after Asr and keep his phone on airplane mode.

“It wasn’t a holiday, but it was about disconnecting from noise and reconnecting with purpose,” said Ali, adding that this year he plans to spend those 10 days in Seychelles instead.

“The destination is not the focus but the intention is,” said Ali.

Hospitality operators in the UAE and Seychelles said that are noticing this shift.

Jason Kladidis, cluster general manager at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort and Spa, said Ramadan is increasingly becoming a time for meaningful travel.

“Ramadan is increasingly a time when travellers seek space to slow down, reflect and reconnect,” he said.

“We have been seeing more UAE residents choosing destinations like ours during this period, drawn to the islands’ natural sense of calm, privacy and immersion in nature.”

He added that thoughtful arrangements, including tailored dining options that respect fasting hours, help Muslim guests feel comfortable during their stay.

“It becomes less about a traditional holiday and more about meaningful, restorative travel,” said Kladidis.

The trend is not limited to overseas travel. Hotels in Dubai said that they too are seeing guests choosing quieter, more reflective stays during Ramadan. “Ramadan is a time when travel takes on a different meaning,” said Jawad Saade, general manager of Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel and Residences.

“We see many UAE residents choosing to stay closer to home, not for indulgence, but for reflection, rest and reconnection,” he said. “A local staycation during this period allows guests to slow down and embrace the spiritual rhythm of the month.”

He added that there is a growing appreciation for quiet moments and experiences that respect the essence of Ramadan.

The trend is also seen elsewhere in the country. In Ras Al Khaimah, farmhouse owner Saeed Ali Al Kindi said one of his properties has been booked for ten days in Ramadan by a group of individuals focused solely on worship.

“They told me clearly they are coming for reflection. They asked about prayer space first,” said Ali.

The group plans to pray in congregation, cook suhoor and iftar together and limit outside distractions. “There are no entertainment requests. They want privacy and quiet,” added Ali.

Mental health experts said that such intentional breaks can have real psychological benefits. Dr Amir Javaid, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City, said stepping away from digital noise and daily pressures allows the brain to exit constant stress mode.

“Cortisol levels stabilise, attention improves and emotional regulation strengthens. This mental slowing supports clarity and calm.”

He added that even short spiritual retreats can help reduce burnout. “Intentional breaks reduce emotional overload and decision fatigue. Changing environment and rhythm signals safety to the brain,” he said.

Being in nature can enhance these effects. “Exposure to open landscapes, water or quiet natural settings reduces stress and improves emotional clarity,” said Dr Javaid. “In fast-paced cities, intentional silence is increasingly becoming a necessity rather than a luxury.”

Islamic scholars said that the concept of stepping away for reflection is deeply rooted in tradition.

Sheikh Ayaz Houze, Imam and Khateeb at NGS, explained that Itikaf, a spiritual retreat observed especially in the last ten days of Ramadan is meant to bring believers closer to God through worship and reflection.

“Reducing distractions allows the heart to focus and strengthens taqwa,” he said, referring to God-consciousness.

While formal Itikaf is performed in a mosque, he said temporary withdrawal for worship aligns with the spirit of Ramadan when done with sincere intention.

For many residents, the most traditional form of spiritual travel remains Umrah. “During Ramadan, we see thousands of UAE residents travelling to Makkah and Madinah,” said Qaiser Mahmood of Asaa Tours and Travels. “Some opt for short two- or three-day trips, while others prefer to spend the last 10 to 15 days in worship, especially during the final Ashra.”

Demand typically increases as the last 10 nights approach, he added.

Whether it is a farmhouse in Ras Al Khaimah, a shoreline in Seychelles or the courtyards of Madinah, the goal remains the same — to step away from the noise and return with clarity before Ramadan passes.