Why young UAE residents are collecting experiences instead of things
There was a time when a good month meant coming home with shopping bags. A new pair of shoes. The latest phone. A designer bag you had been saving for. Maybe something shiny enough to make its way onto Instagram before it even made it out of the box. Now, for many young UAE residents, bragging rights look a little different. It is the concert you stayed up until 2am for. The last-minute flight…
A shift is underway among young residents of the UAE, as they increasingly opt for experiences over material possessions. Shopping bags have been replaced by camera rolls, as people prioritize memories over material items. A UAE Experience Survey found that 75% of residents are more willing to seek out experiences, spending specific budgets on them after meeting basic monthly needs. Entertainment, dining, and travel are among the top categories for spending.
This trend is particularly evident among young residents, with research on UAE Gen Z travellers showing that many would rather cut back on shopping to allocate funds for meaningful trips. Cultural discovery, adventure, and simply escaping daily life have become important aspects of travel. For these young people, the question is no longer "What can I buy?" but rather "What can I do?"
This change stems partially from a desire to declutter, as closets and phones alike are filled with unused or forgotten items. Experiences, however, cannot be easily forgotten - a sunset or a concert remain vivid in memory. Moreover, experiences create stories that contribute to one's identity, whereas material possessions may deteriorate or become obsolete.
The UAE plays a unique role in this trend, with an abundance of new experiences available year-round - from restaurants and exhibitions to desert activities and wellness classes. Even international travel costs less due to local options and spontaneous plans, such as visiting a sunset.
While young UAE residents continue to spend on luxury items like electronics and beauty products, their spending is becoming more selective. They are willing to invest in experiences that hold personal significance, whether it's a concert or a weekend getaway. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have further influenced these decisions, as young people not only seek out memorable experiences but also document them to create a personal archive.
Ultimately, the new form of social status is the ability to share compelling stories and experiences.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
