Luxury Travel Destinations Loved by Gulf Residents

For residents of the Gulf, travelling is not only about sightseeing, it’s about exclusivity, elegance, and experience. With high disposable income and a taste for sophistication, travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait visit some of the globe’s finest destinations. According to recent Travel Updates, from cultural capitals to seaside nirvanas, these destinations have taken over the hearts of travellers in 2025. They include:

The Maldives – A Private Paradise

The Maldives is still the go-to escape for Gulf travellers seeking serenity, luxury, and privacy. With direct flights from Dubai and Doha, it is a short-haul destination to get away for the weekend. Resorts like Soneva Fushi and The St. Regis Vommuli feature private villas, personal butlers, and sunset dinners on white-sand beaches—a beautiful mixture of nature and opulence that few places in the world can compare.

Paris – Fashion, Fine Dining, and Art

Few cities beckon Gulf residents on vacation quite like Paris. Whether it is shopping for the latest designer items on Avenue Montaigne or staying at the iconic Ritz Paris, Gulf travellers are known to enjoy the high-end lifestyle the city has to offer. From haute couture to Michelin-star restaurants and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, a trip to Paris never goes out of style.

Switzerland – Cool Weather and Classy Comfort

As summer heat hits back home, travellers from the Gulf are heading to Switzerland for cool weather and stunning scenery. Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken are the trifecta destinations that are scenic and home to luxury resorts. Families with children often gravitate to Gstaad with five-star chalets and private helicopter rides, elevating the idea of luxury in an Alpine experience.

London – A Home Away from Home

London is always special for travellers from the Gulf as it offers a mixture of history, shopping and culture appealing to all ages. The Dorchester and Claridge’s are popular accommodation options, while the act of luxury shopping at Harrods and on Bond Street is a ritual not to be missed. The Arab dining scene also brings a ‘homey’ feeling despite being away from the Gulf.

Bali – Exotica, Serene with a Hint of Spirituality

For millennials/couples from the Gulf, Bali has now established itself as a modern luxury destination featuring exclusive beachfront villas and holistic retreats that combine wellness and indulgence in resorts such as The Mulia and Four Seasons Sayan, proving a great escape from city life.

Final Thought
Whether it is a private island in the Maldives or a fashion getaway in Paris, luxury travel for Gulf residents is about meaningful indulging – places that showcase their tastes, comfort and enjoyment for curated experiences.