A ‘pay-cation’ is the latest trend among UAE residents, where people choose to work during their vacations instead of taking time off completely.
This buzzword is gaining attention, especially among millennials and Gen Z. Unlike ‘bleisure,’ which blends business travel with leisure, a ‘pay-cation’ means working while on holiday essentially skipping the concept of a real break.
Why Is It Happening?
Many employees feel pressured to stay connected in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Aws Ismail, General Manager at Marc Ellis in Dubai, explained:
“Working during vacations is becoming common, particularly among millennials in the UAE. It’s often due to the need to stay reliable, prove oneself, or avoid falling behind. Employees sometimes feel they have no choice but to work even during their annual leave.”
However, Ismail believes this can change with proper planning and workplace culture.
“As an employer, I encourage employees to plan better complete their tasks, meet deadlines, and hand over responsibilities effectively. With this preparation, they can disconnect without worrying about work falling apart.”
Ismail also highlighted the importance of creating a supportive work culture:
“Employers should focus on realistic workload planning and encourage time-off to reduce burnout. A well-planned team benefits everyone.”
Nicki Wilson, Founder and MD of Genie Recruitment, shared how her company fosters flexibility while maintaining productivity:
“We started an initiative where every employee gets AED 1,000 to work from anywhere in the world for a week. This approach fuels creativity, builds trust, and promotes growth. Employees gain new experiences and perspectives, which enrich their personal and professional lives.”
Wilson mentioned that some staff choose to work within the UAE for a change of scenery, while others visit family abroad.
Importance of Taking a Proper Break
Doctors in the UAE strongly advise against continuous work without proper downtime. Dr. Nada Omer, Consultant Psychiatrist at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, emphasized:
“Taking regular breaks is essential for mental and physical health. Working non-stop can lead to burnout, stress, and even serious health issues like sleep disturbances, anxiety, and cardiovascular problems. It’s important to step away from work responsibilities to recharge.”
Wellness experts also stress the value of boundaries. Girish Hemnani, a Life Coach and Energy Healer, explained:
“Freedom without responsibility is chaos, but responsibility without freedom is suffocating. Striking a balance between creativity and accountability is key to maintaining well-being.”
