UAE residents believe in the motto “work hard, play hard”, focusing on a good work-life balance by making time for relaxation and entertainment. A recent survey shows that 97% of UAE residents go out for entertainment at least once a month, proving their active lifestyle.
Survey Highlights: Entertainment in UAE
The survey, conducted by YouGov, polled over 1,000 UAE residents to explore their entertainment preferences. The findings, published in the Entertainment & Sports Report by duke+mir, revealed interesting insights:
- 81% of UAE residents have at least one paid entertainment subscription.
- 30% of these subscriptions are rarely used, with users considering cancellations.
Weekly Dining Habits in the UAE
Dining out is a favorite activity, with 7 in 10 residents eating out every week. From fine dining to casual coffee spots, options abound across the country. Latvian expat Vlada Lomova shares her love for exploring Dubai’s vibrant scene. “I go out every weekend to discover new places, attend concerts, and visit events,” she says, making the most of Dubai’s ideal weather and exciting venues.
For Sharjah resident Nisrin Arsiwala, weekends are about family time. “We enjoy home-cooked meals, movie nights, and board games. Occasionally, we step out for movies once or twice a month,” she explains.
The Booming Restaurant Scene
According to Jonathan Ivan-Duke, co-founder of duke+mir, 70% of UAE residents dine out weekly, driving growth in the food industry. With over 27,000 restaurants and cafes in Dubai, dining out has become a major pastime, offering endless options for all tastes.
The Rise of Subscription Services
Paid entertainment subscriptions are a growing trend in the UAE, part of a global shift toward a subscription-based economy. The report predicts this economy will reach a staggering $1.5 trillion by 2025, rivaling the GDP of major countries. UAE residents subscribe to services like streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon), e-books, online fitness, sports streaming, and music or podcasts.
However, nearly 30% of these subscriptions go unused, potentially wasting millions of dirhams annually.
Additional Insights:
- 37% of residents enjoy live sports weekly.
- 24% go to the cinema, and 23% attend live performances.
- 66% participate in sports every week, with 75% of 18–24-year-olds engaging in physical activities.
- 73% of young people play video games weekly, with 31% of 18–24-year-olds having paid gaming subscriptions.
The UAE’s entertainment habits reflect its residents’ commitment to balancing work with quality leisure time, making the region a hub for dining, activities, and subscription services.
