Why UAE Residents Are Ditching Weekend Mall Runs
for At-Home Pampering
Naturally, Dubai's glistening malls take centre stage in any marketing campaign, tourist visit, or family vacation plans. People are always raving about how many options they provide.
These amazing shopping locations and their thriving social scenes have helped to establish the UAE's reputation. However, an intriguing development is taking place at the moment. More and more locals are choosing the comfort and luxury of at-home pampering over crowded weekend trips to the mall. This change has more roots than you may think. This shift is being driven by changing consumer preferences, increased wellness consciousness, and a growing need for individualised, stress-free experiences. Let's examine the reasons behind the increase in at-home services.
The Wellness Imperative
Residents of the UAE now place a high value on wellness, which is a component of a larger global trend towards preventive health and self-care. According to Arabian Business, the UAE is projected to see the highest increase in consumer spending on wellness globally in 2025. This is noteworthy, particularly in light of the fact that consumers everywhere are getting more frugal as a result of inflation and declining disposable incomes. What's causing this spike? a youthful, well-off populace, robust government backing for wellness programs, and the area's standing as a global centre for longevity and health.
The UAE's wellness market is growing quickly. Global companies and specialised businesses are joining the market to provide highly customised treatments and supplements. Arabian Business reports that companies like Bioniq have seen a 500% jump in their customer base in the past year. That's quite an illustration of the growing appetite for bespoke wellness solutions. It makes sense that residents are looking for more individualised, intimate experiences given the high demand, which is frequently met by at-home beauty routines , customised skincare solutions, and pampering services.
The Rise of At-Home Pampering
Here's where the numbers get really interesting. The UAE spa market alone generated USD 1.4 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2025 and 2034, according to a recent report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. Traditional spa visits aren't the only factor driving this growth. At-home and customized wellness services are also in high demand.
The advantages of spa treatments for mental and physical health are becoming more widely recognized. Their hectic lives are driving them to look for easy ways to unwind and revitalise. To adapt to these changing customer preferences, spa operators are innovating, according to industry experts. They provide customised packages and specialised treatments to meet the needs of each client. The outcome? a thriving market for at-home beauty services and are comparable to those offered in the most upscale spas.
Luxury treatments are being revolutionised by mobile beauticians and therapists. From sophisticated facials to expert styling, home salon services have grown more complex. A lot of locals are learning how much fun it is to do salon-quality hair mask treatments at home. Additionally, professional at-home manicure and pedicure services are becoming more and more popular. With the same level of skill you would anticipate from upscale establishments, these premium home beauty services are now brought right to your door.
Why Malls Are Losing Their Appeal
Don't get confused—Dubai Mall remains the most visited place on Earth, welcoming 57 million visitors in the first half of 2024. Locals, however, are beginning to feel that weekend mall runs are becoming less appealing. The stress of negotiating crowds, traffic, and the sheer amount of work needed to organise a successful outing has eclipsed mall appeal for many locals.
Recent reports highlight that UAE consumers are increasingly prioritizing peace and privacy over public spectacle. Take major events like New Year's Eve, for example. Many residents now opt to stay home for private meetings and introspection as opposed to dealing with the bustle of congested streets and costly, stressful festivities. In an interview with Khaleej Times, one local said, "It feels liberating to choose my way to celebrate and recharge for the new year." Establishing private customs away from the general public has merit.
The Personalization Revolution
Due to changing consumer preferences and the impact of social media, the beauty and wellness sector in the United Arab Emirates is moving towards increased personalisation. According to the Omorfia Group, the creator of Bedashing Beauty Lounge, 2025 will see a continued focus on bespoke beauty, sustainable products, non-invasive treatments, and self-expression. Customers are calling for experiences that are more personalized. We're discussing AI-powered skincare consultations, virtual beauty try-ons, tailored beauty devices, and companies that provide individualised goods and services. This is the most elegant spaces where beauty meets wellness.
Home salon services become even more alluring as a result of this trend towards customisation. Residents can take advantage of specially tailored treatments in the setting that suits them best thanks to mobile spas and wellness specialists who provide services at their homes. Away from the impersonal bustle of a busy mall, beauty rituals at home along with expertly customized skincare routines make for a more enjoyable, effective, and relaxing experience.
The Convenience Factor
Let's be honest—convenience is everything these days. Many UAE citizens simply lack the time and energy for extended mall visits due to their hectic work schedules and the demands of modern life. Waiting in line, finding parking, and commuting are all eliminated with at-home beauty services. This greatly simplifies the process of incorporating self-care into a busy schedule.
Additionally, the pandemic has contributed to a long-lasting awareness of hygiene. Nowadays, a lot of locals favour the safe, hygienic setting of their homes, where they can unwind without being concerned about being around large groups of people or public areas. The rising demand for in-home salon services and premium home beauty experiences, which provide comfort and luxury along with peace of mind, is indicative of this preference.
The Future of Leisure in the UAE
The UAE's malls aren't disappearing—far from it. They keep coming up with new ideas, fusing entertainment, wellness, and technology to create immersive experiences. However, it is evident that locals are favoring quality over quantity, privacy over publicity, and individual well-being over public spectacle when it comes to weekend leisure.
At-home beauty services and pampering is expected to become the new weekend standard for many residents as the spa and wellness industry in the United Arab Emirates continues to expand and consumer preferences shift towards highly customized, convenient, and soothing experiences. The UAE is setting the standard for redefining what it means to relax and rejuvenate thanks to growing disposable incomes, robust government support for wellness, and a culture that values luxury and innovation.
The message is straightforward for anyone looking for a genuinely restful weekend: stay at home, treat yourself to something opulent, and let the world come to you.