What do people in the Middle East actually do to unwind, have fun, or simply pass time when they’re not working or with family? You’d be surprised how much has shifted in the last decade. Traditional pastimes still thrive, but digital culture, global influences, and local adaptations have reshaped what leisure looks like today.
Across Gulf countries, North Africa, and the Levant, leisure isn’t just a way to relax. It’s often a reflection of social status, economic development, and generational shifts. This is where it gets interesting. From cafes or playing best online casinos, the way people spend their downtime is starting to resemble a hybrid model: rooted in cultural identity, but open to global digital lifestyles.
Let’s dive into the five most popular leisure activities that currently define this region—and see what they reveal.
1. Café Culture and Social Dining
In cities like Dubai, Riyadh, Beirut, and Doha, coffee shops and social dining spaces are more than places to grab a bite. They're social currency. Spending long hours at a café, especially in the evening, is seen as a way to stay connected, network, and decompress.
It's not just about shisha lounges anymore. Specialty coffee culture has exploded across the Middle East. According to a 2024 Euromonitor report, coffee consumption in the region grew by 14% in just two years, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the charge.
People are meeting after work, conducting business over saffron lattes, and sharing desserts on Instagram. High-end dining experiences—particularly buffet-style Friday brunches and fusion cuisine—are now a staple of urban leisure.
2. Sports, Fitness, and Group Activities
The Middle East is investing heavily in sports infrastructure, from community gyms to massive stadiums. This isn’t just for professional events. Locals and expats alike are using these spaces for personal health, social activity, and community bonding.
Group activities are especially popular. Think weekend cycling in Abu Dhabi, desert marathons in Morocco, or yoga meetups in Amman. In fact, a 2023 Gartner study showed that nearly 52% of people in urban Gulf cities participate in structured fitness activities at least once a week.
This growing fitness movement is supported by government-led health initiatives, influencer culture, and app-based training subscriptions that make it easy for people to get involved.
3. Digital Gaming and Online Entertainment
Digital entertainment is one of the fastest-growing leisure sectors in the Middle East. Younger generations are deeply plugged in—mobile-first, app-savvy, and game-oriented. Video streaming platforms, e-sports tournaments, and online multiplayer games are on the rise.
But there's also another side to digital entertainment: online casinos and slot games. These platforms attract a wide range of users, especially those looking for quick, casual play. While regulations vary across countries, the demand for gaming continues to grow steadily. As platforms adapt to local laws, users are turning to the best online casinos that offer safe, encrypted access and localized experiences.
A 2023 report from Statista showed a 29% increase in mobile gaming engagement in the MENA region, largely driven by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. The combination of smartphone access, Arabic-language platforms, and gamified reward systems has made digital play a convenient way to unwind, especially during late evening hours.
4. Traditional Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Festivals
Despite the digital wave, there’s a strong pull toward tradition. Cultural festivals, calligraphy workshops, textile art, and oud music concerts are thriving across the region. Cities like Sharjah and Muscat have made cultural preservation a priority, funding museums, heritage villages, and art biennales.
One reason this persists is generational exchange. Many families introduce younger members to these cultural pastimes, which are often tied to national pride or religious values. Events like the Janadriyah Festival in Saudi Arabia or the Dubai Shopping Festival (which includes folk performances and storytelling) see millions in attendance annually.
UNESCO data shows that more than 65% of regional cultural festivals have seen an increase in local participation since 2022, showing that interest in preserving tradition is not waning—it’s adapting to new formats and younger audiences.
5. Travel and Domestic Exploration
When borders are open, Middle Easterners are among the world’s most active travelers. But even with rising airfare costs and global inflation, domestic tourism is booming. Locals are now rediscovering their own countries through road trips, desert retreats, coastal hikes, and eco-resorts.
Oman’s Wadi Shab, Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, and Jordan’s Wadi Rum are all prime examples. These spots blend natural beauty with cultural experiences. For families and young couples, weekend travel has become a top leisure pick.
According to a 2024 report by Deloitte, domestic tourism in the region rose by 38% over the previous year, driven in part by government campaigns and influencer-led travel trends.
In addition to sightseeing, adventure activities like dune bashing, snorkeling, and hot air balloon rides are rising in popularity. Social media plays a major role here—people are choosing destinations that look good on camera, offer unique stays, and require minimal planning.
A Quick Recap: What Leisure Really Looks Like in the Region
Here’s what stands out when you look at the Middle East’s top leisure trends:
- A growing blend of tech, tradition, and social dynamics.
- Strong emphasis on community experiences, whether online or offline.
- Government support and infrastructure development are fueling new habits.
And while entertainment choices are evolving, the core remains the same: connection, relaxation, and identity. Whether through a quiet cup of Arabic coffee, a high-stakes mobile game, or a drive into the desert, people are seeking out experiences that feel personal and culturally resonant.
Leisure in the Middle East today isn’t just about passing the time. It’s becoming a canvas for self-expression, innovation, and digital adaptation. The real winners? Those who know how to blend the old with the new—without losing the soul of either.
This article was written in cooperation with BAZOOM