When it comes to where UAE residents are looking to head when leaving home, it seems we can expect wallets to be getting a workout.
According to a new YouGov survey, while residents are less likely to visit leisure and entertainment venues compared to this time last year, when they do, it's the shopping malls the majority are bound for.
The study, which uses data from YouGov's daily brand tracker, BrandIndex, discovered that 64 per cent of survey respondents were very or somewhat likely to visit malls in the near future.
Fifty-six per cent of participants were likely to visit beaches, while 53 per cent were keen to visit parks and gardens.
More than half of respondents (52 per cent) were also very or somewhat likely to dine in a restaurant in the near future.
When it comes to the venues that UAE residents were least likely to visit in the current climate, however, enthusiasm was the lowest for concerts, shows or music events, with 56 per cent of those surveyed saying they were somewhat or not at all likely to attend.
Art galleries fared a little better, but 48 per cent of people surveyed said they were not planning to visit such venues in the near future.
YouGov collected data from 1,090 respondents in the UAE between June 29 and July 5 for the study, in a bid to ascertain residents' intent to visit attractions as restrictions around the country ease and businesses reopen.
Of those surveyed who said they were likely to visit shopping malls, 49 per cent have already done so in the past month, while an additional 25 per cent said they would during July. Thirty per cent of respondents had eaten out in restaurants in the past month, while 22 per cent had already visited a beach.
While interest may currently be lower for museums and exhibitions, the future looks bright, as 33 per cent of those surveyed said they would be more likely to visit come August or September.
Respondents were also asked about which safety measure gave them added confidence when visiting a leisure venue or attraction.
The mandatory wearing of face masks and gloves came out on top, with 57 per cent of people citing it as their top requirement, while 55 per cent of respondents said increased sanitisation of shared spaces and equipment.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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RESULT
Manchester City 1 Sheffield United 0
Man City: Jesus (9')
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)