At this point we all can say that one is definitely feeling self-cautious if they are on the Kite beach without the proper 6-pack. But how did this happen? More and more people are ditching the party invites for the 6 am run with Jumeirah Johns Running Club. But how come? Isn’t Dubai all blink-blink and party night in Amazonica? Well, it appears that the time of all-nighters is gone and it is being knocked down by the opportunity of a good night sleep and early morning yoga.

Let’s study this trend and learn how to adapt to it.

According to Eventbrite’s US study, ‘soft clubbing’ is a social outing that is all about health, and not about bubbles and 5 am walks of shame. Platform’s research resembles that the Gen Z prioritises wellness and is ready to ditch the late night DJ set for a cold plunge with some day-time dancing and soundhealing afterwards.

Study shows a sizeable uptick in “soft clubbing” style events — like coffee raves and and morning dance parties — meaning the traditional nightclub model doesn’t align as well with younger people’s priorities of sleep, well-being, social media-friendly moments, and less hangover risk.

At least in the US, ‘soft clubbing’ is reshaping what a night out looks like for a TikTok generation. Instead of crowded dance floors and late-night beverages, young people are gravitating toward experiences that feel lighter, healthier, and more intentional. 

Cafés, studios, and wellness spaces are turning into dance venues where the focus is on music, movement, and connection — not twinkly glasses. These events feel more inclusive and relaxed, welcoming anyone who wants to socialise without the pressure of partying hard. 

In short, people are drawing clearer boundaries and are rightfully prioritising their well-being first. The old idea of “fun” often meant pushing past your body’s limits, ignoring sleep, and filling your system with things that made you feel worse the next day. It is no surprise that now I just don’t want to do it anymore. 

Rather than skipping nightlife altogether, more people are embracing “soft clubbing” as a way to stay social on their own terms. “This movement isn’t about giving something up — it’s about choosing more,” says Roseli Ilano, Eventbrite’s Head of Community & Trends Expert. “More presence, more intention, more joy. Gen Z is redefining what it means to go out, and they're turning to experiences that nourish the body and soul as much as they entertain.”

And who are we to not obey this trend? So many benefits —  healthier skin, brighter mind, leaner body — add regular massages and it is the true heaven of Phoebe Buffay.

But what about older generations? I don't know about you, but I have lots of 27–35 year old friends that are literally never out during nighttime as it messes with their sports schedule. Honestly speaking, my morning swimming sessions are often my personal counter-motivation.

It is no secret that modern life feels more stressful than ever, and people are starting to crave nicer ways to unwind. Studies from the American Psychological Association reveal that stress levels have been steadily climbing in recent years, especially among millennials juggling careers, families, and constant digital noise. At the same time, global research from McKinsey & Company shows that wellness has become a daily priority for most people — no longer a luxury, but a lifestyle. 

This shift helps explain why soft clubbing is catching on beyond Gen Z. For many millennials, the idea of going out to dance, connect, and have fun — without the hangover or exhaustion — feels like a refreshing return to balance. It is nightlife reimagined for a generation that is done with burnout and ready to choose well-being over overindulgence.

After all the jokes and memes about burnout, toxic corporate cultures and more — how can we self-violate our bodies more? We all are already on the edge.

Across our region, wellness-focused spaces are transforming how people come together to move, connect, and unwind. How many coffee rave ads have you seen lately? I have seen around a hundred of them. 

Spots like The Bay Health Club in Dubai blend community and movement through yoga, sound healing, and holistic workshops — experiences that feel more like mindful gatherings than traditional workouts. Or this Clinical Wellness Resort. Similarly, Peaq Wellness has become a hub for “modern rituals” of self-care, offering immersive fitness and recovery sessions that prioritise balance, energy, and presence over intensity or excess. And the people who go there are so cool you can't resist the whole ‘cool kid’ vibe. 

This wave of mindful socialising is also shaping luxury destinations such as AMAALA, Saudi Arabia’s upcoming ultra-luxury wellness resort, fully dedicated to therapies, meditations, and marine-inspired healing experiences.

Together, these destinations embody a regional shift toward softer, more conscious ways of living and celebrating — where wellness isn’t a trend, but a new form of social life and community.