Travel agents nationwide report a surge in enquiries, with many residents planning trips lasting up to 10 days.
With Eid Al Fitr coinciding with spring break this year, UAE families are turning the long weekend into extended holidays, favouring snowy destinations and beach getaways. Travel agents across the country report a surge in enquiries, with many residents planning trips of up to 10 days.
“This year, we are seeing one of the strongest Eid travel surges in recent seasons,” said Imtiaz Hussain, CEO of Pinoy Tourism UAE. “The overlap of school holidays with Eid has extended average trip durations to five to eight days, compared with the traditional three to four-day Eid getaway.”
Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, said families are making the most of the holiday overlap. “With Eid Al Fitr coinciding with spring break, we’re seeing families extend their trips to seven to 10 days, rather than the usual long weekend getaway,” he said.
This year, Eid is expected to fall on March 18 or 19, depending on the moon sighting. If observed on March 18, UAE residents will enjoy a four-day long weekend.
Destinations in demand
Safeer Mohammed, General Manager of Smart Travels, said many families are opting for visa-on-arrival destinations for convenience. “Countries offering visa-on-arrival for UAE residents remain the most popular,” he noted. “Next comes Russia, as many families want their children to experience snow and are looking for budget-friendly packages. Beach destinations like Phuket and Krabi are also in high demand.”
Raheesh Babu noted that Europe is also trending this year. “Switzerland, France, Greece, Spain, and even Japan are emerging as top choices,” he said. “For shorter breaks, Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, and Singapore remain family favourites.”
Imtiaz Hussain added that Turkey, particularly Istanbul and Cappadocia, is popular among UAE travellers, and that Southeast Asia is performing well thanks to attractive flight pricing.
All-inclusive packages
Travel companies report that UAE residents are increasingly opting for hassle-free, all-inclusive packages and are willing to pay a premium for the convenience.
“Demand has shifted towards packages that include flights, airport transfers, breakfast, and accommodation,” said Raheesh.
Safeer Mohammed highlighted that fixed departure packages are gaining popularity for their better value. “If customers book flights and plan activities themselves for CIS countries, it can cost around Dh4,000,” he said. “Our all-inclusive fixed departure packages, however, cost about Dh3,000.”
Imtiaz Hussain added that many travellers are opting for multi-city itineraries to maximise experiences. “During peak travel periods, customers increasingly prioritise convenience, reliability, and well-organised travel experiences,” he said. “Families are focusing on comfort and curated experiences rather than simply hunting for the cheapest deal.”
He also noted that flexible installment options have made it easier for travellers to plan holidays without paying the full amount upfront.
They agreed that for short-haul destinations, the average spend ranges from Dh2,900 to Dh4,500 per person. “For premium destinations like Japan or Europe, budgets range from Dh7,500 to Dh12,000 per traveller,” said Raheesh.
Last-minute travel
Experts advise flexibility for those seeking last-minute deals. “Be flexible with your destination and travel dates,” Raheesh suggested. “Booking six to 12 days before travel can sometimes secure better airfares.”
Imtiaz added that travellers should act quickly once they find a good deal. “Confirm bookings immediately, as Eid inventory moves fast,” he said. “I also recommend using licensed travel agencies, especially during peak seasons.”
Safeer urged travellers to check the validity of travel documents. “Many people reach the airport only to find their passport doesn’t have six months’ validity,” he said. “Some countries even require Emirates ID validity.”
