Residents can head abroad, explore nearby destinations or enjoy a UAE staycation during the three-day break from August 28 to 30 marking Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
Three days off, no annual leave required and one final opportunity for residents to enjoy a summer break before schools reopen. With Friday, August 28, announced as a public and private sector holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday, residents who have Saturday and Sunday off will get a three-day weekend through August 30.
So, how can residents make the most of the break? Options range from a quick international getaway or a road trip across the border to Oman, to a relaxing staycation closer to home. Travel companies are offering short-break packages, while hotels and resorts continue to roll out summer deals.
Flying out for three nights
Travel companies such as Musafir.com, Holiday Factory and Travelwings are promoting short international packages to destinations including Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye and Thailand.
Three-night packages seen by start at around Dh1,200 and can go up to Dh3,000 per person, depending on the destination, hotel and inclusions. Georgia, Baku and Armenia are among the options for residents looking to fly out and return before work resumes.
Those willing to use additional annual leave have more choices. For example, a Montenegro package runs from August 26 to 31, allowing for a longer getaway beyond the three-day holiday.
Georgia remains a popular choice
Georgia continues to attract travellers from the Gulf. According to the Georgian National Tourism Administration, the country recorded 145,513 visits from GCC markets in 2025, up 3.4 per cent from the previous year.
Its roughly four-hour flight time from major Gulf cities, relatively easy entry options and mix of city, mountain and nature experiences have helped make it a popular short-break destination. Tbilisi was also recently ranked among the world’s top trending destinations for 2026.
Drive to Salalah
Southern Oman’s Salalah is another option for UAE families who enjoy long road trips. Using a rough distance of about 1,200km each way from Dubai, the full journey would cover approximately 2,400km to 2,500km.
A family car averaging 10 to 12km per litre would need roughly 200 to 250 litres of petrol for the round trip. Depending on the vehicle and where motorists refuel, families can budget around Dh600 to Dh850 for fuel.
Hotel rates can range from roughly Dh200 to Dh550 a night, based on the options reviewed. After adding two nights of accommodation, meals, border-related expenses, insurance and activities, a family of four could expect to spend around Dh3,000 to Dh4,500 on the trip.
Families can explore Salalah’s Khareef attractions, including Wadi Darbat and Mughsail, as well as the new Salalah Eye, which is scheduled to open in the second week of August. Those who prefer to avoid the long drive can also opt for flight-and-hotel packages to Salalah, with some offers starting at around Dh1,499.
Musandam for an easier road trip
Oman’s Musandam, often dubbed the “Norway of Arabia”, is a more convenient option for residents who want to cross the border without committing to the long drive to Salalah. Packages to Khasab seen online start at around Dh250, while residents can also plan their own self-drive getaway.
The three-day break gives residents enough time to leave on Thursday evening, spend one or two nights in Musandam and return on Sunday. Dhow cruises, dramatic mountain scenery and time by the water make it an ideal option for a short road getaway.
UAE hotel stays from under Dh200
Residents who would rather avoid flights and border crossings can turn the long weekend into a staycation. Cobone, an online deals platform, currently lists hotel and resort offers starting at less than Dh200.
Travel listings reviewed by show staycation packages averaging around Dh300 in Ras Al Khaimah, Dh375 in Dubai, Dh450 in Abu Dhabi, Dh495 in Al Ain, Dh500 in Ajman, Dh590 in Umm Al Quwain and Dh600 in Fujairah. Final rates will vary depending on the hotel, room type, meal plan and dates selected.
For residents seeking something a little different, Sir Bani Yas Island offers the chance to turn the long weekend into an island getaway without leaving the UAE.
Whether they opt for a short flight, a long road trip or a hotel closer to home, the August 28–30 break offers residents one final opportunity for a summer escape before regular routines resume.
