From cool mountain escapes to lush seasonal landscapes, these are the destinations UAE travellers are choosing.
As the UAE prepares for its next long weekend, travellers are moving beyond traditional beach getaways and seeking cooler destinations with unique landscapes and experiences. While Salalah remains a favourite, other emerging escapes are also gaining popularity.
The UAE’s upcoming public holiday is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH). The midweek holiday could create an extended break for residents looking to plan a late-August getaway.
The decision is no longer just about choosing a destination — it is about finding the right experience. Travel agents in Dubai say holidaymakers are looking for a change in both weather and mindset, using the mid-year break as an opportunity to recharge and reset.
Salalah leads the list, but travellers are exploring beyond Oman
Ipshita Sharma of SCN Travel & More says Salalah remains the top choice for UAE travellers, but holidaymakers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional favourite to discover Oman’s mountains and destinations further afield, including Bhutan, Kathmandu and Sri Lanka’s hill regions.
She said travellers often remember trips that offer unique experiences, such as misty mountain drives, quiet beaches, tea plantations and Himalayan landscapes.
Neha Joseph of Sharaf Travel believes southern Oman’s capital continues to stand out because of its unusual weather conditions. She described Salalah as the region’s only true climatic escape, with the Khareef season bringing cooler temperatures, mist, light rain and waterfalls while much of the Gulf experiences extreme summer heat.
For travellers seeking a monsoon-like atmosphere without travelling too far, Salalah remains the closest option for a complete weather change.
Other cool escapes gaining attention
Beyond Salalah, destinations offering cooler climates, higher altitudes and slower-paced experiences are gaining popularity.
Sharma recommends Oman’s Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams for mountain retreats, along with Bhutan, Kathmandu, Sri Lanka’s Ella and Nuwara Eliya. She also highlights lesser-explored destinations such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Pondicherry for travellers seeking more distinctive experiences.
Joseph also points to Jebel Akhdar, describing it as an altitude escape rather than a monsoon destination. The area offers cooler temperatures, terraced farms, hiking trails and scenic mountain villages.
She also recommends Bandar Al Khairan near Muscat, known for its fjord-like coastline, hidden coves and marine activities including snorkelling, dolphin watching and dhow cruises.
Making the most of a short break
For a three-day holiday, travel experts advise choosing destinations that do not involve long travel times.
Sharma recommends matching the destination with the available time, noting that nearby road trips and Oman getaways can maximise the holiday by reducing time spent in transit.
For flights, she suggests selecting destinations with convenient connections and exploring one region rather than attempting an overly packed itinerary.
Joseph says Salalah is particularly suitable for a short break, with direct flights taking less than two hours. She recommends planning a three-night stay, with an early morning departure allowing travellers to arrive by midday and enjoy two full days along with a relaxed final morning.
Visiting Salalah during peak Khareef season
The popularity of Salalah during Khareef also means higher demand. Sharma says hotels fill quickly, prices increase and major attractions can become crowded during the peak season. She recommends booking early, travelling during weekdays and exploring beyond the most popular routes.
Joseph also suggests visiting during late August or early September, after the busiest period, to enjoy fewer crowds and better accommodation availability. She recommends booking 4×4 excursions to discover quieter wadis and viewpoints away from the main tourist areas.
