As the upcoming Eid al-Adha break is likely to stretch up to nine days, the big question is are the UAE residents still getting ready to pack their bags and dash off to the airport for a quick getaway amid the fresh attacks by Iran? It’s been barely 26 days since the ceasefire talk began and on May 4th, Iran once again fired missiles and drones at the UAE. Where does this leave the residents who had been excited about a long Eid weekend that usually sees a spurt in short international vacation and relaxing staycations within the country.
Travel agencies claim they are recording high levels of enquiries with residents planning more of the extended holiday without making any commitment to long-haul travel and there hasn’t been a big impact on that.
Short Getaways are in
According to industry analysts, the majority of travellers are opting to take the three to five-day trips, which focus more on destinations where there is easy access to a visa and also those with short flight times.
The scenic spots of this season include regional and nearby regions like Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Oman, as well as emerging ones like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – cool weather, Europe-like charm and of course, getting a visa free entry for most Indian and Paksitani travellers with a valid UAE residence helps.
Godly Babukutty, the Managing Director of Epic Travel, says that demand is now picking up, vindicating the previous months.
“We’re seeing a strong surge in inquiries for the upcoming Eid holidays. This is largely driven by travel plans that were postponed or cancelled after the Ramadan Eid period, creating pent-up demand,” he said.
He further stated that there will be a rise in outbound traveling, but a significant proportion of residents are still choosing to stay in the UAE.
Holiday Packages Remain Top Choice for Travellers
Holiday holiday packages with all-inclusive tourist packages remain highly sought after by consumers, especially family and group holiday travelers.
These packages normally include flights, accommodation and transfers and are not only convenient but also cost-effective.
“For select destinations, we offer fixed-departure packages that let travellers save significantly through group pricing, while others prefer customised bookings based on their travel style,” Babukutty said.
Travel agents observe that pre-planned packages are assisting inhabitants to evade the last-minute increases in prices, particularly in peak traveling seasons such as Eid.
Higher Fares Drive Surge in Early Bookings
The airfares on major routes have been on the rise, forcing many residents to make bookings weeks before.
According to the travel agencies, the prices are likely to soar as we get closer to the departure days, especially with the hot spot destinations.
This has made early planning important among the people interested in controlling costs amidst the holiday rush.
Mingled Feelings Among Inhabitants
As several inhabitants are contemplating visiting various international destinations, some are much more cautious.
The trust in traveling is high among certain people.
A resident of the UAE with more than 10 years of stay, Dimple Mehbubani said she is looking forward to visiting other countries during this Eid.
“I’m confident the situation will remain under control, and the UAE authorities consistently handle such matters efficiently”, she said.
Nevertheless, not every resident has a similar perspective.
Founder of Ladies Squad and Mom Squad Community, Zarana Joshi, said her family is inclined to stay in the country.
“Considering the current situation, we feel a staycation within the UAE would be a safer and more relaxed option this time,” she said.
“It allows us to enjoy the Eid break with family without the stress of international travel.”
Staycations as a Good Alternative
Although outbound travel is increasing, staycation remains a favourite option, enhanced by hotel offers and summer holiday offers.
Luxury 5-star Hotels and resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are set to implement Eid promotions aiming at residents who need short, hassle-free breaks that are closer to home.
According to industry observers, this twofold trend, which is export-oriented travel in addition to robust domestic tourism, indicates a change in the tastes of residents in the UAE.
Outlook for the Holiday Season
Adding to traveller confidence, Emirates has restored nearly its entire global network, with all four UAE carriers — Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia — steadily returning to full operations, signalling that the aviation sector remains on a strong recovery path.
Eid Al Adha travel rush underscores the strength of the travel industry in the UAE due to the ease of access, flexible travel requirements and seasonality.
With the extended break of a mix of short-haul travel, package deals and staycations, residents are finding various ways to maximise the extended break.
With bookings steadily increasing, it is anticipated that travel activity will continue to pick up in the run-up to the holiday season.
Read More: War, Uncertainty & Influence: How Dubai’s Creator Economy is Recalibrating
