UAE Staycation Demand Spikes: Travel Experts Report Soaring Demand for Half-Term Getaways

As the UAE gears up for its half-term school holidays from October 14 to 18 and October 21 to 25, families are increasingly opting for staycations rather than international travel.

With many private schools set to take a week off, the demand for local getaways has risen sharply.

Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, noted a 15- to 20-percent increase in staycation bookings as cooler weather approaches. Popular destinations include Dubai’s Palm areas, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and Ras Al Khaimah, with five-star hotels on the Palm being particularly sought after.

“This trend is seen annually,”

Babu added.

Alongside half-term bookings, inquiries for National Day holidays in December have also surged, with many travelers favoring visa-free destinations like Bangkok and the Maldives to avoid travel complications.

“There’s a notable 15- to 20-percent price increase already observed for December,”

Babu reported.

Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme holiday homes, echoed the trend, stating that half-term is a prime time for staycations, with inquiries increasing by 15 percent. Families are looking for properties with outdoor facilities, especially beachfront and golf course locations.

“Dubai attracts the highest number of local guests, followed closely by Abu Dhabi,”

Mahtani explained.

TravelzMind LLC's managing director, Lakshmi Annand, highlighted a new trend where families are starting their weekend getaways on Fridays instead of Saturdays. This shift has led to an uptick in inquiries for Friday check-ins, with many guests preferring to stay through the weekend.

With the upcoming break, tourism experts emphasize the importance of booking early to secure the best deals, despite some rates being non-refundable.

News Source: Khaleej Times