Numerous residents are choosing staycations over traditional vacations, capitalizing on the enticing offers provided by hospitality groups in the UAE. Syrian expat Aiham Joratli is one such resident who relishes going on staycations every two weeks. In a conversation with Khaleej Times, he shared his inclination towards staycations instead of international travel. Joratli mentioned, “I’ve already indulged in several staycations this summer and intend to take a few more before my kids go back to school. My wife and I enjoy going on staycations every two weeks to break the monotony. We’ve stayed in various hotels across the UAE and sometimes revisit our favorite ones.” However, Joratli did travel with his family to London a few months back, having secured his tickets and accommodations early. “This approach allows me to get the best deals since we are a family of five. For the summer, we specifically planned a few staycations. We know that international travel during summer often costs two to three times the usual price,” said Joratli, who works in an automotive company.
Residents in the UAE are availing themselves of significant hotel discounts, up to 40 percent off on rooms and villas, along with free access to gyms, kids' clubs, rooftop pools, and live entertainment. “Last week, I stayed at a hotel in Dubai. Again, I found excellent deals, and we enjoyed our stay thoroughly. Staycations are really useful in breaking the routine, and we manage to get the best prices during these months. In two weeks, we might explore another emirate,” added Joratli. Similarly, Sharjah resident Umm e Aiman and her family opted for a staycation because her husband’s holiday allowance was about to expire. She said, “We decided to visit Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts due to their great summer offers. We stayed for two nights, and our children had a fantastic time at the water park. We were pleasantly surprised to see many other families there for staycations.”
Experts in the hotel industry have observed that some UAE residents are increasingly preferring staycations over traditional vacations. Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, noted that this trend has been particularly noticeable over the past few years and continues to grow. “Several factors contribute to this trend. First, the convenience and reduced travel time of staycations appeal to many residents who prefer a quick getaway without the hassle of international travel. Second, the UAE boasts a plethora of world-class hotels and resorts that offer exceptional amenities and experiences, making it unnecessary for residents to travel abroad for relaxation,” said Purcell. He explained that residents are drawn towards properties that offer unique experiences and high-quality amenities. “Hotels with sea views, private villas, and apartments with comprehensive facilities are particularly popular. Our hotel, for instance, has seen a significant increase in bookings for its Summer Sea-View Staycation promotion, where guests can enjoy stunning views, beautiful accommodations, exceptional dining, and one-of-a-kind heritage.”
Tourism experts highlighted that staycationers include a segment of UAE residents who are unable to travel abroad due to costs, unavailability of leave, or simply a preference not to travel. These individuals often choose accommodations near malls to make the most of their stay. Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, said, “Many residents invite family members over to Dubai during the summer because it’s one-fourth of the price during the winter and season time.” Mahtani mentioned that one of the appealing aspects is the ease of securing restaurant reservations, and the fact that the malls are not overly crowded.
