Inquiries for staycations within the UAE have surged by at least 15 percent as families start planning their half-term vacations. Numerous private schools are scheduled to have a break from Monday to Friday, either from October 14 to 18 or October 21 to 25, providing students and their families with a much-needed break from their academic routines for nearly nine days. The decision to implement a half-term break differs among schools in the UAE, with some opting for a full week off and others choosing a long weekend, as long as they meet the minimum required school days—182 days for international curriculum schools.
Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, noted, “By October, the weather in the UAE will become more favorable, resulting in a 15 to 20 percent rise in demand for staycations. Instead of traveling abroad during the short break, more people are now choosing to stay within the country and enjoy staycation experiences.” He mentioned popular destinations such as Dubai’s Palm areas, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and Ras Al Khaimah. “Properties on the Palm are especially in high demand, with a preference for five-star hotels. This trend repeats annually,” he added.
Bookings for National Day holidays in December have already commenced, according to travel experts, “with many opting for visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations to avoid travel complications. Popular choices include Bangkok, CIS countries, and the Maldives.” Babu further stated, “Even for the longer December break, the demand is already evident, with a 15 to 20 percent price increase in December, as indicated by our data.”
Tourism experts emphasized that residents have a plethora of options, ranging from world-renowned properties like the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, luxurious hotels on Yas Island, and Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, to hidden gems in Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme holiday homes, said, “Half term is always a good time for staycations as the weather improves, with inquiries already having increased by 15 percent. People who couldn’t leave the UAE opt for properties with outdoor facilities, whether beach properties, assets on golf courses, or properties where one can explore on foot.”
“In addition, we also see international tourists coming for their half-term breaks as the weather starts to get better. Dubai attracts the most local guests, followed by Abu Dhabi,” he added. Mahtani mentioned that with the changing season, a significant increase in rates is expected until Easter next year. “The key is—if you know when you want to go—book early and take advantage of early booking discounts,” he advised. However, he cautioned, “If you want a deal, most of these come as non-refundable rates.”
Another travel executive observed that, with Friday often being a half day for many employees and students, it is frequently seen as the start of the weekend. It’s a popular choice for leisure activities in the evening, making it an ideal day for family outings and starting staycations. Lakshmi Annand, Managing Director of TravelzMind LLC, said, “The demand for staycations is growing. In the past, people usually looked for staycation deals starting on Saturday. However, a new trend shows that more individuals are now interested in Friday deals too. Consequently, we have seen a surge in inquiries for Friday check-ins. Many guests prefer to stay from Friday through Saturday and return on Sunday evening.”
