Eid Al Fitr Travel Trends in UAE

Eid Al Fitr

As the possibility of a nine-day break for Eid Al Fitr in April draws near for UAE residents, there's a surge in demand for travel, with all-inclusive nine-day holiday packages gaining traction among travelers. According to industry experts, bookings for this upcoming break have more than doubled compared to the levels seen in 2023.

dnata Travel, based in Dubai, has observed a notable increase in outbound travel bookings, with a significant shift towards international destinations. In previous years, there was a relatively equal split between opting for a staycation and traveling abroad during the Eid break. However, this year, 60 percent of all bookings are for outbound travel, with only 40 percent for local stays.

Musafir, an online travel agency, has also witnessed a surge in inquiries for Eid holiday packages, particularly longer ones spanning the nine-day break. Approximately 30 percent of bookings are for extended holiday packages, reflecting the anticipation among UAE families. Raheesh Babu, the COO of Musafir, highlighted the alignment of Eid Al Fitr holidays with school spring break as a contributing factor to the increased demand for extended vacations. Customized packages to destinations offering easy visa procedures are on the rise due to fixed group departure dates.

For travelers booking with Musafir, countries offering visa on arrival or quick e-visas to UAE residents are preferred due to affordability and convenience. Popular combinations include Azerbaijan and Georgia or Armenia and Georgia for longer breaks spanning seven to nine days. All-inclusive packages for these destinations range from Dh9,000 to Dh13,000 per person, depending on the location and duration of the trip. European countries such as Greece, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy are among the top choices for combined packages, while Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are favored for longer itineraries, with options to explore multiple cities or countries.

dnata Travel has identified Maldives, Thailand, Italy, Mauritius, and the US as the most sought-after destinations for holiday bookings over the Eid break. Meerah Ketait, head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata, noted that travelers are planning their trips further in advance, with long-haul destinations across Asia and the USA being particularly popular. The Indian Ocean islands of Maldives and Mauritius, along with Thailand, remain perennial favorites due to their tropical climates and accessibility from the UAE. Additionally, Italy and the USA are trending for the upcoming Eid break, with travelers showing interest in cities like Rome, Venice, New York City, and Las Vegas.

In summary, the anticipation of a nine-day break for Eid Al Fitr has fueled a surge in travel demand among UAE residents. Both dnata Travel and Musafir have reported a significant increase in bookings for international destinations, with travelers opting for extended vacations. Preferences lean towards countries offering easy visa procedures, with combined packages to European, Asian, and American destinations being popular choices for travelers seeking diverse experiences during the holiday period.