Enjoy greenery, waterfalls in Saudi, Oman from Dh1,099

Eid holiday

 Eid Holiday in UAE: Explore the Greenery and Waterfalls of Saudi Arabia and Oman from Dh1,099

As the summer heat intensifies, residents of the UAE are finding respite in the cooler climates of Abha in Saudi Arabia and Salalah in Oman. These enchanting destinations are becoming increasingly popular for the Eid Al Adha holiday, offering an ideal escape with their lush landscapes and refreshing weather.

Travel industry executives have reported a significant uptick in bookings for both destinations. Rashida Zahid, Vice-President of Operations at Musafir.com, noted, “We are witnessing a 15 percent increase in Salalah bookings and a surge of 30 percent for Abha compared to last summer. This data suggests a significant rise in travellers seeking unique summer escapes within the region.”

Salalah and Abha provide a compelling alternative to the usual summer hotspots, attracting visitors with their cooler climates, breathtaking scenery, and unique cultural experiences. The Eid Al Adha group departures to Salalah, in particular, have been a hit, with many group packages already sold out.

Meenu Krishna, outbound sales manager at Rooh Tourism, shared, “We have many group packages scheduled during the summer months. However, during the Eid Al Adha break, we have sold out our seats.” The growing interest is also evident in the daily enquiries received by Gulf Transport Company, which operates a bus service to Salalah. An operator at the agency mentioned, “There are many passengers traveling to Salalah currently. When the Khareef season hits on June 15, we can expect the bus to run at full capacity.”

Several factors are driving the increased interest in these destinations. One major factor is the convenience of road trips or short flights, allowing residents to complete their trips within three days—an important consideration for those who cannot take extended leaves from work. Additionally, the difficulty in obtaining visas for many countries and the high cost of airfare to other popular destinations have made Salalah and Abha more attractive options.

Meenu Krishna highlighted, “Many countries require prior visa approvals. Citing the case of Schengen countries, it is highly difficult to plan a trip now. So due to this, residents opt for colder weather in winter months.” She also pointed out the cost benefits, “A trip to Europe may cost between Dh4,000 and Dh12,000. However, a trip to Abha or Salalah for three days is priced from Dh1,100 up to Dh2,500, depending on the mode of transportation and accommodation.”

The combination of natural beauty, cooler temperatures, and affordability makes Salalah and Abha perfect summer getaways for UAE residents. As the Eid Al Adha holiday approaches, more and more people are looking to these destinations to provide a refreshing break from the summer heat, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating experience.