Why UAE Families Are Choosing To Stay Local During The October School Break

For many UAE families, the October school break represents a chance to relax at home without the pressure and expense of a foreign holiday.

Instead, parents are spending time discovering their own country, including beaches, parks, heritage areas and entertainment options in their local area.

The emirates' wide variety of outdoor and family-friendly activities offer parents an easy alternative to a long-haul holiday this year.

For many households, the focus during October is on having a relaxing school break with their children and keeping their options open.

Families Look For Simpler Holiday Plans

With working parents often feeling the pressure of a busy life during the school year, the midterm break is often seen as a chance for slow mornings, shared meals and relaxed days for everyone.

The UAE's mix of beaches, deserts, modern attractions and heritage sites provides families with plenty of choices without leaving their country.

Local Trips Offer More Time Together

As well as providing a chance to escape the rigours of a demanding school year, for some parents staying in the UAE presents an opportunity to help their children experience and learn more about their home country.

A beach picnic, waterfront walk or trip to a heritage area can all be valuable opportunities for a family to spend time together, while also discovering the culture and traditions of the United Arab Emirates.

Families can also look to keep some activities at home, such as cookery, reading, watching films or simply sharing a conversation in the evenings, free from the pressures of school.

Outdoor Activities Become More Attractive

As temperatures become more comfortable, outdoor activities are growing in popularity as families look to spend time together during the October break. Beaches, parks, walks and cycle paths are all great ways for families to enjoy the outdoors.

Beaches, Parks And Cycling Among Popular Choices

Some families are taking advantage of the cooler mornings to go for walks and bike rides with their children.

Morning walks and trips to the beach can be especially pleasant in October as temperatures tend to be far more comfortable than they will be later in the day.

Families who are looking for a chance to spend time together indoors can also look to alternative entertainment options, such as bowling, cinema and other family-friendly events, when they are looking for a change.

Home-Based Activities Help Families Keep Costs Down

Not all families are opting to plan a busy itinerary of activities for the October school break.

For some households, staying in the UAE is all about spending time with their children at home.

Reading, crafts, cookery and movie nights are all great ways to keep kids entertained without breaking the bank, particularly when combined with occasional days out at local beaches or parks.

Affordable UAE Attractions Make Local Breaks Easier

Families who are staying in the UAE can enjoy a huge variety of cost-effective or even free attractions, from beaches to parks and cycling trails.

A day trip can also provide a chance for a change of scenery without the expense of an overseas holiday.

Families who want a more traditional holiday experience can also enjoy a local staycation without the stress of longer travel times.

Why More Families Are Rethinking The October Break

The decision for a family to stay in the UAE is reflective of a growing trend of more families choosing to spend their October break at home.

For parents, the benefits of a staycation include flexibility and the ability to spend more time with their kids without having to compromise on their school or work commitments.

The growing demand for staycations in the UAE during the October school break, with bookings for local staycations up 31 per cent year-on-year, suggests the decision for UAE families to enjoy their break in-country could be growing in popularity.

Dubai accounted for the largest share of domestic staycation bookings, followed by Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.

A Break Focused On Family Time

Every family is making different decisions about how to spend their October school break, but the overriding trend highlights that, ultimately, everyone wants to spend as much time as possible with their kids without making it too stressful for their families.

Whether it is a morning at the beach and an afternoon in a park or simply a chance to spend time at home or enjoy a local staycation, the UAE offers families plenty of different ways to enjoy this school break without travelling overseas.