Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
With regional developments affecting air travel, many UAE residents are choosing to spend the upcoming holidays closer to home. Instead of flying abroad this Eid Al-Fitr, families and groups of friends are opting for short local getaways that offer relaxation without the uncertainties associated with international trips, tourism and hospitality operators told Aletihad.
The shift has led to a noticeable spike in demand for staycations across the UAE, particularly in destinations that combine natural surroundings, privacy, and family-friendly amenities, travel agencies said.
According to Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Travels, most staycation properties are already fully booked, while enquiries continue to increase as the holiday period approaches.
Booking requests mostly come from families and friends who initially had overseas holiday plans, he said.
Thekepurathvalappil said many of their clients are eyeing farm stays and private villas, particularly those offering facilities suitable for group gatherings.
“People prefer places that have play areas for children, barbecue spots, and swimming pools,” he said, adding that the rise in demand has pushed prices slightly higher.
Among the popular destinations for staycations are Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta in Dubai, and Ajman, which residents often choose for their natural landscapes, he said.
Anna Skigin, Founder and CEO of Frank Porter, said their Airbnb management company is observing a similar trend this Eid.
Families are increasingly opting for local staycations where they can easily travel by car and still enjoy a relaxing holiday experience, she told Aletihad.
“We are seeing new demand coming in from residents across different emirates who are looking for comfortable homes where they can spend quality time together,” she said.
However, Skigin noted that this shift is not limited to Eid. “We anticipate that internal travel across the UAE will continue to grow in the coming weeks, as residents remain cautious about making international plans."
Farah Sulaiman, a Dubai resident, said she was planning to travel to London with her sister and friend, but their flight was cancelled until further notice.
“With the current situation, we decided to cancel our plans. Instead, we are heading to Liwa for a farm stay with our families, it is actually a nice opportunity to explore more places within the UAE and spend time together here,” Sulaiman said.
