8 of the most popular Eid... | Connecting Travel

Data shows shift towards active holidays

Demand by UAE travellers for destinations that offer more than just relaxation is rising ahead of Eid Al Adha, according to data from Middle East travel app Wego, as travellers look to make the most of the long weekend, which begins Thursday, 5 June and extends until Sunday, 8 June.

While Eid Al Adha has always been a key travel period for UAE residents, this year is showing a “clear shift” towards destinations that offer more than just white-sand beaches and five-star spas.

“Travellers are seeking immersive experiences, cultural depth and visa-friendly convenience,” according to Wego’s Chief Business Officer, Mamoun Hmidan.

This is backed by recent data from Dnata Travel, which shows holiday bookings from the UAE over the Eid holiday rising 15% compared to last year, with travellers choosing short-haul destinations that offer convenience and value.

Within easy reach of the UAE, Wego points to Baku in Azerbaijan, Tbilisi in Georgia and Yerevan in Armenia as culture-rich cities rising in popularity, offering visitors the “perfect blend of affordability, accessibility and charm”.

This reflects the findings of the Connecting Travel Insight Report, which lists Azerbaijan and Georgia in the top 10 outbound markets from the GCC in 2025.

Based on Wego’s real-time search data, here are the top eight destinations UAE residents are looking to travel to this Eid:

1. Baku, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's capital Baku continues to draw UAE travellers as a destination that has unique appeal, affordability and is just a short flight time away. Flights from the UAE increased by 32.8% in 2024, with the emirates ranking third. The country is benefiting from new flights from Middle East airlines such as Dubai-based Air Arabia, which began a service in 2024, and with the recent COP29 taking place in Baku, the capital has seen the arrival of a burst of new hotels and attractions. UAE nationals get 90 days of visa-free access, making it a hassle-free destination for spontaneous getaways, while the average airfare of US$274 (AED1,007) means Baku is a cost-effective trip.
Where to stay: Recently opened, the 172-key Mövenpick Hotel Winter Park Baku provides guests with easy access to Baku’s cultural and historic landmarks.
What to do: Azerbaijan Railways has resumed its Baku-Balaken-Baku route, with travellers able to explore easily the scenic northwestern region even during a short stay.

Baku in Azerbaijan

2. Bangkok, Thailand
A perennial favourite for UAE travellers, Bangkok combines traditional Thai heritage with luxury malls and action-packed theme parks, with visitors drawn to the bustling markets, golden temples and tasty street food. UAE citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days, with Thailand recently extending its eVisa scheme to allow easier online applications from UAE residents. The average airfare of US$449 (AED1,650) makes Bangkok a well-rounded choice for an action-packed escape.
Where to stay: Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is an all-suite urban sanctuary nestled within the seven-acre Nai Lert Park, and offering 52 suites – among the largest in the city – with terraces and wraparound views of the leafy park.
What to do: Southeast Asia’s first Jurassic World immersive attraction is now open on the banks of the Chao Phraya, featuring state-of-the-art animatronic dinosaurs.

White Marble Temple in Bangkok

3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia is the most-visited country in the South Caucasus for a reason. Attracting 7.4 million visitors in 2024, up 4.6% year-on-year, the country is popular with GCC travellers seeking adventure, history and cultural exploration in an affordable, accessible location. UAE travellers are likely to seek out Georgia thanks to the country’s visa-free entry up to one year, making short-term visits more convenient, while the average airfare of US$374 (AED1,375) offers great value for an enriching cultural getaway. Scenic and welcoming, capital Tbilisi charms visitors with its cobbled old town, wine culture and surrounding mountain landscapes.
Where to stay: Accor opened the Swissôtel Tbilisi in 2024, marking the premium brand’s debut in Georgia. The 130-key hotel is situated close to Rustaveli Avenue and surrounded by theatres, museums and shopping districts
What to do: The Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car has relaunched, providing a new means of transport up to Mtatsminda Park.

Tbilisi, Georgia

4. Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal in south Asia has emerged as a standout growth market for regional travellers in 2025, with Wego previously reporting searches for trips to Nepal during Ramadan had surged 215% in the UAE, compared to the same period last year. Also popular for Eid Al Adha, travellers are drawn to Nepal’s nature, heritage and spirituality, with Kathmandu, surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, presenting a peaceful escape. UAE passport holders are eligible for visa-on-arrival and the average airfare is just US$283 (AED1,040) with accommodations here equally budget-friendly.
Where to stay: The tallest hotel in the city, newly-opened Hilton Kathmandu is just a short car ride from the airport and offers 172 rooms, including suites that provide panoramic views of the Langtang Valley's mountain ranges.
What to do: For the best views of the Kathmandu Valley, tour the Unesco World Heritage site of Swayambhunath (also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’), one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal, or take a one-hour flight on an 18-seater plane over the Himalayas including Mount Everest.

Kathmandu, Nepal

5. Bali, Indonesia
There is no doubting Bali as a beach destination, but it has much more to offer, from tropical scenery to spiritual temples, art galleries to jungle adventures. What’s more, UAE citizens can now avail of a pre-approved e-visa before departure, skipping queues and making the process seamless. The average airfare is great value at US$563 (AED2,070).
Where to stay: Carved into a clifftop in Uluwatu, Jumeirah Bali offers one- and three-bedroom beachside residences with private pools and lush gardens, just steps from the Indian ocean. It’s also home to a kids’ club and Bali’s first hammam.
What to do: Uluwatu is widely considered one of the coolest neighbourhoods on the island, with access to Dreamland Beach.

Bali, Indonesia

6. Phuket, Thailand
Thanks largely to The White Lotus Effect, Phuket is becoming ever-more popular, with season 3 of the HBO show filmed partly in Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. While known for being a luxury beachside destination, brimming with white-sand beaches, upscale resorts and an easygoing vibe, there is more on offer with its old town, heritage walks, markets and temples. UAE nationals can enjoy 30 days of visa-free access, and with an average airfare of US$623 (US$2,290), the island combines comfort and charm.
Where to stay: Nestled on the secluded Cape Panwa peninsula, newly opened Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection offers 159 rooms, suites and pool villas, all with private terraces overlooking Ao Yon Bay. There’s also a pop-up beachfront bar and a flower-fringed pool with cosy cabanas.
What to do: Take a boat ride to Phi Phi in Phang Nga national Park to explore the limestone karsts. Often referred to as James Bond Island, it’s where movies Tomorrow Never Dies and The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed.

Phuket Phuket, Thailand

7. London, United Kingdom
The UK is a perennially popular year-round destination, packed with incredible historical sites, breathtaking countryside, world-class culture and distinct towns and cities, but it’s England’s capital London that is a regular pull for travellers from the UAE. Passport holders in the emirates can now enter visa-free using an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the average airfare is good value at US$815 (AED2,900), given the seven-hour flight time and city's popularity.
Where to stay: Recently reopening its historic Georgian doors as an Autograph Collection property, the Grade II-listed Montcalm Mayfair is just steps from Marble Arch and has 151 rooms including London’s only fully private hotel suite experience. Dining highlights include Lilli by Akira Back, and there’s a lovely landscaped garden.
What to do: Opening just in time for Eid, Jurassic World: The Experience at Battersea Power Station is a journey across 10 immersive zones that brings to life one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in cinema history.

London, UK

8. Yerevan, Armenia
Close to home, just a 3-hour flight away, and rich in culture, Armenia's capital Yerevan is an excellent pick for a quick and affordable escape. UAE nationals benefit from visa-free travel, and the average airfare is among the cheapest at US$232 (AED850), making it a favourite among budget-conscious travellers looking for a charming getaway. Expect tree-filled boulevards, European-style cafes and wine bars, numerous museums and temples and views of snow-capped dormant volcano, Mount Ararat, from all parts of the city on a clear day.
Where to stay: For an elevated stay within walking distance of tourist attractions, the Courtyard by Marriott Yerevan Hotel has 172 rooms and suites, a restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine, a gym with views of the city and a spa.
What to do: For family fun, the Vertis Art Center has paint and pottery studios, escape games and immersive Armenian folk art experiences.

Yerevan, Armenia