Musafir sees UAE travel trend for Eid...

Eid Al Fitr expected to fall 30 March 2025, giving UAE residents a four-day weekend

With the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday fast approaching, and the fact that this year Eid coincides with the school holidays, travellers from the UAE are seeing airfares and hotel costs to the most popular destinations rise sharply, according to travel firm Musafir.

Depending on the moon sighting, Eid Al Fitr may likely begin on 30 March 2025, meaning UAE residents would have a four-day weekend.

Musafir says 60% of residents are looking at trips overseas but there is also a growing desire for spontaneous staycations and experiential escapes with family and friends. That could be because high demand and therefore prices are making international travel less attractive.

That picture does not match earlier data from Dnata Travel, which said in February 2025 that more travellers from the UAE were travelling overseas for Eid Al Fitr in 2025, with 90% making international bookings compared to just 60% in 2024.

One explanation could be that early bookers were indeed looking at more international getaways and that savvy shoppers are now waiting for last-minute bargain breaks or simply seeking a staycation alternative to travel outside the peak period.

RAK on the rise for staycationers
Expedia's Spring Travel Outlook shows Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most popular for staycations, with RAK seeing searches on the platform increase 240% compared to last year. The northern emirate is a popular staycation choice thanks to its beach, desert and mountain offering.

In Dubai, hotels are gearing up for high occupancy from both residents and guests inbound from the GCC and European key source markets.

Thomas Kurian, director at LEVA Hotels, says the lifestyle brand is expecting occupancy rates to hit as high as 90%, with half of rooms already taken for Eid, but a flurry of late bookings expected.

Kurian says they have noticed a preference for breaks closer to home for a stress-free break with families.

“Travellers are becoming more value-conscious, looking for flexible packages, all-inclusive options and personalised touches that enrich their holiday experience,” he said. “We have carefully curated our offerings to align with these evolving preferences.”

Searches spike for Maldives
In the Middle East, Expedia says Bahrain and Cairo are top choices thanks to their history, culture and close proximity.

The White Lotus Effect is also pushing Phuket up the agenda while the Maldives, just a four-hour flight from the UAE, is also proving incredibly popular for an extended long weekend break, with searches up 515%.

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the Madlives

For those wanting to avoid the rush, Expedia says breaks in May offer potential cost savings, and travelling on 20 March and 12 April 2025 should be more affordable, while 3 April 2025 will be the most expensive.

Booking between six and 12 days before travel can save 21% on air fares, and Tuesdays are the quietest day to travel, according to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks.

For more information, visit www.expedia.ae

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