Eid Al Adha travel bookings are on the rise in the UAE, with a 40% increase in holiday enquiries compared to last year, according to musafir.com, a UAE-based travel platform.
The data points to a shift in traveler preferences toward longer, experience-focused international trips, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Europe sees strong interest
European destinations are leading the charts for Eid 2025, with Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Latvia, and Budapest in high demand.
These countries, along with Japan, are considered premium travel options, offering cultural experiences, iconic landmarks, and cooler summer climates. Many travellers are planning 8–10-day itineraries, often combining multiple cities in one trip.
Families prefer shorter breaks
For families with children, destinations in the Far East—including Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong—remain popular. These offer a mix of beach resorts, urban attractions, and family-friendly amenities, and are generally easier to reach from the UAE. Most travelers heading to these locations are opting for 3–5-day getaways.
Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, said: “This year’s Eid travel trends reflect a deeper shift in how UAE residents view holidays — they want more than just a break; they’re looking for experiences. We’re seeing demand split between bucket-list Europe trips and affordable, family-friendly Asian escapes — a clear sign that customers are prioritising value and meaning.
“While family-friendly and cultural experiences continue to lead the way, there’s also a noticeable rise in travellers seeking city vibes, retail therapy, and affordable luxury, especially in urban destinations across the Far East and Europe.”
Key booking trends
- 35–40% of Eid bookings are for European countries, with Switzerland and Latvia among the top due to visa availability and strong itineraries.
- Family travel accounts for nearly 60% of bookings.
- Women-only group trips are expected to grow by 15% compared to last year.
- Solo travel remains steady, especially among millennials.
- Group tours have risen by 10% as travelers look for cost-effective options.
- 60% of travelers are booking trips 3–5 weeks in advance, driven by rising airfare costs for last-minute plans.
Local stays and budgets
As international travel costs rise, domestic staycations are also gaining traction, especially among families. Many residents are saving for VFR (visiting friends and relatives) trips later in the summer, making Eid an ideal time for local escapes. Hotel occupancy across the UAE is expected to reach near 100% during the Eid break.
Destination categories
- Luxury & bucket-list: Switzerland, France, Japan
- Cultural & family-friendly: Turkey, Bali, Malaysia
- Affordable short breaks: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan
- Emerging hotspots: Latvia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, AlUla (Saudi Arabia)
The average travel budget ranges between Dhs 3,500 to Dhs 5,500 per person. There is also growing interest in “affordable luxury”, combining comfort with cultural and curated experiences.
Most bookings continue to be made through musafir.com’s website, direct calls, or WhatsApp, with travelers seeking expert advice before confirming plans.
Babu added: “The modern UAE traveler is informed, intentional, and experience-focused. Whether it’s a city escape to Paris or a cultural deep-dive in AlUla, our customers are no longer just ‘going away’ — they’re crafting meaningful journeys.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
