As the UAE gears up for National Day on December 2, residents are eagerly anticipating another long weekend. This year, National Day falls on Monday, and with both December 2 and Tuesday, December 3 designated as public holidays, UAE residents will enjoy a four-day break when combined with the weekend.
The excitement for this extended holiday is palpable, and many are looking to travel.
Advance bookings on the rise
Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer of Wego, told Dubai Newsweek: “This year, we’re seeing a notable shift in traveller behaviour, with bookings being made around two months in advance for National Day. This represents an earlier planning window, reflecting growing confidence and enthusiasm for travel.”
Airfares drop compared to last year
In addition to selecting their destinations, travellers are benefiting from favourable airfare trends this year. Wego’s Chief Business Officer pointed out that compared to last year, airfares have decreased significantly for popular locations.
Mamoun Hmidan
“We see that the airfares from the UAE to India have decreased by 2%, 4% to Egypt, 9% to Saudi Arabia, and around 15% cheaper to Thailand this year.”
This drop in prices is encouraging many to book trips, as they can secure better deals for their preferred travel experiences.
Top five travel destinations
As residents begin to finalize their plans, it’s evident that they have a diverse array of destinations in mind.
Hmidan shared that the top five destinations UAE residents are considering for the National Day holidays are:
- India
- Pakistan
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
- Thailand
He noted that these choices reflect a blend of family visits, cultural exploration, and leisure travel, catering to the varied interests of the community.
When it comes to activities during the National Day holidays, travellers are seeking a mix of relaxation and cultural immersion.
Hmidan elaborated, “Popular choices include beach getaways at luxury resorts, cultural and historical tours in destinations like Egypt and Turkey, shopping and city breaks, family vacations at theme parks, and adventure experiences such as desert safaris and hiking.”
This variety highlights a desire for both leisurely retreats and engaging explorations during the holiday.
The travel landscape also revealed a split in preferences between budget-conscious travellers and those seeking luxury experiences.
Saudi Arabia
Hmidan observed, “Many travellers are opting for cost-effective options, especially for shorter trips or family vacations, where budget-friendly destinations and deals take priority. On the other hand, we also see a strong interest in high-end, luxury travel, with many people choosing to explore leisure destinations that offer exclusive resorts, personalized experiences, and premium services.”
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As National Day approaches, it’s clear that the combination of an extended holiday and lower airfares is fuelling a vibrant travel season for UAE residents, offering them a chance to explore new destinations or reconnect with loved ones while enjoying the holiday spirit.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
