Eid Al Adha holiday in UAE: Why more residents are making Europe travel plans

With Eid Al Adha around the corner, UAE residents are making travel plans, and Europe seems to be the top pick this year. According to musafir.com, there has been a 40 per cent rise in Eid holiday enquiries compared to last year, which shows a growing desire for longer, experience-filled holidays.

Countries like Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Latvia, and Budapest are in top of the list as residents look for cooler climates, iconic landmarks, and cultural experiences. Japan in the far east is also gaining traction as a dream destination.

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According to travel experts, most of these travellers are choosing eight to 10 day trips to explore more than one city and to make the most of their journeys.

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“People are not just looking for a break. They want an experience,” said Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com. “There is a growing demand for both once-in-a-lifetime European trips and short, affordable getaways in Asia.”

Meanwhile, popular destinations such as Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong also remain favourites for families. “These locations offer an ideal mix of beaches, vibrant city life, family friendly attractions, and affordable luxury. Their short flight times and visa-friendly policies also make them attractive for three to five-day holidays,” said Babu.

The data also shows that 35 to 40 per cent of Eid bookings are to Europe, with Switzerland and Latvia leading due to smoother visa processes and value-for-money itineraries. Family travel makes up nearly 60 per cent of bookings, while women-only trips are growing, with a 15 per cent increase expected from last year.

Solo travel remains popular, especially among millennials seeking independence. Group tours have also seen a 10 per cent rise, driven by convenience and cost-effectiveness.

A growing number of people are planning earlier too, about 60 per cent are booking three to five weeks in advance to avoid soaring airfares for last-minute travel, especially to places like the UK, India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

The data also revealed that with travel getting more expensive, domestic staycations are also rising, particularly among families who want a break without stretching their budgets before summer holidays. UAE hotels are expecting near-full occupancy during Eid.

Trending destinations are now being grouped by themes:

Luxury or bucket-list: Switzerland, France, Japan

Cultural or family-friendly: Turkey, Bali, Malaysia

Affordable breaks: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan

Emerging hotspots: Latvia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, AlUla

Travel budgets range between Dh3,500 to Dh5,500 per person, with more people seeking affordable luxury — mixing comfort, culture, and curated activities.

Fly Dubai has launched holiday packages starting from Dh2,249, covering destinations like Krabi, Langkawi, Baku, Istanbul, and the Maldives. These include return flights and hotel stays, with bookings open until May 15 for travel between June 5 to 9.

According to David Ganji, managing director of The Holidave Travel, countries like Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Baku, and Uzbekistan are gaining popularity for their scenic beauty, easy visa processes, and cultural depth.

“These places are under four hours away and offer real value. People want meaningful travel without the hassle,” he said.

“Georgia remains an all-time favorite with its picturesque mountains, vibrant cities, and visa-free access for UAE residents, perfect for a quick yet enriching escape. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are emerging as hidden gems, offering breathtaking summer landscapes and authentic nomadic experiences, both accessible with visa on arrival,” added Ganji.

Plan out your dates

Considered the holiest day in Islam, Arafah Day — which falls on Dhul Hijjah 9 — will be a holiday in UAE. This will be followed by a three-day break for the Islamic festival Eid Al Adha (Dhul Hijjah 10-12). The two holidays combined will translate into a 4-day break.

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. According to astronomical calculations, Arafah Day is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5. The Eid Al Adha break will then run from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8. However, official dates are subject to sighting of the Moon.

SM Ayaz Zakir

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ayaz@khaleejtimes.com

SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.