As the Eid Al Fitr holiday approaches, UAE residents are gearing up for an exciting getaway, with numerous quick travel destinations just a short flight away. With the holiday set to take place from March 29 to April 2, 2025, many are looking to escape the routine and explore new locales, whether for adventure, cultural experiences, or relaxing beach retreats.
One of the top destinations is AlUla in Saudi Arabia, recognized as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the northwest desert, AlUla is rich in history, featuring well-preserved Nabataean tombs that date back to the first century BCE. Visitors can explore stunning rock formations, including the iconic 52-meter Elephant Rock, and immerse themselves in the lush AlUla Oasis. For those seeking adventure, activities such as hot air balloon rides, dune buggy tours, and visits to the Dancing Rocks in Raggasat Valley are on offer. During Eid, AlUla will come alive with concerts, desert night experiences, and special festivities, making it an ideal getaway for culture and nature lovers alike.
Baku, Azerbaijan, is another popular choice for UAE residents looking for a vibrant city break. Just a 3-hour and 15-minute flight away, Baku offers a unique blend of modern architecture and historic charm. Travelers can stroll through the UNESCO-listed Baku Old City to explore its rich heritage or visit the iconic Bibi-Heybat Mosque. UAE expatriates can enter visa-free, while other visitors can apply for an eVisa online or opt for a visa-on-arrival, both costing approximately Dh140, ensuring a smooth arrival.
For those craving a tropical escape, Sri Lanka presents an enticing option with its pristine beaches, tea plantations, and vibrant wildlife reserves. With a flight duration of about four hours and fifteen minutes, travelers can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, or exploring ancient temples and cultural sites. Recently, Sri Lanka extended its visa-free entry policy for 35 nationalities, allowing eligible travelers to stay for up to 30 days with a single-entry tourist visa. UAE residents are encouraged to apply for the free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival for a smoother entry process.
If a beachside retreat is what you desire, the Maldives is calling. Known for its crystal-clear waters and luxury villas, the Maldives is just a 4-hour and 15-minute flight away. Travelers of all nationalities can receive a 30-day visa on arrival, free of charge. Many resorts are offering exclusive Eid packages, such as the Sirru Fen Fushi resort, which is hosting an Eid-themed experience from March 29 to April 7, 2025. This includes Arabic-speaking hosts, cultural events, and a special kids-stay-free offer. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast and dinner at Raha Market, with a special Eid-themed dinner on March 30. Alternatively, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers unique experiences like sunset fishing, semi-submarine adventures, and rooftop cinema nights, ensuring a memorable family getaway.
Armenia is also a favorite among UAE residents, particularly for its snow-capped mountains and ancient archaeological sites. With return flights starting from Dh500, it's an affordable option for a quick break. Over 40 nationalities can travel to Armenia visa-free, while some UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID can obtain a 21-day visa on arrival. Those ineligible for these options can apply for an eVisa online or through a travel agent, making it a convenient option for a short holiday.
Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is bracing for an unprecedented surge in holiday travel, expecting over 3.6 million passengers to pass through its terminals from March 26 to April 7, 2025, coinciding with Eid Al Fitr and the spring break for schools. The busiest day is anticipated to be Saturday, April 5, with 309,000 guests expected. Daily traffic will average around 276,000 passengers, with departures during Eid week projected to rise by 19 percent compared to usual weekly volumes over the past month.
To facilitate the high volume of travelers, Dubai Airports is promoting the new DXB Express Maps, a smart tool designed to provide real-time directions across terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can easily locate their gates and access information on dining and retail options, as well as nearby facilities. Enhanced services are also available for individuals of determination, including accessible routes and discreet support from trained staff.
Hotels across the UAE are reporting strong occupancy rates during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, with some properties achieving "confirmed 100 percent" occupancy. As residents increasingly opt for staycations to enjoy the pleasant weather, data from Booking.com indicates that 77 percent of accommodations in Dubai were fully booked from March 30 to April 2. Central Hotels and Resorts reported that they are maintaining over 80 percent occupancy, with a confirmed 100 percent occupancy for Eid Al Fitr.
Average hotel rates in Dubai during Ramadan have dropped by 54.04 percent year-on-year, driving a three percent increase in local staycation searches, according to online travel marketplace Wego. Notably, 4-star hotels dominate preferences, accounting for 40.15 percent of bookings. Abdulla Al Abdulla, chief operating officer and general manager of Central Hotels and Resorts, noted that strategic marketing efforts, collaborations with online travel agencies, and discounts have been key in attracting guests during Eid.
In addition, Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager of Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, stated they are witnessing exceptionally strong demand for staycations, with current bookings at 95 percent and expectations to close the Eid period at full capacity. This trend reflects a growing preference among UAE residents for local leisure experiences, even during traditionally quieter periods like Ramadan.
As the holiday approaches, the hospitality sector is poised for a significant boost, with families and travelers from neighboring GCC countries expected to flock to popular destinations. With pleasant weather, spring school holidays aligning globally, and the first extended holiday since New Year’s, there’s no better time for UAE residents to explore their options for a memorable Eid Al Fitr break.
