UAE National Day Travel Demand Soars
<p>As the UAE prepares for the National Day celebrations on December 2–3, demand for staycations has reached record levels. Hotels across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates are witnessing a major spike in bookings, with overall holiday reservations rising by <strong>35% compared to last year</strong>. The long weekend, combined with the upcoming school break, has encouraged many residents to plan extended family holidays within the country.</p><p>For many UAE residents, National Day marks the unofficial beginning of the winter travel season. According to travel experts, this period has become one of the busiest times of the year. “Right after National Day, the winter travel season officially starts. Families look for longer breaks, and the pleasant weather encourages both short trips and week-long holidays,” shared Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com.</p><p>The trend clearly shows a shift in how residents plan their vacations. Even though international travel options are expanding, domestic tourism remains extremely popular due to convenience, cost savings, and premium experiences offered by local hotels.</p><h3><strong>High Occupancy Across Hotel Categories</strong></h3><p>According to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai’s hotels are performing exceptionally well this year.</p><p><strong>Five-star hotels reported 77% occupancy</strong></p><p><strong>Four and three-star hotels averaged around 79%</strong></p><p><strong>Hotel apartments reached 81–82% occupancy</strong></p><p>Dubai’s total available hotel room inventory as of September 2025 stood at <strong>152,342 rooms</strong>, reflecting constant expansion to meet rising demand.</p><h3><strong>New Hotels Boosting the Travel Boom</strong></h3><p>A number of new luxury hotels have opened recently, adding fresh experiences for holidaymakers. Some of the notable additions include:</p><p><strong>Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab</strong></p><p><strong>Six Senses Residences The Palm</strong></p><p><strong>Ciel Dubai Marina</strong>, the world’s tallest hotel-only tower, opening on November 15</p><p>Upcoming launches such as <strong>Delano Dubai</strong> and <strong>Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai</strong></p><p>These properties are taking advantage of the holiday demand by offering unique Emirati- and desert-inspired experiences. Desert resorts have already sold out their National Day packages, offering attractions like falconry shows, Arabic coffee ceremonies, and cultural storytelling evenings. Mountain resorts in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are also reporting high bookings for adventure activities, hiking, and cultural workshops.</p><h3><strong>Staycation Packages Remain a Top Choice</strong></h3><p>Family-friendly packages, especially those combining hotel stays with theme parks, are among the most in-demand offers this year. Attractions such as <strong>Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi</strong> and <strong>Legoland Dubai</strong> are seeing heavy interest in stay-and-play bundles.</p><p>For many residents—especially expatriates—local holidays are more cost-effective than international travel. Rising airfare prices have made staycations highly appealing. Travel agents note that an expatriate family of four traveling to India may have to spend <strong>around Dh12,000 on flights alone</strong>, while a luxury beach resort stay within the UAE costs around <strong>Dh8,500</strong>, including meals and activities. The reduced travel stress and more leisure time also make domestic travel attractive.</p><h3><strong>Holiday Homes and Airbnb Also See Demand Spike</strong></h3><p>Hotels aren’t the only sector benefiting from the increased travel demand. Holiday homes, Airbnb rentals, and serviced apartments are seeing a <strong>35% rise in searches</strong>, compared to the previous year. Premium villas in Palm Jumeirah and Saadiyat Island are now priced between <strong>Dh5,000 and Dh7,000 per night</strong>, yet many are already booked.</p><h3><strong>Travellers Booking Earlier Than Before</strong></h3><p>One major shift brought on by rising demand is early planning. Travel platforms report that <strong>30% of residents</strong> are now booking National Day and winter holidays months in advance. This marks a significant change from the UAE’s traditionally last-minute booking habits.</p><p>Current trends also reveal the preferred length of holidays:</p><p><strong>65% of travellers choose 5–7 day vacations</strong>, combining National Day with extra leaves.</p><p><strong>45% of travellers prefer shorter 3–4 day staycations</strong>, focusing solely on the long weekend.</p><p>Experts say residents are now prioritizing better experiences and planning ahead to secure the best deals. With cooler weather, newly opened resorts, and limited availability, early booking has become essential.</p>