UAE Hotels Fully Booked for Eid Al Fitr as Staycation Demand Soars
The UAE's hospitality sector is witnessing an exceptional surge in demand for staycations as residents take advantage of the extended Eid Al Fitr holidays and the lingering pleasant weather.
Hotels across the country are reporting near or full occupancy, with some properties already confirming 100% bookings for the festive period.
With UAE residents expected to enjoy a five-day holiday from March 29 to April 2, and public sector employees in Sharjah granted an additional day off, the demand for local leisure stays has skyrocketed. Booking.com data from March 26 revealed that 77% of Dubai's accommodations were already booked for the holiday period, particularly in prime locations such as Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. Hotels Witness Full Capacity for Eid
Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Central Hotels and Resorts, confirmed that hotels under his management have been maintaining over 80% occupancy, with a guaranteed 100% full house during Eid Al Fitr. He attributed this success to strategic marketing initiatives, collaborations with online travel agencies, and attractive discounts of up to 45% across platforms.
Similarly, Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah are experiencing a record-breaking surge, with 95% bookings already secured and full capacity expected throughout Eid and beyond. Iftikhar Hamdani, General Manager, highlighted that despite the seasonality of Ramadan, March saw an impressive 90% occupancy rate, demonstrating sustained local interest in premium staycations. 'We regret to inform that no rooms remain available at either property for the Eid period,'
said Hamdani, emphasizing that demand has far exceeded expectations. Competitive Rates & Changing Preferences
The affordability of luxury stays has further fueled the staycation trend. Online travel marketplace Wego reported a 54% drop in average Dubai hotel rates during Ramadan, leading to a 3% increase in staycation searches. Notably, 4-star hotels are the top choice, accounting for 40.15% of bookings, as travelers prioritize quality and value.
Additionally, the UAE's appeal extends beyond its residents. European travelers from the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, alongside visitors from neighboring GCC countries, are contributing to the high occupancy levels. Spring Break & Last-Minute Rush to Boost Bookings
Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotels, noted that the timing of Eid aligns perfectly with global spring breaks, making it an attractive period for family travel. He expects a strong last-minute booking surge, with occupancy levels projected to reach 85-90% across his properties.
Luxury hotels, including Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, are also experiencing heightened interest, particularly from families and residents seeking upscale celebrations. UAE's Tourism Momentum Extends Through April
The pleasant weather has prolonged the UAE's peak tourism season, with strong demand expected to continue beyond Eid. Industry leaders anticipate that the trend of staycations and increased international arrivals will further solidify the UAE's status as a top-tier global hospitality destination.
For those still looking to book a last-minute staycation, options are dwindling fast, with only limited availability in select locations. As the first long holiday of the year approaches, the UAE's hospitality sector is set to experience one of its most successful Eid seasons yet.
News Source: Khaleej Times
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