UAE travellers plan longer trips, book early for Eid: musafir.com

Trade Arabia

08-05-2025

UAE residents are planning longer, experience-driven international holidays for Eid Al Adha, with a 40% increase in Eid holiday enquiries compared to 2024, according to musafir.com.
European destinations such as Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Latvia, and Budapest are attracting strong interest from UAE residents, as they offer cultural experiences and cooler summer temperatures.
Longer flight times and higher investment are driving travellers to opt for extended 8-10-day itineraries.
Shorter-haul destinations in the Far East, such as Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, are popular with families, offering beachside relaxation, vibrant city life, family-friendly attractions, and affordable luxury.
These destinations are also popular due to their proximity, visa-friendly policies, and abundance of kid-centric activities, making them a practical choice for a 3-5 day escape over the Eid break.
'This year's Eid travel trends reflect a deeper shift in how UAE residents view holidays — they want more than just a break; they're looking for experiences,' said Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com . 'We're seeing demand split between bucket-list Europe trips and affordable, family-friendly Asian escapes — a clear sign that customers are prioritising value and meaning. While family-friendly and cultural experiences continue to lead the way, there's also a noticeable rise in travellers seeking city vibes, retail therapy, and affordable luxury, especially in urban destinations across the Far East and Europe.'
KEY EID AL ADHA 2025 TRAVEL TRENDS AT A GLANCE:
35–40% of musafir.com's Eid bookings are to European countries, with Switzerland and Latvia topping the list due to guaranteed visa appointments and strong value-for-money itineraries.
Family travel dominates bookings, accounting for nearly 60%, while women-only group trips are on the rise, with an expected 15% growth over last year.
Solo travel continues to hold steady, driven largely by millennials seeking independence and flexibility.
Customised trips remain in demand for premium travellers, while group tours are seeing a 10% rise in popularity due to cost-effectiveness and convenience.
musafir.com also noted a shift toward earlier bookings, with 60% of customers confirming their plans 3–5 weeks in advance. This is largely due to the surge in airfare costs for last-minute bookings, especially for destinations like the UK, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia.
In response to increasing travel costs, domestic staycations are also on the rise — particularly among families looking to balance Eid and upcoming summer holiday budgets. With many residents planning VFR (visiting friends and relatives) trips later in the summer, Eid becomes an ideal window for local escapes, pushing UAE hotel occupancy rates toward 100% during the holiday period.
TRENDING DESTINATIONS BY CATEGORY
Luxury & Bucket-List: Switzerland, France, Japan
Cultural & Family-Friendly: Turkey, Bali, Malaysia
Affordable Short Breaks: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan
Emerging Hotspots: Latvia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, AlUla (Saudi Arabia)
Travel budgets are averaging between AED 3,500 ($952.90) to AED 5,500 per person, with increasing interest in "affordable luxury" experiences — combining comfort, culture, and curated activities.
Most bookings are still made through musafir.com's website or direct calls/WhatsApp, as travellers continue to seek advice and reassurance from holiday experts before locking in their plans.
'The modern UAE traveller is informed, intentional, and experience-focused,' added Babu 'Whether it's a city escape to Paris or a cultural deep-dive in AlUla, our customers are no longer just 'going away' — they're crafting meaningful journeys.' -TradeArabia News Service