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Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha 2025: Luxury staycations in the UAE
In spite of the rising temperatures, Eid Al Adha, the final holiday before the summer break begins, is going to be a boon for hotels offering staycations as people opt for luxury stays around the country before their travels abroad. Kostas Nikolaidis, senior account manager at CoStar, a global provider of real estate data, analytics, and news, told KT LUXE: 'Current occupancy data indicates strong uplift and booking demand between June 6 and June 10. Dubai occupancy on the books versus the same days last year is 7 per cent higher, with the peak days of June 6 and June 7 already 37.3 per cent and 38.9 per cent booked. Similarly, Abu Dhabi occupancy on the books level is trending 4 per cent higher than last year with Saturday peaking at 33.2 per cent.' He said that demand for accommodation will continue to ramp up as the dates approach. 'Domestic staycations are expected to be one of the main demand drivers coupled with a good share of international visitors primarily from neighbouring GCC countries.' Meerah Ketait, head of retail and leisure at dnata, said that while the majority of bookings this Eid Al Adha are for outbound travel, staycations account for around 8 per cent of total holiday bookings. 'While international travel dominates the Eid period, the local holiday market holds steady as a compelling option for those looking to unwind closer to home,' she said. For one thing, the UAE's travel and leisure sector has adapted to accommodate even the hottest moments. 'Despite the summer heat, many [travellers] are drawn to the UAE's luxury resorts and indoor experiences that are well-equipped to offer a cool and relaxing environment,' she added. 'Beachfront hotels in Dubai, along with escapes to Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi, continue to attract demand thanks to their all-inclusive packages, shaded pools, wellness offerings, and kids' activities, all designed to help guests beat the heat while enjoying a memorable break.' Have family or friends coming over for the holidays, or just looking for a sweet summer sojourn? KT LUXE rounds up some of the most luxurious offerings across the Emirates. Whether you are into urban escapes, desert landscapes, or island retreats, we've got you covered. W Mina Seyahi, Dubai The luxurious beachfront destination is offering special Eid deals that are perfect for romantic getaways or family fun alike with half board packages at special rates. 'Occupancy is expected to reach 100 per cent during Eid, underscoring the growing popularity of local staycationers as families choose to remain in the UAE to avoid travel hassles, enjoy familiar comforts, and make the most of exclusive Eid offers,' said cluster director of market strategy, Gustavo Pereira. A staycation at Mina Seyahi gives families a beach retreat while being just minutes from the city's attractions. Half board packages include daily breakfast and dinner at a handpicked selection of Dubai's best dining destinations, plus access to pools, the beach, and the much-loved Jungle Bay waterpark. From Dh1,669 per night. Use discount code D60 at Anantara World Islands, Dubai This plush hideaway offers guests the chance to feel like they're escaping to a luxurious tropical island, while being just a short boat trip back to Dubai's mainland. Luxurious villas, which go up to a massive 471sqm (for the four-bedroom Beach Pool Villa), are reminiscent of Thailand, offering guests private pools, expansive social settings, and luxurious finishings. Sonia Sammut, the resort manager, said: 'Eid is a time for connection, reflection, and celebration — and we've created the perfect sanctuary for all of that at Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. What makes our resort truly special for Eid is the balance it offers. You're just a short boat ride away from the heart of Dubai, yet you can retreat to the island for peace, privacy, and meaningful moments with loved ones. There's something truly magical about waking up to the sound of the sea, enjoying breakfast with uninterrupted views of the Dubai skyline, and ending the day with a family dinner under the stars.' From Dh1,910 per night. UAE and GCC residents get up to 35 per cent off on the staycation package. Ritz Carlton Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah This spot is an Emirates favourite, allowing guests to get up close to Ras Al Khaimah's breathtaking nature and wildlife. Luxurious villas offer families a home away from home, where they can enjoy views of the rolling sand dunes, lounge next to private pools, and just generally relax and unwind. This Eid, the property is offering an Eid Rainforest Serenity Retreat, with an escape to a private Pool Villa, indoor rainforest access, villa breakfast, and a rejuvenating 60-minute spa session for two. From Dh2,800 per night. The package is valid for stays between June 1 and 9 The Lana by Dorchester Collection, Dubai This summer, The Lana is offering a guaranteed double room upgrade at the time of booking, plus daily breakfast by chef Jean Imbert or a Middle Eastern selection — served in-room or at Riviera. Indulge in exclusive experiences, from arriving in style with a Rolls-Royce transfer to unwinding at the region's first Dior Spa, or savouring the elegant afternoon tea overlooking the Dubai skyline. 'Eid is the perfect time to take a break without going far — and The Lana offers just the kind of refined escape many are looking for. We're seeing more guests from across the UAE join us for a staycation that blends the best of both worlds: the excitement of the city and the calm of a luxury retreat,' said general manager Richard Alexander. 'With beautifully designed rooms, thoughtful service, and access to some of Dubai's most sophisticated dining and leisure experiences, The Lana makes even a few days in the city feel truly special.' From Dh1,500 per night. Offer valid from June 1 to September 20. Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi Al Maya Island Resort, a serene oasis nestled off the natural island of Al Maya in Abu Dhabi, is just a short boat ride from the city. A haven for those seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, it offers an island hideaway in ultimate luxury. Guests can enjoy beach activities with complimentary kayak and stand-up paddle boards, perfect for exploring the island waters. Families can enjoy beach activities, including beach volleyball and football. Guests can also explore the island on two wheels with the free bike hire. From Dh3,145 (for one-bedroom villas). Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai Guests can enjoy a special Eid discount with up to 20 per cent savings on the Jumeirah Flexible Rate at one of Dubai's most iconic destinations. Offers are on a bed and breakfast with two children aged 11 and below staying free. All guests at the architectural landmark that has put Dubai on the global tourism map enjoy signature butler service, access to SAL Beach Club, Jumeirah's private beach, and Summersalt Beach Club as well as free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. From Dh3,700 per night. Park Hyatt, Dubai With the Eid Staycation Offer, guests at Park Hyatt Dubai can enjoy a staycation in the heart of old Dubai, just minutes away from some of the city's main attractions. The waterfront retreat on Dubai Creek is offering bed and breakfast with free room upgrades over the break along with 20 per cent savings at Park Hyatt Dubai's exclusive restaurants, welcome beverages at the scenic NOÉPE, two-hour early check-in, and two-hour late check-out. From Dh1,275 per night (for the Park Suite) Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai One of the emirate's most glamorous spots, this beach resort is, according to the Michelin guide, 'as lavish as they come'. In addition to the hotel's private beach, signature spa and pool, there is Michelin-starred dining at Tasca by José Avillez. The Royal Penthouse is one of the city's most luxurious, spanning 850sqm and located on the rooftop. Offering a huge terrace and plunge pool, it is an urban escape within easy reach of all the city's best attractions and nightlife.
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE Eid Al Adha travel bookings rise 15% as short-haul beach destinations surge
Travel demand from the UAE is climbing ahead of Eid Al Adha, with dnata Travel reporting a 15 per cent increase in holiday bookings compared to the same period last year. The company said overall travel demand during the Eid break is 30 per cent higher compared to regular periods, reflecting appetite for outbound travel during key public holidays. 'Eid continues to be one of the busiest travel periods in the UAE, and this year is no exception. We're seeing consistent year-on-year growth, driven by travellers who are increasingly strategic about how they plan their holidays,' Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure at dnata Travel said. Maldives, Turkey lead UAE travellers' Eid Al Adha destination choices for 2025 Short-haul beach destinations dominate the bookings, with most trips averaging around four days. The most booked destinations include Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Turkey, Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan – all reachable within a four- to six-hour flight from the UAE. 'The data shows a clear preference for short-haul travel during Eid, with most trips averaging around four days. Travellers are being intentional – choosing destinations that offer convenience and value now, while planning longer, more in-depth holidays for the summer season from July onward,' Ketait said. While short-haul escapes remain popular, dnata Travel also notes demand for longer-haul destinations such as Italy, France and Spain in the West, as well as Thailand and Japan in the East. Trip duration trends show that travellers are booking around four days for nearby getaways, and up to six days for distant holidays, depending on the destination. To cater to the demand, dnata Travel has launched curated Eid holiday packages that combine value and flexibility for families, couples, and solo travellers: Sri Lanka from AED 2,730 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Avani Kalutara Resort with daily breakfast Thailand from AED 2,810 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi with daily breakfast Turkey from AED 2,990 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus with daily breakfast Maldives from AED 4,090 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Kuramathi Maldives with daily breakfast and return speedboat transfers Mauritius from AED 6,270 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at The Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay Resort & Spa with daily breakfast and dinner Travellers are encouraged to book early, as limited availability and rising demand are expected to drive bookings over the coming days.
Arabian Business
02-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
dnata Travel partners with Maldives tourism board as UAE travel demand surges
dnata Travel has entered a new partnership with the state-owned Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) ahead of the peak summer travel season. The collaboration comes as the Indian Ocean archipelago reports first-quarter visitor arrivals up 33 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to MMPRC. The partnership aims to capitalise on the strong travel corridor between the UAE and the Maldives, which remains a year-round destination for UAE travellers with notable increases around Eid holidays, summer school breaks and the September shoulder season. Maldives-UAE travel corridor strengthened by new dnata partnership The campaign, running from April to July 2025, will offer UAE travellers exclusive holiday packages, promotions and curated experiences across dnata Travel's digital and retail platforms. 'The Maldives continues to be one of the most in-demand destinations for UAE travellers, and the momentum is only accelerating as we head into summer. Through this partnership, we're excited to deliver even more value to our customers – from limited-time offers to insider access – at a time when interest in the destination is surging,' Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel said. Data from dnata Travel indicates UAE travellers, particularly families and high-profile guests, prioritise privacy, exclusivity and luxury – attributes aligned with the Maldives' one-island-one-resort concept. Maldives tourism authorities report increasing demand from UAE travellers seeking destinations combining convenience, luxury and natural beauty. The country remains popular for honeymooners, families and solo adventurers. Beyond its overwater villas, the Maldives offers cultural experiences, sustainability-focused accommodation options and diverse cuisine. Direct flights from the UAE take just over four hours, making it accessible for both short breaks and extended holidays. 'The UAE has consistently been one of our most valuable source markets, and we're thrilled to strengthen this connection through tailored experiences that showcase the diverse offerings of the beautiful 'Sunny Side of Life'. We're particularly excited to showcase how the Maldives can be reimagined for repeat visitors – with unique island-hopping itineraries, authentic cultural exchanges, and conservation-focused activities that create meaningful connections with our environment and communities,' Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at MMPRC. The Maldives achieved a milestone in 2024, welcoming more than two million tourists – a 9.1 per cent increase over the previous year, according to the country's Ministry of Tourism.
Hi Dubai
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
dnata Travel Partners with Sri Lanka Tourism to Drive Gulf Arrivals
dnata Travel has announced a strategic partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), aiming to drive more visitors from the UAE and the wider Gulf region to the island nation, as demand for Sri Lanka surges among GCC travellers. Revealed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, the collaboration follows a 28% rise in tourist arrivals from the UAE to Sri Lanka in the first quarter of the year, according to SLTDA figures. dnata Travel's own booking data shows Sri Lanka has become one of the most sought-after international destinations for UAE residents, particularly during peak travel periods. The partnership will focus on promoting curated travel experiences, destination awareness campaigns, and exclusive offers targeting Gulf travellers looking for nature-driven, wellness-focused escapes within short-haul reach. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, noted a significant increase in bookings for Sri Lanka, especially among travellers seeking quick getaways tied to school holidays and long weekends. 'Today's Gulf traveller is experience-driven, and Sri Lanka offers the right mix of culture, comfort, and adventure,' she said. A new marketing campaign, launched in collaboration with Sri Lanka-based Aitken Spence Travels, will spotlight key travel themes, from boutique wellness retreats and highland escapes to safaris and immersive cultural experiences. The move supports Sri Lanka's broader goal to diversify its tourism markets and attract high-value travellers from the Middle East. With over 70 tourism stakeholders showcasing at ATM 2025, the country is making a strong pitch to the region's leisure travel market. Sri Lanka's year-round appeal, enhanced air connectivity, and evolving tourism infrastructure position it as a rising favourite for GCC travellers in 2025 and beyond. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Tourism Breaking News
25-02-2025
- Tourism Breaking News
dnata Travel: 90% of UAE travellers choose international stays for Eid Al Fitr
Post Views: 109 As UAE travellers prepare for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr and spring break, dnata Travel is seeing a significant rise in international bookings, with 90% of customers opting for trips abroad in 2025. This marks a sharp increase from previous years, and highlights a growing preference for overseas travel during holiday periods. For Eid Al Fitr 2024, bookings were more evenly split, with 60% of travellers choosing international destinations and 40% opting for staycations in the UAE. dnata's travel experts attribute this surge in outbound travel to Eid Al Fitr aligning with the two-week spring break, allowing families to extend their holidays and explore further afield. Overall bookings – both international and domestic – have increased by 65% compared to the previous Eid holiday. The most popular destinations include the Maldives, Spain, Mauritius, France, and Sri Lanka, respectively. Meanwhile, Vietnam, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland are seeing the highest year-on-year growth in demand. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: 'One of the key travel trends for 2024 and 2025 is growing demand for long-haul destinations. Travellers are booking longer stays in more distant locations, with many looking for unique and less-explored parts of popular travel hotspots. 'For Eid Al Fitr and the extended spring break in 2025, we're seeing strong interest in cities like Madrid in Spain and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. More travellers are approaching our experts this year to check off bucket-list destinations, while making the most of longer holiday periods with family and friends.' To meet this rising demand, dnata Travel has launched a range of bespoke holiday packages for UAE travellers with availability still open for Eid Al Fitr and the extended spring break period this March and April. Highlights include four and five-star stays in popular short-haul destinations in the Maldives and Cyprus, and long-haul locations including Mauritius, Spain, Bali, and Hong Kong. Highlight offers include: • Maldives – A four-night water villa stay at Sun Siyam Olhuveli on a full board basis, including return flights, island transfers, and a kids stay and eat free offer, from AED 6,790 per person. • Bali – A luxury five-star stay for three nights at The Kayana in a Deluxe Pool Villa, including return flights and a complimentary dinner for two, from AED 3,840 per person. To explore more trending holiday destinations and packages from the UAE with dnata Travel, visit For more travel advice and inspiration, contact the dnata Travel experts via call or WhatsApp on 800 DNATA (36282), on social media @dnataTravel, email holidays@ or visit a dnata Travel retail outlet, with stores located across the UAE.
