UAE holiday boom unfolds as 54th National Day sparks record travel bookings
Exclusive 11.11 Super Sale launches with discounts on flights and visas
DUBAI – As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th National Day, residents are already setting their sights on distant shores.
The long weekend is seamlessly merging with the winter school holidays, creating an extended season of travel excitement. According to musafir.com, the UAE’s leading travel platform, holiday bookings have surged by 35% compared to last year. The rise reflects a shift toward longer, experience-led journeys that combine relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery.
Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, said, “The period right after National Day has become the official start of the UAE’s winter travel season. Families plan extended breaks, schools close, and people are eager to make the most of the cooler months. This year, we’re seeing a clear shift – UAE residents aren’t just travelling for leisure; they’re travelling for experiences that stay with them.”
What’s trending this season?
Cruises have emerged as the UAE’s preferred winter escape, blending luxury and exploration with unmatched convenience. Popular among families and corporate groups, these voyages offer all-inclusive itineraries that combine multiple destinations in one effortless trip. Many companies are now organising incentive cruises for 200 to 250 guests, creating shared experiences focused on bonding and leisure.
Starting from Dh1,299 per person, musafir.com’s 3–7-night cruise packages offer routes to Muscat, Khasab, Doha, and Bahrain. These packages include visa-free travel, curated excursions, and round-the-clock entertainment. For families and groups, such journeys provide variety without the usual travel logistics – no repeated check-ins, no airport queues – just smooth sailing across the Arabian Gulf.
Beyond the seas, UAE residents are exploring both long-haul and regional destinations. Vietnam and Japan are leading long-haul choices, admired for their culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty. European favourites such as Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Budapest, and Switzerland continue to draw travellers seeking festive atmospheres and traditional Christmas markets.
Where are travellers heading?
Regionally, destinations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt are seeing significant demand. Events such as Riyadh Season and the Qatar Winter Festival are transforming these countries into vibrant cultural and entertainment hubs. North African gems like Tunisia and Morocco are gaining traction among those seeking rich heritage, art, and desert adventures.
Emerging destinations are also on the radar. Latvia and Uzbekistan have become new favourites among younger travellers drawn to discovery-driven and affordable experiences. This growing trend reflects a deeper desire for meaningful, authentic travel.
Planning habits are shifting too. With Schengen visa processing now taking up to eight weeks, more travellers are booking well in advance. Musafir.com reports that 30% of its customers are now securing European holidays early, a notable departure from the UAE’s traditional last-minute trend.
Trip lengths vary: 65% of travellers choose five- to seven-day itineraries, while 45% prefer short three- or four-night getaways. Families account for 35% of all bookings, couples 30%, groups of friends 15%, and solo travellers 12%. Younger travellers, aged 22 to 27, are increasingly drawn to curated packages starting at Dh2,999 and affordable cruise options.
How are staycations evolving?
Within the UAE, staycations continue to thrive. All-inclusive family packages and theme park getaways at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and LEGOLAND Dubai remain in high demand, offering convenient alternatives for those preferring to stay closer to home.
To meet the surging demand, musafir.com has rolled out its highly anticipated 11.11 Super Sale, running until 14 November 2025. The promotion features discounts across flights, hotels, visas, and holiday packages. Travellers can enjoy 11% off UAE tourist visas, Dh111 off global visa assistance and December holiday bookings, and Dh1,111 off twin bookings for Vietnam and UAE National Day packages.
“We’re seeing travellers value both price and experience, and that’s exactly what our 11.11 sale delivers,” Babu added. “Whether it’s a weekend cruise or a long-haul European holiday, we want to make memorable travel accessible to everyone.”