UAE holiday reshapes travel plans; families hold back while others jet off

TRAVEL AGENTS REPORT SHIFT IN HOLIDAY PATTERNS AS FAMILIES DELAY TRIPS AHEAD OF SCHOOL YEAR

The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday public holiday on Friday, August 28 is reshaping how UAE residents plan their time off, with travel professionals observing a clear split in who is heading abroad and who is staying put.

The three-day weekend applies to both public and private sector workers. Yet families are largely sitting this one out. Back-to-school preparations have made the timing awkward for households with children, leaving travel agents to report that family bookings remain subdued compared to what might normally be expected during a long weekend.

The pattern emerging instead favors couples and groups of friends, who are actively booking trips and taking advantage of the break. Travel professionals attribute this shift to deliberate planning by childless travellers who have already taken their main summer holidays and are now seizing the opportunity for a spontaneous getaway.

“We are seeing a slightly different travel pattern for the upcoming August long weekend, as it falls just before the return to school,” said Hasa Al Harthi, head of corporate and leisure at DW Travel. “Family demand has been relatively limited, with more bookings coming from couples and groups of friends who have deliberately avoided the peak summer period.”

Raja Mir Wasim, manager at International Travel Services (ITS), confirmed the same observation. “Although demand for travel hasn’t been affected, it has been priority-driven since families have taken their holidays earlier and it is now people without children who are travelling,” he said.

Travellers seeking to maximize their time off are gravitating toward destinations that offer straightforward access, reasonable pricing, and minimal logistical friction. Visa requirements have emerged as a critical factor in shaping these choices, particularly for last-minute bookings where simplicity matters most.

Phuket, the Maldives, Istanbul, and Montenegro are drawing particular interest for shorter trips, according to DW Travel’s data. Montenegro has become especially attractive after introducing visa-free access for eligible UAE residents, making it a viable option for those planning spontaneous European breaks. Some residents are extending their three-day weekend into longer trips, using the extra day to push their European holidays into September when shoulder-season pricing and weather conditions improve.

Other popular destinations include Thailand, China, London, Trabzon, and South Africa. Many travellers are converting their three-day breaks into five- to seven-day trips by combining the weekend with additional leave.

Meanwhile, opportunities remain for those booking late. Most reservations were made two weeks ago when the holiday was officially announced, but last-minute inquiries continue to arrive. Success in securing a good deal requires flexibility on multiple fronts: destination choice, airport selection, and flight timing. Premium pricing applies to popular return slots, particularly Thursday evenings and Sundays, so adjusting travel dates can yield real savings.

Domestic options continue to appeal to residents seeking convenience and affordability. Staycations within the UAE offer cost-effective alternatives that eliminate travel time and expense while still providing a meaningful break.

Visa accessibility has become increasingly central to how UAE residents select destinations. Numerous countries offer visa-free entry, visas on arrival, or streamlined visa processes for UAE residents regardless of passport nationality. The Maldives permits stays of up to 30 days without advance visa requirements. Georgia allows most UAE residents 90 days visa-free. Seychelles and Mauritius extend similar 90-day visa-free periods to standard UAE residents. Armenia permits entry without a visa or offers visas on arrival, with stays of up to 180 days possible. Azerbaijan provides e-visas or airport visas depending on passport type. Cambodia, Jordan, Nepal, Oman, and Thailand all offer visas on arrival, though eligibility may depend on nationality. Kenya requires an electronic travel authorisation approved at least 72 hours before arrival but operates a no-visa policy otherwise.

Montenegro’s visa-free arrangement for eligible UAE residents is temporary, valid until October 1, and requires three consecutive years of UAE residency, a 10-day permit, direct flight travel from the UAE, and proof of tourist booking or travel arrangements.

As August 28 draws closer, travel agents expect bookings to keep arriving. The question for late planners is how much flexibility they are willing to trade for a better deal.