Travel bookings from the UAE have surged by 35 per cent for the upcoming winter season as residents take advantage of the longest-ever school break to combine National Day, Christmas, and New Year holidays. With schools set to close for nearly a month, from 8 December to 4 January, many are planning extended trips, transforming December into a new peak travel period.
Early Bookings and High Demand
Travel agents report that bookings for December have already reached high levels, with many residents securing their plans early to avoid soaring fares and limited availability. This marks a significant shift from the last-minute booking trends observed in previous years. Data from musafir.com shows that nearly 30 per cent of travellers have already booked their winter holidays well in advance.
“Seats are filling fast for both the National Day and the Christmas-New Year period,” said Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel. “Even if travellers are willing to pay, they may not find seats at the last minute.” He noted that families began their holiday planning much earlier this year due to the extended school break.
Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, added that the winter travel season now effectively begins immediately after the National Day holiday. “Families plan extended breaks, schools close, and people are eager to make the most of the cooler months,” he said. “This year, we are seeing a clear shift as UAE residents aren’t just travelling for leisure, but they are travelling for experiences that stay with them.”
Popular Winter Travel Destinations
This season, travel patterns show a split between long-haul cultural trips and short regional getaways. The need for early planning is also underscored by Schengen visa processing times, which can take up to eight weeks.
Long-Haul and European Favourites
For those seeking immersive cultural experiences, Vietnam and Japan are top choices due to their scenic beauty and rich heritage. In Europe, traditional favourites like Paris, Rome, Lisbon, and Budapest continue to attract visitors with their famous Christmas markets and festive atmosphere. Switzerland and Italy also remain popular destinations.
Regional Getaways and Emerging Hotspots
Closer to home, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt are experiencing a travel boom, driven by major events such as Riyadh Season and the Qatar Winter Festival. The appeal of regional travel is also set to grow as the GCC approves a ‘one-stop’ travel system for visitors and residents. North African countries like Tunisia and Morocco are also in demand, while Latvia and Uzbekistan are gaining traction among younger, adventure-seeking travellers.
Cruises Emerge as a Top Choice
Cruises are quickly becoming one of the season’s most popular options, particularly for families and groups. Three to seven-night cruise packages to regional ports like Muscat, Khasab, Doha, and Bahrain are available, with prices starting from approximately Dh1,299 per person.
According to booking data, families account for 35 per cent of total reservations, followed by couples, groups of friends, and solo travellers. The most common trip duration is five to seven days, preferred by 65 per cent of travellers, while others opt for shorter three or four-night breaks.
As the holiday season approaches, travel experts advise residents to finalise their plans soon. “Demand is strong for both periods in the winter months, and prices are already on the higher side,” said Raja. “There are still options, but travellers should book as soon as possible.”
