As UAE residents prepare for the Eid Al Etihad break, outbound demand for winter travel is surging with bookings up 53 per cent year-on-year across local and international holidays.
According to recent data from dnata travel, the Maldives, Thailand, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are the most booked destinations for the 2025 holiday period.
The Maldives continues to dominate with bookings more than doubling compared to the same period last year. dnata Travel attributes the spike to aggressive pricing from resorts during what is traditionally a peak season.
Current offers include 30–50 per cent savings at several private island properties.
Thailand remains a strong “winter sun” option, supported by improved direct connectivity from the UAE to Phuket and Krabi.
Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said travellers are stretching their plans beyond the long weekend. “With the expectation of a longer school holiday this December, we’re seeing customers combine their Eid Al Etihad break with the wider winter period for extended stays or multiple trips,” she said.
UAE travel demand surges ahead
Weather remains the main driver for the Maldives and Thailand during early December, while the UK continues to attract UAE travellers for its festive markets.
Demand for Umrah packages is pushing Saudi Arabia into the top rankings, and Sri Lanka is seeing momentum for longer, better-value itineraries.
Closer to home, Ketait said travellers are shifting away from city hotels. “A trend we’re witnessing is a focus on resort properties outside major urban centres, particularly in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.”
Beyond Eid Al Etihad, dnata Travel reports rising demand through the wider winter season for the Seychelles, South Korea, the Netherlands, the US and Finland. European winter markets and ski destinations are rebounding while interest in Finnish Lapland is growing for specialised Arctic experiences.