DUBAI: As Eid Al Fitr 2025 approaches, dnata Travel reports a significant rise in outbound travel, with 90% of UAE travellers choosing international holidays over staycations.
This marks a sharp increase from the previous year when 60 percent travelled abroad and 40 percent stayed within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Overall bookings – including both international and domestic travel – have surged by 65 percent compared to the last Eid holiday. The Maldives, Spain, Mauritius, France, and Sri Lanka rank as the top five most sought-after destinations. Meanwhile, Vietnam, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland have recorded the highest year-on-year growth in demand.
The increased preference for overseas trips is attributed to Eid Al Fitr coinciding with the two-week spring break, allowing families to extend their vacations.
Rising demand for long-haul travel
Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, highlighted a growing trend towards long-haul destinations. “Travellers are booking longer stays in farther locations, with many seeking unique and less-explored parts of popular hotspots. Madrid in Spain and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam are among the trending cities this year.”
She added that more UAE holidaymakers are taking advantage of extended breaks to tick off bucket-list destinations while travelling with family and friends.
Exclusive holiday packages
To meet rising demand, dnata Travel has introduced bespoke packages with availability still open for Eid and the extended spring break in March and April.
- Maldives – Four-night stay in a water villa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli on a full-board basis, including return flights, island transfers, and a kids stay and eat free offer, from Dh6,790 per person.
- Bali – Three-night luxury stay at The Kayana in a Deluxe Pool Villa, including return flights and a complimentary dinner for two, from Dh3,840 per person.
These packages include both short-haul and long-haul stays at premium destinations.