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Last Updated: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 6:42am
The emirate of Abu Dhabi is emerging as a new home holiday destination ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. That’s according to Emirates Travel, who say the capital’s new island is increasingly seen as a go-to location for hotels to aggressively market their properties.
Many residents prefer to choose to enjoy short breaks on their doorstep, as hotels offer all-inclusive accommodation deals specially designed for their clients.
With Eid al-Fitr expected to fall this June and residents likely to get a six-day holiday depending on lunar observations, many are already optimistic about planning their short-term stay.
Reena Philip, general manager of Air Travels Enterprises, said: “There are inquiries for weekend accommodation deals throughout the year and they answer before any festive time, especially before the two Eid holidays. Some families want to go to Al Ain, Fujairah And Ras Al Khaimah … parts of the northern emirates are raining, so a lot of people like to visit those areas as well.”
“However, Abu Dhabi is also becoming a sought-after accommodation destination. The new island has nice five-star hotels… high-end. Some people want to holiday in Dubai, also because the hotels will lower prices on weekends. In the capital , Yas Island properties are highly sought after. Those who have not been to Yas Island and visited the attractions there are asking about Yas Island properties. People also want to live in Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi Natara hotels. All the beach properties in Abu Dhabi are in short supply,” she added.
There is a lot of inbound traffic from the subcontinent as schools in India are about to go on summer break.
Travel agents say people often want to take their relatives on vacation because traveling abroad with someone on a visitor visa requires more paperwork.
Lakshmi Anand, managing director of Ascentia Travel & Tours, said: “People come from India and when they have a visitor visa, their families usually go on holiday. More and more choices of destinations. Abu Dhabi is popular because they are promoting tourism heavily. Then people who stay in Yas island hotels get free entry to amusement parks like Ferrari world and Warner bros or Yas waterworld. There are also some people who don’t want to travel abroad, they prefer to spend their holidays at home.”
“RAK and Fujairah hotels are full and in high demand. Oman is also a destination of choice. UAE residents drive to Oman. Oman also includes Salalah, it’s not limited to Muscat. Five days late,” Anand added.
Travel agencies reiterated that despite a drop in demand for staycations during the summer peak, when people generally prefer to travel abroad, hotels in the UAE are expected to experience close to 100 per cent occupancy, mainly driven by demand from residents for staycations.
Rashida Zayed, vice president of operations at musafir.com, said: “Due to the local weather conditions at that time of year, the demand for staycations is (usually) not very high, especially in June. demand, especially on Yas Island.” However, tour operators have highlighted that occupancy and prices are likely to rise towards dates closer to the festive weekend, which has already indicated a gradual increase.
“It’s a trend we’ve been seeing. Besides the pre-festive season there is usually a spike in booking requests because people are booking at the last minute,” adds Philip.
Also read:
Eid al-Adha in the UAE: How employees can convert 6-day holidays into 9- or 10-day holidays
Dubai: All private schools to close on June 26 ahead of Eid holidays? khda clarifies rumors
Emirates flights: Ticket prices double during summer holidays, Eid holidays
UAE Eid break: Travel agencies receive inquiries for next long weekend
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