Rental Rates for Farm Stays Across UAE Double Ahead of Eid as Families Choose Countryside Escapes
Dubai, UAE — Rental rates for farm stays across the United Arab Emirates have surged dramatically in the run-up to the Eid Al Fitr holidays, nearly doubling in many popular rural destinations as families increasingly choose countryside getaways over city-based celebrations, transforming how residents observe one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar.
With the long Eid weekend approaching in March, demand for outdoor retreats — particularly farm stays and private villas with open spaces where children can play and families can gather — has shot up dramatically, leaving many properties fully booked weeks ahead of time and forcing late planners to either pay premium rates or adjust their holiday expectations. Traditionally a time for family gatherings, barbecues, and relaxed outdoor living, Eid celebrations are increasingly centred on these peaceful settings rather than crowded urban venues like malls and hotels.
Sharp Price Hikes Ahead of Eid
According to industry insiders and reservation data from multiple booking platforms, nightly rental prices that would normally range between Dh2,000 and Dh3,000 have risen steeply to more than Dh5,500 per night at many farm stays across the UAE, with some premium properties commanding even higher rates as demand outstrips supply.
In some sought-after locations, including Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta, Fujairah, and other scenic countryside areas known for their natural beauty and cooler temperatures, owners reported prices climbing even higher as properties filled up quickly with families eager to secure their preferred dates. The price surge reflects basic economics of supply and demand during peak holiday periods.
Several families told local media they had struggled to find available accommodations and were surprised by how high rates have climbed compared with previous years, when farm stays were still considered a relatively niche option rather than mainstream holiday choice. The rapid transformation of the market has caught some regular travellers off guard.
One resident from Ras Al Khaimah shared that what was once a reasonably priced booking of around Dh2,500 per night now carries a tag of over Dh5,000, and many options were already snapped up weeks before the holiday, leaving few choices for those who hadn’t planned ahead. Another family from Sharjah said they had to put off their farm stay plans entirely after discovering that available properties were demanding between Dh6,000 and Dh6,500 for just a single night — a sum that exceeded their entire holiday budget.
Why Farm Stays Are Trending
Operators and customers alike say the trend toward farm stays reflects a broader shift in how residents want to celebrate key holidays like Eid, moving away from consumerist experiences toward quality time with loved ones. Instead of spending time in crowded malls or city hotels where public spaces are shared with strangers, many families are opting for private outdoor spaces where children can roam freely, groups can enjoy barbecues without reservation constraints, and relatives can stay together overnight under one roof.
“Farm stays offer the freedom and space that city environments simply can’t match,” said a manager of a popular property in Hatta, a mountainous enclave known for its cooler climate and stunning landscapes. “Guests can enjoy swimming pools, barbecue setups, projector screens for movie nights, and even extra tents for children — all in a private setting where they can relax without worrying about disturbing others or being disturbed.”
This shift isn’t just about space — it’s also about the experience of reconnecting with nature and loved ones. Friendly gatherings around bonfires, outdoor games that engage multiple generations, and quality family time away from screens are key draws for people booking these properties. For many, the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life during the festive break is worth paying a premium that might otherwise be spent on international travel.
The privacy factor also appeals to families who may have members with different comfort levels regarding public gatherings. A private farm stay offers control over the environment that hotels cannot match.
Strong Demand Leads to Early Bookings
Farm stay owners say bookings for the Eid weekend have been coming in unusually early this year, reflecting both heightened interest and perhaps some anxiety among travellers about availability. Many properties reported being fully booked several weeks before the holiday, with most reservations made by large family groups and groups of friends travelling together who needed to coordinate multiple schedules.
Another operator from Ras Al Khaimah noted that inquiries for farm stays began nearly a month in advance, a stark contrast to previous years when bookings tended to ramp up closer to the holiday itself as people made last-minute decisions. This year’s pattern suggests that farm stays have moved from impulse purchase to planned destination in the minds of UAE residents.
Part of this surge in interest is likely driven by favourable weather conditions in March, which make outdoor activities more comfortable during both the day and night. Mild temperatures and pleasant evenings create an ideal environment for barbecues, outdoor games, and late-night gatherings that would be impossible during the summer months, further enhancing the appeal of farm stays.
Looking Ahead: Holiday Trends and Travel Choices
While the spike in farm stay rentals highlights one popular option for Eid celebrations, it also reflects broader changes in how people plan holidays in the UAE, with domestic tourism becoming an increasingly important part of the travel landscape. With international travel costs — including flights — also rising sharply during peak holiday periods, many residents are choosing local experiences instead of flying abroad or spending on luxury hotels that may offer less value for money.
This trend toward staycations and domestic travel has been growing for years but appears to have accelerated as residents discover the variety of experiences available within the UAE’s seven emirates. From desert camps to mountain retreats to coastal villas, the country offers diverse options that compete with international destinations.
The farm stay phenomenon also benefits local economies in rural areas, bringing tourism spending to communities that might otherwise be overlooked. Property owners, local suppliers, and service providers all gain from increased visitor numbers.
Whether this trend will continue post-Eid remains to be seen, but for now, rural retreats and private outdoor living have become some of the most sought-after ways to mark one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. If this year’s booking patterns are any indication, farm stays are likely to remain a fixture of Eid celebrations for years to come.
Tips for Future Bookings
For those hoping to book farm stays for future holidays, operators recommend:
- Booking early — several months in advance for peak periods like Eid
- Being flexible with dates if possible to access better rates
- Considering weekdays rather than weekends for lower prices
- Checking multiple platforms to compare rates and availability
- Reading reviews carefully to ensure properties meet expectations
Also Read: UAE Eid al-Fitr 2026 Holidays Announced: March 20-22 Expected as Official Break
Conclusion
The surge in farm stay bookings and prices ahead of Eid reflects a genuine shift in how UAE residents want to celebrate holidays — with family, in nature, and away from crowds. While the higher prices may frustrate some, they also signal the growing popularity of domestic tourism and the value people place on quality time with loved ones.
Eid in the countryside: peaceful, private, and priced at a premium.
