Schools across the UAE will close for nearly a month, from December 8 to January 4, marking the longest winter break yet. This has prompted residents to transform the season into an extended travel period. Travel experts informed Khaleej Times that December has emerged as the new peak travel season. Bookings have surged by 35% as residents blend National Day, Christmas, and New Year holidays into a lengthy getaway.
“Following National Day, the UAE’s winter travel season officially kicks off,” stated Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com. “Families are planning extended vacations, schools are closing, and people are eager to enjoy the cooler months. This year, there’s a noticeable trend: UAE residents are not just traveling for leisure but for memorable experiences.”
High Demand for December Travel
Travel agents report that December bookings have already reached high levels. Many residents are booking early to leverage school closures and avoid high fares later in the month.
“Seats are quickly being filled for both National Day and the Christmas-New Year period,” said Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel. “Even those willing to pay may not find seats at the last minute.”
He added that families started planning much earlier this year. “Winter travel bookings began early. Many families planned ahead due to extended school holidays,” he noted.
Popular Destinations for UAE Residents
Musafir.com data highlights two trends this winter: long-haul cultural escapes and short regional getaways.
For long-haul trips, Vietnam and Japan are popular for their rich culture and scenic beauty. Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Budapest, Switzerland, and Italy remain favorites for Christmas markets and festive allure.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt are experiencing a travel surge. Experts attribute this to events like Riyadh Season and the Qatar Winter Festival. North African spots like Tunisia and Morocco are also preferred, while Latvia and Uzbekistan are gaining traction among younger adventurers.
Cruises
Cruises are rapidly becoming the top seasonal choice. Starting at around Dh1,299 per person, 3 to 7-night cruise packages to Muscat, Khasab, Doha, and Bahrain are appealing to families and groups.
Importance of Early Planning
With Schengen visa processing taking up to eight weeks, early planning is crucial. Musafir.com data shows that nearly 30% of travelers have pre-booked winter holidays, marking a shift from the last-minute trend seen in past years.
Trip durations vary, with about 65% of travelers opting for five- to seven-day trips, while others choose shorter three- or four-night breaks. Families constitute 35% of total bookings, followed by couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers.
As the UAE enters its longest-ever winter break, travel experts recommend planning ahead. “Demand is strong throughout the winter months, and prices are already high,” said Raja. “It’s too late to wait; options remain, but travelers should book promptly.”
