Eid al-Adha holiday travel demand is witnessing a major surge among UAE residents, with overseas destinations now dominating bookings over local staycations, according to dnata Travel.

The Emirates Group-owned travel company said international holidays account for 72 per cent of all bookings for the upcoming Eid break, while UAE staycations make up the remaining 28 per cent.

Among the most booked destinations are Maldives, Thailand, Greece, France and Mauritius, with Indian Ocean island destinations continuing to attract strong demand due to favourable weather and attractive Eid holiday offers.

dnata Travel said destinations such as Phuket, Mauritius and the Maldives remain highly popular among UAE travellers looking for beach holidays and premium resort experiences.

European destinations are also witnessing rising demand, particularly Greece — including Athens and several Greek islands — along with France, as travellers increasingly seek holidays that combine leisure, culture and multi-stop travel experiences.

The rising trend in Eid travel has also become a major talking point across UAE lifestyle and travel platforms, including Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station.

Despite higher airfares during the peak holiday season, travellers continue to prioritise international vacations, especially on popular Europe and island leisure routes.

Within the UAE, Dubai accounts for nearly 70 per cent of all staycation bookings, supported by competitive hotel offers across the city. Abu Dhabi continues to attract visitors seeking cultural and entertainment experiences, while Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing increasing demand for affordable all-inclusive resort stays, particularly around Al Marjan Island.

Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said UAE residents are increasingly opting for well-planned international trips, premium experiences and multi-stop itineraries to maximise the longer Eid break.

She also noted growing interest in emerging destinations such as Sarajevo, Bodrum and lesser-known Greek islands, reflecting a shift towards curated and experience-driven travel.

dnata Travel also released several Eid holiday packages currently available for UAE travellers, including:

  • A three-night stay in Sri Lanka at Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort from Dh2,810 per person.
  • A three-night stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket in Thailand starting from Dh4,755.
  • Mauritius holiday packages from Dh6,270 at The Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay Resort & Spa.
  • A three-night Maldives package at Kandima Maldives from Dh7,595 including flights and seaplane transfers.
  • Seychelles packages at Canopy by Hilton Seychelles starting from Dh7,815 per person