In Pictures: UAE residents and hotels are ready for last-minute staycations

It's the final two weeks of summer before the UAE moves to a different tempo for the new season. So, are residents considering a mini-staycation break to re-energise themselves?

They only need to make up their mind, because there are multiple staycation deals being pushed during the final days of August.

Travel planners say that they received close to 70 per cent last-minute staycation booking in July and August this year. And they reckon that this trend will continue even into the next two months.

Most residents are heading to Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah for their staycations. Five-star beachfront hotels are offering breakfast-inclusive staycation deals for Dh400-Dh485 per room (including 5 per cent VAT). During weekdays, the same offer can had for Dh385.

Four-star hotels are keeping up with the staycation choices. “Four-star hotels have a strategy of providing five-star services at much lower price to attract more residents, and that’s how they have a niche market,” said Alan Orong of South Travels DMCC. Staycation deals for this category starts from Dh275.

Those looking for city breaks are heading to Dubai and Abu Dhabi getaway spots. Staycation deals in these emirates are priced slightly, with five-star hotels offering from Dh490 per night, per room. Beach properties start from Dh550.

Yas Island is offering staycation package with unlimited theme park access starting from Dh1,500 for August 25. For September 5 period, some of the five-star hotels are offering the same for Dh960. This offer is valid for two adults for two days.

“A UAE staycation trend we are witnessing across the summer and beyond is that new hotel openings are proving highly popular,” said Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel. “This includes the newly-opened InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, and Th8 Palm, Managed by Accor, all of which have quickly risen in to our Top 10 most booked staycation options across the country this summer."

According to Godfrey Lopez of Uranus Travels, this is the best time for residents and visitors to take a staycation break. “Families with school going kids will not opt for staycation for the next three-months,” said Lopez. “Therefore, staycation deals are much more cheaper compared to June-July period.”

Orong said that the resident have two choices, either to book directly with the hotel to avail additional deals like spa and tour with two days of stay, or book with travel agents for cheaper options.

“Since travel agents have targets to achieve, they might have much more cheaper options compared to direct from the hotel,” said Orong. “And that’s one way of saving money.”

Travel agents also said that the last minute staycation booking - which has recently gained momentum – might not be feasible if the hotel occupancy reaches above 50 per cent. “To make the best of best of these deals, it’s best to plan ahead,” said a travel agent. “Sometimes hotels might even offer weekday rates for weekends if the occupancy is low (to attract more residents).”