December long weekend in UAE: 6 travel destinations for residents

Don't just travel to Saudi Arabia, go diving in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has the longest coastline on the Red Sea and has reefs and waters that are almost entirely unexplored as of now, which means a wealth of coral life and marine life. Saudi Arabia has been promoting tourism and getting a visa to travel to the country has become quite easy. Winter is a great time to visit as maximum temperatures stay at or below 30° C with plenty of sunlight while waters will be warm and pleasant for a dip in the seas.

Travel to Kenya in time for the wondrous wildebeest migration which starts in December. A constant cycle, the migration is best seen from a hot air balloon as thousands of animals make the long trip from out of Kenya's Masai Mara and onto Tanzania's southern Serengeti plains. Many nationalities can get visa on arrival.

December is the best time to visit the beautiful city of Rome without overwhelming crowds and a Christmas in Rome is idyllic with winter markets, lights and more. Indulge in the hot comfort of pasta and pizza as temperatures will be between 4 and 13° Celsius. You will need a Schengen visa for this trip so plan well ahead.

From snowy landscapes or beach vibes to a wildlife safari, India is a one-stop shop for your travel needs. Temperatures vary based on your chosen destination in the country but prices to some are higher in December than in other months. India has an easy to use tourist e-visa system for most nationalities.

From the scores of destinations shared by our own readers, it is evident that Pakistan has many largely unexplored sights to see. Weather is pleasantly cold in Lahore and Karachi, while you could get snow and freezing cold in the north. The country has both e-visa and visa on arrival facilities based on nationality and application.

If you want a picture-perfect Christmas, albeit biting cold temperatures, Russia is a great pick. From cultural and architectural sights along with iconic Christmas markets, the country is close enough for a short trip from the UAE