Eid Al Adha in UAE: ⁠Top staycation deals to check out

Dubai: Hotels nationwide, from bustling business districts to serene beachfront resorts, are rolling out aggressive staycation campaigns. Their objective? To anchor holiday spending from UAE residents within local borders, providing compelling alternatives to international travel.

Usually, extended breaks in the UAE see a significant outflow of residents seeking overseas vacations. However, this year, hotels are determined to capture a larger slice of the domestic leisure market by offering value-packed deals at competitive prices.

Expect bundled offers that include significant savings on room rates, complimentary upgrades, generous food and beverage credits, and exclusive amenities like spa treatments, kids' clubs, and private beach access.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC's) annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows that travel and tourism in the UAE is set for another record year in 2025, with the sector forecast to contribute Dh267.5 billion to the national economy, accounting for almost 13 per cent of GDP.

According to the research, by the end of the year, travel and tourism will also support more than 925,000 jobs.  Domestic visitor spend is also projected to reach a record high at Dh60 billion - 47 per cent above 2019, highlighting the continued strength of the local travel market.

And these aren't just minor discounts; hoteliers are crafting comprehensive packages designed to entice, according to hoteliers. With the emerging top-tier deals, staying local has never looked more appealing.

For example, Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) – Dubai’s iconic floating hotel docked at the heart of Dubai’s Port Mina Rashid managed by Accor- the Eid Staycation offers buffet breakfast and dinner, late check-out at 2 pm, and a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages. Customers can also explore the ship’s famed Heritage Tours during their stay.

Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, said, “At the QE2, we offer more than just a stay; we offer an experience steeped in heritage, shaped by stories, and tailored for today’s traveller.

Here are some of the top deals:

Al Maya Island Resort:

Al Maya Island Resort, located 15 minutes by boat from Abu Dhabi, offers a sanctuary for UAE residents seeking a luxurious staycation. The resort features six private villas, each with a pool and direct beach access, accommodating couples to large families.

Customers can enjoy complimentary kayaking/paddleboarding, diverse watersports, sunrise beach breakfasts, private majlis feasts and African-inspired grilling at Maya Grill. The island is also home to 1,000 free-roaming gazelles.

Eid Al Adha (July 6-7) rates start from Dh3,145 for a one-bedroom villa with breakfast to Dh7,016 for a three-bedroom villa on a full-board basis.

Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert

Stay in one of the Serene Pool Villas at Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert is inviting UAE staycation seekers to breakfast at Kaheela Restaurant and Dh500 resort credit per stay, redeemable on dining, spa treatments, and hotel experiences.

The resort credit is valid on incidental spending within the resort, excluding room rates, tax, service charges, or third-party services. From June 1 to 9, stay options start at Dh2,800 net for the basic category at Al Rimal Villa.

Media One Hotel

Media One is offering an early bird summer deal for Dh225 per night. Media One Hotel in Dubai Media City is close to the beach and several shopping and nightlife destinations. From June 6 to 10, customers can avail early check-in from 12pm & late check-out until 4pm for Dh225 including breakfast.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Oman

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, just a 1.5-hour flight from the UAE, offers a GCC Resident Offer from OMR 140 (Dh1,335.7) per night. Travellers can escape to Salalah's pristine coastline with direct flights, enjoying daily breakfast, preferential rates on spa and dining, and Anantara’s signature hospitality.

This offer provides a luxurious retreat with private pools and direct beach access, blending Arabian heritage with barefoot luxury.

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, and Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Dubai

The Destination Mina Seyahi's trio of hotels offers a prime beachfront location and a powerhouse of leisure and entertainment. The Half-Board Dine Around by More Cravings package ensures a seamless culinary journey, including daily breakfast and dinner at a wide selection of over 100 participating restaurants across the UAE, including on-site venues.

Benefits include kids under 12 staying and eating free from the kids' menu and unlimited access to Kids' Club and Jungle Bay Waterpark. Prices start at Dh1,369 per room per night.