UAE National Day: New hotels, high airfares spike staycation demand in Dubai

Dubai: Hotels in Dubai are experiencing unprecedented demand for the upcoming National Day weekend, as the December 2-3 celebrations mark the unofficial start of the country's winter travel season—with bookings surging 35 per cent compared to last year.

Premium properties across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates report near-full occupancy weeks ahead of the long weekend, as residents increasingly blend the public holiday with the approaching school break to create extended getaway periods.

“The period right after National Day has become the official start of the UAE's winter travel season," said Raheesh Babu, COO of online travel agency musafir.com.

"Families plan extended breaks, schools close, and people are eager to make the most of the cooler months,” he said.

The surge reflects a fundamental shift in how UAE residents approach holiday planning, with domestic staycations holding their ground even as international travel options multiply.

Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in its January to September year-to-date tourism report, said five-star hotels in Dubai experienced occupancy levels of 77 per cent.

Occupancy levels at four and three-star properties are averaging at 79 per cent. Hotel apartments are reporting occupancy levels of 81 to 82 per cent (standard hotel apartment). Dubai’s hotel room inventory stood at 152,342 rooms YTD September 2025.

However, several properties launching in late 2025 are capitalising on the boom by offering immersive Emirati experiences that go beyond traditional hotel stays.

Desert resorts featuring falcon displays, Arabic coffee ceremonies, and heritage storytelling sessions have sold out their National Day allocations, whilst mountain properties in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are reporting strong bookings for hiking and cultural workshops.

Several new hotels have opened in Dubai, including Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, which opened in 2024, and Six Senses Residences the Palm, which opened in late 2024. The Ciel Dubai Marina, the world's tallest hotel-only building, opens its doors on November 15. Additionally, there are other new hotel openings such as the Delano Dubai and the Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai to look forward to.

Within the UAE, all-inclusive family packages and theme park experiences remain particularly popular. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Legoland Dubai are reporting high demand for combined stay-and-play packages, with properties near major attractions commanding premium rates for the long weekend.

For expatriate families—who now constitute 60-70 per cent of National Day weekend hotel bookings—the economics of staying local have become increasingly compelling. With international flight prices surging during holiday periods, luxury staycations often cost less than airfare alone.

For example, an Indian expatriate family of four would have to shell out approximately Dh12,000 in airfare to Mumbai. Instead, a three-night beach resort package for Dh8,500, including meals and activities.

When you factor in the stress of airports, jet lag, and the limited time we'd actually have there, staying in the UAE makes perfect sense, travel agents explained.

Holiday home rentals and serviced apartments are experiencing similar demand spikes, with Airbnb reporting a 35 per cent increase in searches for UAE properties during National Day weekend compared to 2024.

Beachfront villas in Palm Jumeirah and Saadiyat Island are commanding Dh5,000-7,000 per night, yet still securing bookings from families unable to find traditional hotel rooms.

The booking surge has fundamentally changed planning timelines for UAE residents. Travel platforms report that 30 per cent of customers are now securing National Day and winter holiday plans well in advance—a notable departure from the traditional last-minute booking culture.

"We're seeing travellers value both planning and experience," added Babu from musafir.com. "Whether it's a weekend staycation or a longer winter escape, residents are booking earlier to secure the experiences they want."

Trip duration preferences reveal the blended nature of the holiday season: 65 per cent of travellers opt for five- to seven-day itineraries that combine National Day with additional leave, whilst 45 per cent prefer short three- or four-night getaways focused solely on the long weekend.