Why UAE residents are choosing short GCC getaways for Eid Al Adha 2025

Dubai: If you're still figuring out your Eid Al Adha plans, you're not alone. Many UAE residents are waiting until the last minute to book their travel, and the trend this year is clear: short, no-fuss trips to nearby GCC cities are topping the list.

According to new data from Skyscanner, UAE travellers are leaning heavily toward quick breaks between June 5–9, just ahead of the Eid Al Adha long weekend. The most searched-for destinations? Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Muscat—all within a few hours of travel time.

Why the rush for short-haul trips? A mix of school calendars and work schedules. Eid falls just before the school summer break, making it tough for families to commit to long-haul travel. Instead, most are opting for manageable getaways that don't require extended planning or time off.

In April, Skyscanner noted that 80% of all travel searches from the UAE were for trips lasting seven days or less. That’s in line with last year’s Eid travel pattern, when 96% of bookings to GCC cities were for stays under a week.

Interestingly, the week starting April 21 saw a 48% spike in travel searches for GCC destinations—suggesting many travellers are booking trips just a few weeks out. Last-minute planning has become the norm during Eid, especially as residents wait for public holiday dates to be officially confirmed.

Here are the top five destinations searched for travel during Eid Al Adha (June 5–9):

1. Dubai

2. Jeddah

3. Abu Dhabi

4. Sharjah

5. Muscat

For those not travelling abroad, Dubai is also proving to be a staycation hotspot. In April, the city ranked third globally for hotel bookings, behind Mumbai and London. As of mid-May, it continues to hold a strong global position, now at fourth place, ahead of Osaka.

If you're planning a last-minute Eid trip:

Stick close: Flights to GCC cities are often short and relatively affordable, especially if booked midweek.

Keep it short: A 2–4 day trip is the sweet spot for minimal disruption to school and work.

Book now: Prices and availability tend to spike as the public holiday approaches, so it pays to plan—even if it's just a short break.

As Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, puts it:

“Short-haul options across the GCC offer a great way for families and friends to enjoy the long weekend without the planning and time commitment of a long-haul trip.”

 Ready to go?

Whether you're thinking of a weekend in Muscat, a shopping trip to Jeddah, or a staycation in Dubai, the trend is clear: easy, short, nearby trips are the go-to choice for UAE travellers this Eid.