UAE Half-Term Staycations Soar as Families Seek Local Breaks

Residents across the UAE are increasingly opting for shorter, local getaways during the October half-term holiday, with staycation bookings rising by 31% year-on-year, according to dnata Travel.

Dubai leads as the most popular destination for these domestic breaks, making up 78% of dnata Travel's UAE staycation bookings. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are also seeing strong demand, particularly for beach resorts and hotels located near major attractions. Hotels, especially family-friendly beach resorts and properties offering children's activities, are reporting high occupancy rates for the holiday period.

This shift reflects a growing preference among families for convenient, flexible, and value-driven experiences that avoid the time and expense associated with international travel. Properties on Yas Island and Palm Jumeirah are proving particularly popular due to their accessibility to entertainment, dining, and leisure options. All-inclusive beach resorts are also attracting families looking for simplified holiday planning.

Average family booking values have seen a 6% increase year-on-year. Bookings made through dnata Travel's retail stores have risen by 16%, while those generated via social media channels have tripled compared to last year.