UAE residents are overwhelmingly choosing to travel abroad for Eid al-Adha this year, with the Maldives, Thailand, Greece, France, and Mauritius ranking as the most booked destinations, according to dnata Travel’s booking data released on Wednesday.
International travel makes up 72 per cent of bookings through the agency, compared to 28 per cent for UAE staycations. Indian Ocean destinations, including Phuket and Mauritius alongside the Maldives, are drawing the most demand, partly on the back of favourable weather and competitive package pricing.
In Europe, Greece, covering both Athens and the islands, and France are attracting travellers looking to combine culture with multi-stop itineraries.
Among those staying in the UAE, Dubai accounts for around 70 per cent of staycation bookings. Abu Dhabi is drawing visitors to its entertainment and cultural sites, while Ras Al Khaimah is seeing growing interest as a value option, with all-inclusive resorts at Al Marjan Island proving popular.
“Eid al-Adha continues to prove a popular travel period for UAE residents, and this year we’re seeing clear demand for international travel, with customers looking to maximise the longer break through well-planned, multi-stop itineraries, and premium experiences. At the same time, value remains front of mind without compromising the overall experience, reflected in a rise in premium economy bookings and strong demand for competitive offers,” Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel said in a statement.
“As UAE traveller focus on the ever-popular Indian Ocean islands, Thailand, and Europe continues, residents are increasingly open to emerging and alternative destinations. Interest is rising in locations such as Sarajevo, Bodrum, and lesser-discovered Greek islands, as well as more curated, experience-led itineraries,” she added.
dnata Travel Eid al-Adha 2026 offers
dnata Travel has also released a selection of packages available over the Eid al-Adha period:
Sri Lanka: A three-night stay at the five-star Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort in a Deluxe Garden View Room with daily breakfast and return flights is available from AED 2,810 per person, representing a saving of 54 per cent.
Phuket, Thailand: A three-night stay at the five-star Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket in a Deluxe Room with daily breakfast and return flights is available from AED 4,755 per adult, with a 60 per cent saving and complimentary stays for children.
Mauritius: A three-night stay at the five-star The Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay Resort & Spa in a Junior Suite on Half Board with return flights is available from AED 6,270 per adult, with 50 per cent savings and complimentary stays and meals for children.
Maldives: A three-night stay at the five-star Kandima Maldives in a Sky Studio on Half Board with return flights and seaplane transfers is available from AED 7,595 per adult, with complimentary stays and meals for children.
Seychelles: A three-night stay at the four-star Canopy by Hilton Seychelles in a Deluxe Room with Garden View on Half Board with return flights is available from AED 7,815 per person, with 35 per cent savings.
