UAE residents are booking trips to the Maldives, Thailand, and the United Kingdom for the Eid Al Etihad break in December, according to dnata Travel.
The travel company has reported that the Maldives, Thailand, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka are the five destinations receiving the most bookings from UAE travellers in 2025.
Bookings for the Maldives have increased by more than 100 per cent compared to the same period last year. The destination is offering discounts of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent at resorts during the December travel period.
UAE Eid Al Etihad 2025: Maldives and Thailand lead travel bookings
Thailand is attracting travellers seeking winter sun in early December, with flights to Phuket and Krabi seeing demand due to connectivity from the UAE.
“With the expectation of a longer school holiday this December, we are seeing travellers combining their Eid Al Etihad break with the wider winter period for extended stays, or multiple trips. Bookings are up this year by 53% overall, including local and international stays.
“December marks the best time of year to travel to the islands of the Maldives and Thailand for weather and swimming conditions. In contrast, the UK is popular for its festive atmosphere and winter markets as the weather cools and evenings get darker. Umrah travel demand is up for Saudi, while Sri Lanka is popular for more extensive itineraries for exploration, and excellent value for money.
“For travellers staying closer to home, a trend weโre witnessing is a focus on resort properties away from the city, in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and on Abu Dhabiโs Yas Island,” Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel said in a statement.
Beyond the Eid Al Etihad period, destinations receiving bookings for the winter months include the Seychelles, South Korea, the Netherlands, USA, and Finland. European destinations are attracting bookings for festive markets and ski seasons, while Finnish Lapland is seeing demand for winter experiences.
Gulf cruises are seeing demand during the winter months, with sailings available across Eid Al Etihad, the festive period, and New Year’s Eve, according to dnata Travel.
The company is offering packages including a stay at Kurumba Maldives from AED 6,635 per person in a Deluxe Bungalow on all-inclusive with return speedboat transfers. A three-night stay at Avani Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka with breakfast and return flights is available from AED 3,199 per person.
A seven-night cruise departing Dubai on 29 November 2025 aboard the MSC Euribia, visiting Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Sir Bani Yas Island, is available from AED 3,500 per person on Full Board.
dnata Travel operates 14 retail outlets across the UAE, including locations in Dubai Mall and Dubai Hills Mall.
