By dubailife 
**UAE Staycations on the Rise as Families Plan Half-Term Getaways**
A noticeable surge in staycations across the UAE has been observed as families prepare for the upcoming half-term breaks. With many private schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates planning a week-long vacation from either October 14-18 or October 21-25, families are seizing the opportunity for a short, refreshing escape from their daily routines.
**Flexible Half-Term Breaks and UAE Travel Trends**
While some schools in the UAE offer a full week off for half-term, others provide a long weekend, ensuring they meet the 182 school-day requirement for international institutions. Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, shared insights into this growing trend, stating, *“By October, the UAE’s weather improves significantly, resulting in a 15-20% increase in demand for staycations. Rather than traveling abroad, more families are opting to stay within the UAE for their breaks.”*
Popular staycation spots include Dubai’s luxurious Palm Jumeirah, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and Ras Al Khaimah’s beach resorts. Palm Jumeirah remains in particularly high demand, especially for five-star accommodations. This annual trend showcases the increasing appeal of UAE-based destinations, offering families world-class experiences without the need for international travel.
**Planning Ahead for National Day and December Holidays**
Beyond the half-term surge, early bookings for the UAE National Day holidays in December are already underway. Babu noted a shift toward visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations for the December break, with popular choices including Bangkok, the Maldives, and destinations in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Tourism experts expect a 15-20% price hike during the December holiday season due to rising demand. **Dubai’s top luxury hotels**, such as Atlantis The Royal and Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, are seeing heightened interest. However, travelers are also exploring lesser-known gems in **Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain**, and Ras Al Khaimah for more serene getaways.
**Staycations Amid Perfect Weather**
Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme holiday homes, highlighted that the half-term break is an ideal time for staycations due to cooler weather. He said, *“Inquiries have increased by 15% as families look for properties with outdoor facilities, such as beach resorts, golf course properties, and places ideal for exploration on foot.”*
Mahtani also pointed out that Dubai leads in local guests booking staycations, followed closely by Abu Dhabi. He predicts that demand will continue to grow as the weather improves, with prices expected to rise steadily through Easter next year. He advised early bookings to secure deals and benefit from discounts, though many of these offers come with non-refundable conditions.
**Friday Staycation Trend Grows**
A new trend in staycations has emerged in the UAE, with **Fridays becoming a popular day for weekend getaways**. Lakshmi Annand, managing director of TravelzMind LLC, explained, *“With Friday being a half-day for many employees and students, it’s becoming an ideal time to start a weekend staycation. We’ve seen an increase in inquiries for Friday check-ins, with guests preferring to stay from Friday through Saturday and returning on Sunday.”*
As demand for **Dubai staycations** continues to rise, this growing trend reflects a shift in local travel preferences. UAE residents are increasingly embracing shorter, luxury-filled vacations within the Emirates, opting for comfort and convenience over the complexities of international travel.
In summary, the demand for UAE staycations is on an upward trajectory, especially during the half-term and upcoming holiday seasons. Whether it’s the iconic Palm Jumeirah or more secluded destinations like Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, families are finding countless options for a relaxing escape in the UAE.
Source : Khaleejtimes