As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th National Day; residents are already looking beyond the long weekend and planning their next escape. With the winter school break beginning soon after, the two holidays are blending into one extended travel season, sparking one of the biggest holiday booms in recent years. According to musafir.com, the UAE’s leading travel platform, holiday bookings have surged by 35% compared to last year, as travelers opt for longer, experience-rich getaways that combine relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery.
“The period right after National Day has become the official start of the UAE’s winter travel season,” said Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com. “Families plan extended breaks, schools close, and people are eager to make the most of the cooler months. This year, we’re seeing a clear shift—UAE residents aren’t just traveling for leisure; they’re traveling for experiences that stay with them.”
Cruises are fast emerging as the season’s favorite winter getaway, offering the perfect blend of convenience, entertainment, and multi-destination exploration. They are especially popular among families and corporate groups, with many companies organizing incentive cruises hosting 200 to 250 guests on all-inclusive sailings designed for team bonding and shared experiences. Starting from AED 1,299 per person, musafir.com’s3–7-night cruise packages promise effortless journeys to Muscat, Khasab, Doha, and Bahrain, complete with visa-free travel, curated excursions, and round-the-clock entertainment. For families and groups, these cruises strike the ideal balance of variety and simplicity—no repeated check-ins, no logistical stress, just the joy of discovering new destinations across calm seas.
This winter, UAE travelers are also embracing both ends of the travel spectrum, from long-haul bucket-list journeys to short, regional escapes that offer comfort, culture, and convenience. Among long-haul destinations, Vietnam and Japan top the list for their immersive experiences, blending history, cuisine, and natural beauty. European classics such as Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Budapest, Switzerland, and Italy remain popular, particularly for travelers seeking festive charm and Christmas markets.
Regional getaways are thriving as well, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt seeing strong demand, boosted by vibrant events such as Riyadh Season and the Qatar Winter Festival, which have transformed these destinations into cultural and entertainment hotspots. North African gems like Tunisia and Morocco are also gaining popularity for their rich heritage, art, and desert adventures. Emerging destinations such as Latvia and Uzbekistan are capturing the attention of younger travelers seeking offbeat experiences, reflecting a growing appetite for discovery-led, meaningful travel.
More travelers are planning ahead, particularly for visa-required destinations. With Schengen visa processing taking up to eight weeks, early bookings for European departures are on the rise, with 30% of musafir.com customers now securing holidays well in advance—a notable change from the traditional last-minute trend. Trip durations vary: 65% of travelers opt for five- to seven-day itineraries, while 45% prefer short three- or four-night getaways. Families account for 35% of bookings, couples 30%, groups of friends 15%, and solo travelers 12%, with younger travelers aged 22–27 favoring curated packages starting at AED 2,999 and affordable cruises.
Within the UAE, staycations remain popular, with all-inclusive family packages and theme park experiences at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and LEGOLAND Dubai in high demand.
To meet this rising demand, musafir.comhas launched its much-anticipated 11.11 Super Sale, running until November 14, 2025, with exclusive discounts across flights, hotels, visas, and holiday packages. Travelers can enjoy 11% off UAE tourist visas, AED 111 off global visa assistance fees and December holiday bookings, and AED 1,111 off twin bookings on Vietnam and UAE National Day packages.
“We’re seeing travelers value both price and experience, and that’s exactly what our 11.11 sale delivers,” added Babu. “Whether it’s a weekend cruise or a long-haul European holiday, we want to make memorable travel accessible to everyone.”
