Eid Al Adha in the UAE Residents choose staycations as soaring travel costs spark a homegrown holiday boom across hotels, beaches, brunches and family entertainment

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UAE residents are keeping their Eid Al Adha holidays closer to home this year as higher airfares and rising overseas travel expenses make local breaks a more practical and affordable choice. A recent Platinumlist survey shows that 73 per cent of residents plan to spend the holiday in the UAE, while 63 per cent are opting for hotel staycations, signalling a clear shift in festive travel behaviour. Instead of costly international trips, many families and groups are turning to UAE hotels, beach outings, brunches, family-friendly attractions and live entertainment to celebrate the long break. The trend is also creating fresh momentum for Dubai’s hospitality and leisure sectors, with hotels, attractions and event venues rolling out Eid promotions to capture demand from cost-conscious residents looking for memorable experiences without leaving the country.

As Eid Al Adha approaches, many UAE residents are rethinking what a holiday should look like. For some, the dream of boarding a flight and escaping abroad has been replaced by something simpler, closer and more practical: a hotel stay in Dubai, a family day at the beach, a brunch with friends, a concert, or a short break within the country.

Rising international travel costs are changing festive plans across the UAE, and residents are increasingly choosing to spend the holiday at home rather than overseas. Instead of expensive flights, long airport queues and the pressure of planning a full international trip, many are turning to local staycations and entertainment-led experiences.

According to a recent survey by Platinumlist, 73 per cent of UAE residents plan to spend the Eid Al Adha holiday within the country. The figure shows a clear shift in consumer behaviour, especially during a period that has traditionally encouraged travel. With airfares and overseas holiday expenses becoming a concern for many households, residents appear to be choosing convenience, value and flexibility.

The strongest sign of this shift is the growing appetite for hotel stays inside the UAE. The survey found that 63 per cent of residents are opting for domestic hotel stays during the holiday period. This suggests that staycations are no longer being seen as a backup plan. For many families, couples and groups of friends, they have become the main holiday choice.

A staycation offers much of what residents look for during Eid: a change of scenery, hotel facilities, restaurants, pools, beach access, entertainment and a break from routine. At the same time, it avoids many of the costs linked to international travel, including flights, visas, airport transfers and foreign exchange expenses.

For UAE residents who want to celebrate without overspending, the appeal is obvious. A local hotel break can be planned quickly, adjusted easily and often booked closer to the holiday. That flexibility matters, especially when household budgets are under pressure.

The survey also shows that regional travel still holds some appeal, though it is not as dominant as local holiday plans. Around 43 per cent of respondents expressed interest in travelling to nearby destinations, with Oman and Saudi Arabia emerging as popular choices. These destinations remain attractive because they are relatively accessible and familiar to many UAE residents.

However, even regional trips involve extra costs, particularly during peak holiday periods. Transport, accommodation and family expenses can add up quickly. That may explain why many residents are weighing the benefits of a short regional break against the simplicity of staying in the UAE.

International travel, meanwhile, appears to be losing ground this Eid Al Adha. Only 18 per cent of survey respondents said they were interested in overseas trips. This is a significant indication of caution among residents, especially at a time when holiday travel can become expensive due to seasonal demand.

Those who are still considering international travel are leaning towards destinations that are easier to access. Visa-free and e-visa locations such as India, Georgia and the Maldives are among the preferred options. These destinations offer a smoother travel process, reducing the time and stress often involved in holiday planning.

The preference for easier destinations also reflects a broader change in how residents are making decisions. Convenience is now just as important as the destination itself. A holiday that requires fewer documents, fewer complications and fewer hidden costs is more likely to appeal to budget-conscious travellers.

Dubai’s hospitality sector is responding quickly to this change in demand. Hotels, attractions and entertainment venues are using the Eid period to attract residents who are staying in the country. Promotions are being offered across the city from May 22 to 31, covering a range of hotels, attractions and live entertainment experiences.

This gives the local tourism and leisure industry a major opportunity. When residents choose not to travel abroad, their spending does not disappear. Instead, it moves into hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, theme parks, concerts, family attractions and other domestic experiences.

For Dubai in particular, Eid Al Adha is becoming not only a travel season but also a local leisure season. Residents who might once have flown out of the country are now looking for memorable experiences within a short drive from home. This creates strong demand for well-priced hotel packages, family deals, entertainment offers and bundled experiences.

The Platinumlist survey also highlights a change in how residents want to spend their festive break. During Eid Al Fitr in March, dining out was the leading choice for many people. For Eid Al Adha, however, interest appears to have shifted towards more active and experience-based plans.

Beach outings, brunches and family-friendly events are now among the most popular choices, with 47 per cent of respondents selecting each of these options. This shows that residents are not simply cutting back on spending. They are becoming more selective about where they spend.

A restaurant meal may still be part of the holiday, but residents seem to be looking for more complete experiences. A beach day offers relaxation and social time. A brunch brings together food, atmosphere and entertainment. A family event gives parents a structured way to keep children engaged during the holiday. Each option offers more than a single meal or short outing.

Weather is also shaping holiday decisions. With temperatures influencing how people move around during the day, many residents are choosing a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. This is a practical approach in the UAE, where the right timing and venue can make a major difference to the experience.

Families may prefer indoor entertainment during the hottest hours and outdoor plans later in the day. Hotels with pools, shaded areas, indoor play zones, restaurants and evening activities are likely to benefit from this pattern. Attractions that offer comfort, convenience and climate-friendly options may also see stronger demand.

Live entertainment is another area gaining momentum. The survey found that 38 per cent of respondents plan to attend concerts or other live performances during the Eid break. This marks an increase compared with previous survey findings and points to a growing appetite for shared cultural and entertainment experiences.

For residents who are not travelling abroad, live events can help create the feeling of a special holiday without leaving the country. Concerts, stage shows and performances offer something different from everyday routines. They also give people a reason to gather, celebrate and spend time outside the home.

This is important for the wider entertainment industry. As residents become more selective with spending, events that feel memorable and worth the ticket price are likely to stand out. The challenge for organisers is to offer experiences that feel festive, accessible and good value.

Value remains the central theme running through the survey. Financial considerations are clearly shaping holiday plans, with 69 per cent of respondents saying affordability is a priority when choosing activities. This does not mean residents are unwilling to spend. It means they want to feel that the money they spend is justified.

That distinction matters. Consumers may still book hotels, attend brunches, buy tickets or visit attractions, but they are likely to compare options more carefully. They may look for packages, early-bird offers, family discounts or last-minute deals. The focus is not only on price, but on perceived value.

This cautious behaviour is also reflected in booking patterns. According to the survey, 69 per cent of respondents had not yet secured their holiday plans. This suggests that many residents are waiting until closer to the holiday before making final decisions.

Last-minute planning can be driven by several factors. Some residents may be waiting for better deals. Others may be uncertain about work schedules, family commitments or travel budgets. Some may simply prefer to keep their options open until they see what offers are available.

For hotels and entertainment providers, this creates both opportunity and pressure. There is still a large audience to capture, but the competition for attention is intense. Residents who have not yet booked are likely to be influenced by strong promotions, clear pricing, flexible cancellation policies and easy booking options.

The findings point to a more careful and practical Eid spending landscape in the UAE. Residents still want to celebrate, relax and enjoy the holiday, but they are doing so with more attention to cost, convenience and experience quality.

The shift towards staycations does not suggest a lack of interest in travel. Instead, it reflects a smarter balancing act. Many residents are asking whether an overseas trip is worth the expense when strong alternatives are available nearby. For a growing number, the answer this Eid appears to be no.

This changing behaviour could shape future holiday seasons as well. If hotels, attractions and entertainment providers can deliver good value and memorable experiences, staycations may remain a strong part of UAE holiday culture even when international travel becomes more affordable.

For now, the message from residents is clear. Eid Al Adha is still a time for celebration, family and leisure, but the way people are celebrating is evolving. The airport is no longer the only gateway to a holiday. For many UAE residents, the break begins much closer to home — at a hotel, on a beach, at a brunch table, or inside a concert venue, with no passport required.