As Eid Al-Fitr approaches, UAE travelers are showing a distinct preference for international destinations, with the Maldives emerging as the top choice. Recent reports from dnata Travel highlight that a striking 90 percent of travel bookings are now for overseas locations, indicating a notable shift in travel patterns compared to previous years. The combination of the holiday coinciding with a two-week spring break in 2025 has further extended family vacation opportunities, allowing for both relaxation and exploration beyond local borders.
UAE travelers’ shift towards international exploration
The latest figures reveal a 65 percent increase in overall travel bookings compared to the previous Eid Al-Fitr holiday. The Maldives remains at the forefront of these travel desires, followed closely by popular spots such as Spain, Mauritius, France, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, countries like Vietnam, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland are experiencing significant year-on-year growth in traveler interest.
“One of the key travel trends for 2024 and 2025 is growing demand for long-haul destinations,” stated Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel. “Travelers are booking longer stays in more distant locations, with many looking for unique and less-explored parts of popular travel hotspots.”
Ketait also highlighted a shift in preferences as families plan their trips for the extended holiday. “For Eid Al-Fitr and the extended spring break in 2025, we’re seeing strong interest in cities like Madrid in Spain and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. More travelers are approaching our experts this year to check off bucket-list destinations while making the most of longer holiday periods with family and friends,” she said.
Tailored travel packages for a memorable Eid
To accommodate the growing demand, dnata Travel has rolled out customized holiday packages for Eid Al-Fitr and the upcoming spring break in March and April. These tailored options feature a wide range of accommodations, both in short-haul destination hotspots like the Maldives and Cyprus, as well as longer-haul escapes such as Mauritius, Spain, Bali, and Hong Kong.
Among the attractive offers is a four-night water villa escape at Sun Siyam Olhuveli in the Maldives, which includes full board meals, return flights, island transfers, and a kids stay and eat-free benefit, starting at AED 6,790 per person. Additionally, there’s a luxury package featuring a three-night stay in a Deluxe Pool Villa at The Kayana in Bali, inclusive of return flights and a complimentary dinner for two, available from AED 3,840 per person.
This new focus on international travel comes as no surprise, reflecting a broader trend among UAE travelers who increasingly prioritize unique experiences and longer vacations during festive times. With the Maldives leading the way, this Eid Al-Fitr promises to be a memorable adventure abroad for many families.