Eid Al Fitr Break in UAE: Hotels at Full Capacity, Residents Opt for Luxury Stays

As the Eid Al Fitr holidays approach, hotels and short-term rentals in the UAE are witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand. With the announcement of either a six-day or a nine-day break, depending on the sighting of the moon, residents are flocking to book their accommodations for a well-deserved vacation.

Ramsey Saarany, the General Manager of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, shares insights into the bustling hospitality scene: "Our resort was already experiencing high occupancy, but once the public holiday was officially announced, we observed a surge in bookings for earlier dates. Our occupancy rates are exceptionally high, with the majority of days expected to reach full capacity."

The Longest Public Holiday

This Eid break marks the longest public holiday of the year for UAE residents, leading to a significant spike in airfares to various destinations by almost 400 percent. Short-term rentals are also experiencing a boom in business, with Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme holiday homes, stating, "We are expecting a huge surge with an anticipated 30 percent increase in business compared to last year, with room rates starting from approximately Dh10,000 per night."

Exceptional Demand in Hospitality

Hotels like Banyan Tree Dubai and Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, report exceptionally high occupancy rates, with guests coming from GCC countries, Turkey, and Europe. Bassem Saudy from Banyan Tree Dubai notes, "We've seen a significant increase in bookings, especially from the UAE & KSA markets."

The Rise in Transportation Demand

It's not just hotels experiencing a surge; rental cars and buses are also being booked out rapidly. Soham Shah, Founder and CEO of Selfdrive Mobility, predicts a surge of up to 10 percent in daily or weekly bookings for transportation services.

Luxury Stays and Exclusive Packages

Despite the high costs, guests are not holding back on luxury stays. Ramsey mentions an increase in demand for premium villa packages, offering exclusive experiences like bespoke barbecues curated by personal chefs. Bassem from Banyan Tree highlights the popularity of all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, F&B, and spa treatments.

In-Demand Locations

According to Mahtani, Downtown, Dubai Marina, and JBR are the most sought-after locations for short-term rentals in Dubai, reflecting the preference for prime spots during the festive season.

As the Eid Al Fitr break approaches, the hospitality industry in the UAE is bustling with activity, catering to the desires of residents for memorable and luxurious stays during this extended holiday period.