UAE’s Longest Winter Break Sparks December Travel Frenzy, Bookings Soar 35%

With schools closed for nearly a month, residents are combining holidays for an extended escape, creating a new peak season and driving high demand for destinations from Japan to Qatar.

DUBAI: The UAE’s longest-ever winter school break is transforming December into a bumper travel season, with industry experts reporting a 35% surge in bookings as residents capitalize on a near-month-long holiday window.

Schools across the country will be closed from December 8 to January 4, allowing families to seamlessly combine the National Day, Christmas, and New Year holidays into one extended getaway. Travel agents note that this period has effectively become the new peak season.

“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. “This year, we are seeing a clear shift as UAE residents aren’t just travelling for leisure, but they are travelling for experiences that stay with them.”

The strong demand has led to a frantic rush for flight tickets, with experts warning that last-minute travelers may find themselves stranded, regardless of budget. “Seats are filling fast… Even if travellers are willing to pay, they may not find seats,” noted Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel.

Data reveals two distinct travel trends for the season. For long-haul trips, cultural hotspots like Vietnam and Japan are leading the pack, alongside European classics such as Paris, Rome, and Switzerland for their festive Christmas markets.

Closer to home, regional destinations are experiencing a boom, fueled by major events. Saudi Arabia (Riyadh Season), Qatar (Qatar Winter Festival), Oman, and Egypt are top choices. Cruises to GCC destinations are also emerging as a popular and affordable option, with packages starting from approximately Dh1,299.

A significant shift in traveler behavior is the move towards advanced planning. With Schengen visa processing taking up to eight weeks, nearly 30% of travelers have already locked in their winter holidays, a marked change from previous last-minute trends.

As the holiday approaches, the advice from the industry is unanimous. “Demand is strong… and prices are already on the higher side,” said Raja. “At this point, it’s late to wait.”