Long weekend vibes are officially in the air for UAE residents! 🎉 Whether you’re dreaming of a quick international escape to cooler climates or planning a luxurious staycation, everyone’s ready to recharge before autumn. But where will you make your final summer memories?
As the UAE eagerly anticipates a significant long weekend marking the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday on Friday, September 5, 2025, residents are seizing this final opportunity for quick getaways before the cooler winter months arrive. This three-day break, stretching from Friday to Sunday, promises to be a perfect chance for both spontaneous trips and meticulously planned last-minute vacations, reflecting a growing surge in travel demand across the Emirates.
This extended holiday is particularly welcomed by individuals and couples who remained in the UAE during the peak summer vacation season. Many bachelors and newlyweds, having navigated the hotter months without a major break, are now keenly looking to indulge in rejuvenating short trips. Companies often encourage single employees to manage workloads during busy summer periods, creating a prime window for these groups to embark on much-anticipated long weekend getaways.
Travel experts confirm this trend, with Pavan Poojary, a travel consultant at Luxury Travels, highlighting the period as a “golden opportunity” for those who deferred their travel plans. He notes a significant readiness among bachelor and couple travelers to explore international destinations that offer cooler climates and short flight durations, maximizing leisure time without the burden of extensive travel. This focus on efficiency underscores the evolving preferences in UAE travel.
The demographic of travelers during this long weekend shows a notable shift from family-oriented international travel seen during school breaks to a younger crowd, including newlyweds and young couples. According to Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Travels, there’s been a substantial increase in bookings for serene beaches in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Concurrently, bachelors are increasingly drawn to vibrant cultural hubs like Baku, Tbilisi, and Almaty, seeking a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Countries such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia are gaining immense popularity among UAE residents. Their appeal extends beyond just pleasant autumn climates, encompassing short flight durations and the notable absence of jet lag. These factors are crucial for travelers aiming to optimize their brief escape, ensuring a smooth and highly enjoyable experience that truly makes the most of their autumn holidays.
Naturally, this heightened travel demand around public holidays has led to minor fluctuations in airfare pricing. Skyscanner’s data indicates a slight increase in flight costs for popular routes around the September 4th weekend compared to the subsequent week. This predictable uptick reflects the eagerness of residents to capitalize on the holiday, considering the small premium a worthwhile investment for a much-needed break.
September serves as a transitional month, signaling the departure of intense summer heat and the arrival of more temperate autumn months. This long weekend is therefore perceived as the final flourish of summer vacations for many, a last chance to relax and create lasting memories before the full swing of the cooler season. Poojary emphasizes its symbolic value as a closing chapter to summer, offering a vital period for unwinding and personal rejuvenation.
Beyond international destinations, the long weekend also witnesses a robust surge in staycations across the UAE. Many residents are choosing to explore the rich offerings within their home country, leading to near-full occupancy in hotels nationwide. This trend highlights the diverse preferences among residents, where local getaways, encompassing cultural experiences, luxurious resorts, and outdoor adventures, are proving just as attractive as overseas travel.
Ultimately, the upcoming Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday long weekend provides UAE residents with an essential opportunity to recharge and embrace either international adventures or local staycations before the colder months fully set in. This period is particularly significant for bachelors, newlyweds, and young couples, offering quality time and memorable experiences, with the slight rise in travel costs being a minor consideration for a well-earned respite. It truly marks a perfect conclusion to the summer, paving the way for the autumn holidays with refreshed spirits.
