Dubai hotels are seeing stronger Eid Al Adha staycation demand as UAE residents reconsider or delay European summer travel plans amid ongoing Schengen visa appointment challenges, according to United Hospitality Management.
Dominic Arel, VP operations at United Hospitality Management, told Arabian Business the group has seen “stronger interest in domestic tourism and staycations” across its Dubai properties, as travellers prioritise convenience, flexibility and familiar destinations during periods of uncertainty.
“Yes, we are seeing increased interest around the Eid Al Adha period, particularly from residents who may be reconsidering or delaying European summer travel plans due to ongoing situation which pose various challenges,” Arel said.
The trend comes as UAE residents face pressure on European holiday plans, with Schengen visa appointment shortages forcing some travellers to rethink summer itineraries or look for alternatives closer to home.
Arel said several of the group’s resort properties are “looking at a sell-out during Eid break”, while city hotels are also “selling fast”.
United Hospitality Management operates a portfolio that includes RIVA Beach Club, voco Bonnington Dubai, Mövenpick JLT, Th8 Palm, Wyndham Residences the Palm and The Creekside Hotel Dubai, An Accor Hotel.
“We have definitely seen stronger interest in domestic tourism and staycations across our properties in Dubai,” he said. “During periods of uncertainty, travellers tend to prioritise convenience, flexibility and familiarity, which has encouraged many UAE residents to explore local hospitality experiences instead of travelling further abroad.”
The Eid uplift is being felt across resort, city, F&B, leisure and wellness segments, according to Arel, who said guests are increasingly looking for short breaks that combine relaxation, premium service and family-friendly experiences.
“Our focus has been on creating accessible, experience-led offerings that appeal to both residents and regional visitors,” he said.
Across the portfolio, the group has introduced staycation packages, dining experiences, family activations and seasonal offers built around flexibility, value and memorable experiences.
“Overall, business performance has remained positive, with strong occupancy trends during weekends and holidays, as well as encouraging demand across F&B and leisure segments,” Arel said.
He added that wellness and fitness demand has also strengthened, with the Holistic fitness and sports facility at The Creekside Hotel Dubai reporting record revenues as more guests spend time on sports and fitness.
The shift suggests Dubai’s domestic hospitality market is benefiting from a combination of long-weekend demand, regional uncertainty and travel disruption, while also becoming less dependent on being treated as a fallback option to overseas holidays.
“One of the most interesting shifts we’re seeing is how local hospitality experiences are increasingly being viewed not simply as alternatives to international travel, but as destinations in their own right,” Arel said.
“Dubai continues to benefit from strong infrastructure, accessibility and a world-class hospitality offering, making it well-positioned to capture both domestic and regional tourism demand throughout the year.”
