Eid Al Fitr Holidays In UAE: Hotels Reaching 'Confirmed 100% Occupancy'

Hotels across the UAE are reporting strong occupancy during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, reaching“confirmed 100 per cent” across some of the properties as residents increasingly opt for staycations to enjoy the extended pleasant weather.

UAE residents are most likely to have a five-day Eid Al Fitr break from March 29 to April 2. Meanwhile, public sector employees in Sharjah may enjoy a 6-day break from March 28 to April 2.

As reported by Khaleej Times earlier, peak travel and tourism duration in the UAE has extended till April due to pleasant weather.

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On March 26, Wednesday evening, Booking data for Dubai showed that 77 per cent of places for stays were not available from March 30 to April 2, reflecting strong demand for staycations during the first long break of the year. With a few more days to go before Eid, occupancy will reach 100 per cent in popular hotels in prime locations such as Downtown and the Palm etc.

“The hotels are currently maintaining over 80 per cent occupancy, with a confirmed 100 per cent occupancy for Eid Al Fitr,” said Abdulla Al Abdulla, chief operating officer and general manager of Central Hotels and Resorts.

He added that strategic marketing efforts, collaborations with online travel agencies and discounts, such as 45 per cent off across all platforms, were key in attracting guests during Eid Al Fitr.

Average Dubai hotel rates during Ramadan have plummeted 54.04 per cent year-on-year, driving a three per cent increase in local staycation searches , according to online travel marketplace Wego.

Its data also showed that 4-star hotels dominate preferences, accounting for 40.15 per cent of bookings, as travellers prioritise quality and value.

“Guests primarily come from European markets like the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, along with a steady flow of local UAE guests, maximising our occupancy during this peak period,” Abdulla told Khaleej Times.

Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager of Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said they're witnessing exceptionally strong demand for staycations across both properties during Eid Al Fitr.

“Currently, our business on the books stands at 95 per cent, and we anticipate closing the Eid period and the subsequent week at 100 per cent occupancy, coupled with robust average daily rates. This surge aligns with the growing preference among UAE residents for local leisure experiences, even during traditionally quieter periods like Ramadan,” said Hamdani.

Notably, the hotels, he added, maintained 90 per cent occupancy throughout March, underscoring sustained demand despite seasonal challenges.

“Eid bookings reflect a strategic blend of staycationers seeking premium hospitality offerings and our targeted outreach to the domestic market. This initiative was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from UAE residents, with allocated inventory booked entirely within a short timeframe. Due to this exceptional response and our current trajectory toward full occupancy, we regret to share that no rooms remain available at either property for the Eid period,” said Hamdani.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, said it is also“seeing a strong demand for staycations, particularly from families and residents looking for a luxurious setting to celebrate Eid".

Thomas Kurian, hotel manager at Leva Hotels, said this year, Eid Al-Fitr falls at the perfect time, coinciding with pleasant weather in the UAE, global spring breaks, and the first extended holiday after New Year's.

“This presents a prime opportunity for the hospitality sector, with a continued rise in reservations from neighbouring GCC countries. As spring school holidays align worldwide, we also anticipate an influx of travellers from key markets such as the UK, Italy, Germany, and Spain, making it an ideal period for family travel,” added Kurian.

“With a typical booking window of three to four days, we anticipate a significant last-minute pickup as the holiday approaches. Our pre-booking data already shows that 50 per cent of our rooms are reserved, with occupancy projections reaching 85-90 per cent,” said Leva Hotels' manager.

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