Eid Al Fitr 2026: Why UAE Families Are Choosing GCC Trips Over Long International Travel

2026-02-20 02:22:08

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

With short GCC trips lined up for Eid, residents are saving their long-haul European holidays for the summer school break

PUBLISHED: Fri 20 Feb 2026, 2:15 PM

By:
SM Ayaz Zakir

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With Eid Al Fitr expected around mid-March this year, when the weather across the UAE and neighbouring countries remains pleasant, many residents are choosing short-haul trips within the GCC instead of long international holidays.

Travel agents said that residents are increasingly planning road trips to nearby destinations like Oman and Musandam, or combining Umrah in the last 10 days of Ramadan with short leisure breaks within Saudi Arabia during the Eid holidays.

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For Mohammed AbuNael's family, this year's Eid break will be spent on a road trip to Oman, where their extended family lives in Muscat.

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“My sister moved there two years ago, and we have been waiting for the right time to visit,” said the Ajman resident.“March is perfect because it still feels like winter there. The kids can enjoy the outdoors without the heat.”

The family plans to drive down a day before Eid and stay for four nights, depending on the Eid holiday announcement.“We will be exploring Muttrah Corniche, Qurum Beach, Wadi Shab and the historic Nizwa Fort. It's easier when you have family there. We can spend more time together outside instead of just going to malls.”

Meanwhile, Abdul Salam Khaneri and his friends have planned a group road trip to Musandam this Eid.

“There are three families travelling together with children. We have booked a villa near the coast. The idea is to relax, do some kayaking, barbeque in the evenings and let the kids play outdoor games. The weather now is too good to miss.”

Their international travel plans, meanwhile, are scheduled for later in the year.

“We are planning a two-week trip to Russia during the summer school holidays,” said Abdul Salam.“So it made more sense to do something close by now and save our budget and annual leave for later.”

Others are combining religious travel with tourism. Abu Dhabi resident Mohammed Imran will be travelling to Madina with his family during the last 10 days of Ramadan and plans to stay back for Eid.

“After Umrah, we will spend Eid in Madina and then travel to Abha and Jeddah for a few days,” he said.“Since we are already there, we thought it's the best time to explore these places when the weather is pleasant.”

Travel agents confirm shift in preference

Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism said:“Many residents are planning Umrah during the last 10 days of Ramadan and are choosing to spend the Eid holidays exploring Madina or other destinations in Saudi Arabia such as Abha, Tabuk and AlUla. We are also seeing a rise in local travel during the Eid break, with families opting for road trips to Oman and Musandam because of the pleasant weather,”

“Instead of going to malls, people now prefer peaceful destinations where they can spend quality time with family. In fact, many are travelling in groups of four to five families, organising social games and outdoor activities that even children can enjoy together.”

Pavan Poojary from Luxury Travels also noticed the shift:“Saudi Arabia, especially AlUla and Madina, is seeing strong interest from families who are either combining their Umrah trip with leisure travel or planning short breaks after Ramadan,”

Travel agents also said that destinations like Oman and Musandam remain popular for road trips due to the cooler weather in March.“Many of our clients are travelling in larger groups of extended family or friends, preferring nature-based experiences and private stays over crowded city attractions so they can spend more quality time together.”