Residents in the UAE are increasingly opting for staycations, leveraging money-saving hotel deals with discounts of up to 40% on rooms and villas. This trend is driven by attractive offers from hospitality groups across the UAE.
Syrian expat Aiham Joratli, who enjoys bi-weekly staycations, explained his preference for local getaways. “I have already enjoyed a few staycations this summer and plan to take a few more before my children’s schools reopen. My wife and I love to go on staycations every two weeks just to break the monotony. We’ve also lived in several different hotels across the UAE and sometimes go to a few hotels that we really like, repeatedly.” Joratli, who also traveled with his family to London recently, emphasized the benefits of booking in advance. “This strategy helps me secure the best prices since we are a large family of five. For the summer, we specifically planned a few staycations. We know that international travel anywhere during summer usually costs double or triple the usual price,” he noted. Joratli works in an automotive company.
Residents across the UAE are seizing deals on hotel stays, including discounts on rooms and villas, and perks like complimentary access to gyms, kids’ clubs, rooftop pools, and live entertainment.
“Last week, I stayed at a hotel in Dubai. Once again, I found great deals, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Staycations are really helpful in breaking the routine and we manage to catch the best prices during these months. In a fortnight we might explore another emirate,” Joratli added.
Expiring holiday allowance also prompts staycations. Sharjah resident Umm e Aiman and her family chose a staycation to utilize her husband’s remaining holiday allowance. “We decided to visit the Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts because they had great summer offers. We stayed for two nights, and our children had a fantastic time at the water park. We all enjoyed the splashes, and were pleasantly surprised to see many other families there for a staycation,” she said. Aiman mentioned their original plan was to visit Turkey, but the costs were prohibitive. “With our large family of six, we opted for a staycation instead. This way, the children had a wonderful time, and we spent quality time together as a family,” she added.
The trend of opting for staycations over traditional vacations has grown in recent years, according to industry experts.
Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, highlighted the appeal of convenience and reduced travel time. “Several factors contribute to this trend. First, the convenience and reduced travel time of staycations appeal to many residents who prefer a quick getaway without the hassle of international travel. Second, the UAE boasts a plethora of world-class hotels and resorts that offer exceptional amenities and experiences, making it unnecessary for residents to travel abroad for relaxation,” said Purcell.
Hotels that offer unique experiences and high-quality amenities, such as sea views, private villas, and comprehensive facilities, are particularly popular. “Our hotel, for instance, has seen a significant increase in bookings for its Summer Sea-View Staycation promotion, where guests can enjoy stunning views, beautiful accommodations, exceptional dining, and one-of-a-kind heritage,” Purcell explained.
Tourism experts also note that some residents prefer staycations due to cost, unavailability of leave, or a general preference for local travel. Accommodations near malls are a common choice, offering easy access to dining and shopping. Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, mentioned the advantage of inviting family members to Dubai during the summer. “Many residents invite family members over to Dubai during the summer because it’s one-fourth of the price during the winter and season time,” Mahtani said. He added that securing restaurant reservations and enjoying less crowded malls are appealing aspects of summer staycations.