UAE National Day break - Residents opt for staycations

For the upcoming four-day-long National Day holidays in the first week of December, Many UAE residents are opting for staycations amidst high airfares and also to avoid the hassle of multiple Covid-19 PCR tests and additional documentation to travel abroad with families.

UAE residents will have a four-day break from December 1 to 4 to mark Commemoration Day and National Day.

Hotel industry executives say that occupancy increases by up to 30 per cent over the long weekends, reaching 100 per cent for many properties in the country.

David Todd, head of operations for MEA at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), said demand is higher during the National Day holidays with staycations growing.

“Occupancies are seen to be higher in Dubai, versus the other emirates. We do enjoy higher occupancies across the Middle East during long weekends. During the pandemic, guests were choosing to explore their country or city of residence as various borders were closed and the travel situation was uncertain. Staycations allowed guests to take a break from their daily routine and enjoy time with family and friends,” said Todd.

Grace Margarett, executive assistant manager for rooms and revenue, Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa, echoed her industry peers, confirming a good pickup during the National Day break.
“During the long weekends, occupancy increase between 20 to 30 per cent on average as compared to weekdays or normal weekends,” she said, adding that staycations help residents to spend more time with their families as travelling abroad is more time-consuming exercise, especially during the pandemic.

“Also, people prefer to escape from their daily routine and want to rest and enjoy hotel facilities, therefore, staycations are becoming increasingly popular. Dubai is a tourist destination, hence why not residents also become a tourist and treat themselves with a staycation,” she added.