As UAE schools prepare for a full month-long winter holiday this December, travel experts are warning that the extended break is turning December into the country’s new peak travel season. Families are combining the National Day holiday, Christmas, and New Year into a long getaway, causing a surge in bookings.
Extended School Holiday Drives Travel Surge
The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that the 2025‑2026 academic calendar includes a four‑week winter break — from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 — marking one of the longest school holidays in recent memory. Gulf News+2education-uae.com+2
This extended vacation window is especially significant for both public and many private schools, enabling families to plan more ambitious and longer trips. Gulf News+1
Bookings Skyrocket as Families Plan “One Big Escape”
Travel agencies and booking platforms are reporting a 35% increase in December bookings as UAE residents lock in holiday plans early. Khaleej Times According to Musafir.com, many families are using this unified school break to maximize time off and take advantage of the cooler winter climate. Khaleej Times
Mir Wasim Raja of Galadari International Travel noted that “seats are filling fast for both National Day and the Christmas‑New Year period” — indicating that last-minute flights may become scarce or expensive. Khaleej Times
Where Residents Are Traveling
Data from Musafir.com shows a diverse mix of travel preferences among UAE families:
- Long-haul cultural escapes: Destinations like Japan, Vietnam, and various European countries — including Italy, France, and Switzerland — are especially popular for their cultural appeal and winter atmosphere. Khaleej Times
- Regional getaways: Gulf countries such as Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are seeing strong demand, largely driven by families seeking a quick, relaxing break. Khaleej Times
- Cruises: There’s been a noticeable uptick in cruise bookings, with 3– to 7-night packages to destinations like Muscat, Bahrain, and Doha starting from about AED 1,299 per person. Khaleej Times
Drivers Behind the Shift
Several factors are contributing to this surge in travel:
- Longer break: The shift from a three-week winter holiday to a full month gives families more time to plan and travel without feeling rushed. education-uae.com+2ProPakistani+2
- Festive alignment: The holiday overlaps with National Day, Christmas, and New Year celebrations, making it an ideal time for festive travel. Khaleej Times
- Early bookings: With fixed school dates announced well in advance, families are securing their travel much earlier than in previous years — especially given concerns over rising prices as December draws near. Khaleej Times
- Well‑being & rest: The Ministry of Education has framed the extended break as a way for students and teachers to recharge, increasing the appeal of this downtime for travel. Yalla Abu Dhabi Life
Potential Challenges & Advice for Travellers
- Rising travel costs: With high demand, fares and accommodation prices may spike. Experts advise booking as soon as possible to avoid sharp price increases. Khaleej Times
- Limited availability: Popular routes and holiday packages may sell out quickly, especially for long-haul and cruise options.
- Visa and planning complications: Long-haul trips (e.g., to Europe) may require visas, and residents are being encouraged to apply early, particularly for Schengen countries where visa processing can take several weeks. Khaleej Times
- Alternate travel options: For families not wanting to travel far, regional destinations remain a strong and more affordable choice.
- Implications for the Travel Industry & Economy
- Boost for airlines and travel agencies: The extended school break is providing a major boost to travel businesses, especially those offering holiday packages, cruises, and long-haul options.
- Economic ripple effects: With more residents traveling, ancillary industries like hotels, retail, and transport could see a surge in demand.
- Strategic planning: This travel trend may lead the tourism sector to re-evaluate its resource allocation for December, traditionally a quieter period for some travel segments.
Looking Ahead
If this trend continues, December could establish itself as the new peak travel month in the UAE, not just because of the holidays, but due to the long-term shift in how families plan their year. Travel companies may offer more tailored packages for this window in future, and the extended break could become a foundational fixture for how UAE residents think about winter travel for years to come.
