dnata Travel reports 31% surge in UAE staycation bookings for October half-term

Dubai, UAE, 8^th October 2026: UAE staycation bookings have increased by 31% year-on-year ahead of the October half-term break, according to the latest booking data from dnata Travel, highlighting growing demand for convenient getaways closer to home.

The UAE is the top destination booked by residents for the school holiday period, as families increasingly opt for shorter breaks that offer quality time together without extensive travel. Outbound travel also remains robust, with the Maldives, Spain, France, Thailand, and Mauritius ranking among the most popular overseas destinations.

In the UAE, Dubai accounts for 78% of all staycation bookings, followed by Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. Booking trends highlight strong demand for hotels that offer easy access to leisure, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences, including properties on Yas Island and Palm Jumeirah. Beach resorts continue to perform strongly, with all-inclusive properties appealing to families seeking convenient, value-driven getaways.

International bookings overall are tracking ahead of the same period last year. Spain has recorded a 65% increase in sales year-on-year, while demand for travel to the United States is up 6%. France and Japan are also performing significantly ahead of last year's levels, while enquiries for Finland are emerging among travellers seeking cooler-weather experiences.

Family travel spending continues to rise, with average booking values increasing by 6% year-on-year. Bookings through dnata Travel's retail stores have grown 16%, while bookings generated through social media channels have tripled compared to last year.

Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said: “The October half-term break remains an important travel period for UAE residents. The sustained popularity of staycations reflects broader shifts in traveller behaviour, with families placing greater value on convenience, flexibility, and meaningful experiences as shorter breaks become an increasingly appealing way to maximise time away.

“Beyond the UAE, we’re seeing strong demand for nearby beach destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Thailand. These destinations continue to resonate with travellers by offering a compelling combination of accessibility, value, and family appeal. At the same time, social media continues to play a growing role in inspiring destination choices and shaping booking decisions.”

dnata Travel's top holiday offers: October half-term 2026

UAE staycations

Dubai
Stay one night at the five-star Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah in a Guest Room with dnata Travel, with breakfast and one child up to 11 years stays and eats for free, from AED 545 per person.

Abu Dhabi
Stay one night at the four-star Yas Plaza Circuit in a One Queen Family Suite Plaza View with dnata Travel, with breakfast, theme park access and two children up to 11 years stay and eat free, from AED 545 per person.

Fujairah 
Stay one night at the five-star Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in a Deluxe Guest Room Sea View King with dnata Travel, with breakfast, from AED 695 per person.

International getaways

Helsinki, Finland
Stay three nights at the five-star Hilton Helsinki Strand in a Twin Room with dnata Travel with Breakfast, and return flights, from AED 4,035 per person.

Maldives
Stay three nights at the five-star Sun Siyam Olhuveli in a Grand Beach Villa with Pool on Full Board with dnata Travel, including complimentary transfers for children, kids stay and eat free, 30% savings on accommodation, 50% savings on return speedboat transfers, a complimentary Lucky Dolphin Cruise, and return flights, from AED 7,420 per person.

Mauritius
Stay three nights at the five-star C Mauritius in a Prestige Room on Half Board with dnata Travel, with up to 40% savings on your stay, and return flights, from AED 6,590 per person.

To explore more trending destinations within and from the UAE with dnata Travel, visit www.dnataTravel.com. For more travel advice and inspiration, contact the dnata Travel experts via call or WhatsApp on 800 DNATA (36282), on social media @dnataTravel, email holidays@dnatatravel.com, or visit a dnata Travel retail outlet, with stores located across the UAE.