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Dnata Travel reveals top 5 destinations for UAE travellers this December
Data also shows a 53% increase in bookings
The Maldives is the most booked destination among UAE travellers for the upcoming Eid Al Etihad break in early December 2025, according to new data from dnata Travel, which reports a 53% year-on-year increase in December bookings across all destinations, including domestic and international stays.
With the expectation of a longer school holiday, dnata says it is seeing travellers combine their early December Eid break with the wider winter period for extended stays or multiple trips.
Warm-weather island escapes are driving demand, with bookings for the Maldives up more than 100% compared to the same period last year, reaffirming its status as a UAE traveller hotspot. The team at dnata Travel attributes this significant upswing to an array of offers currently available with savings of between 30% and 50% at popular resorts.
Among the latest openings in the Maldives is dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, an all‑inclusive five‑star resort; Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a family‑friendly, lagoon‑themed property; and the NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, which has reopened following a comprehensive renovation.
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Thailand and Sri Lanka also seeing strong demand
Winter sun in Thailand also continues to perform strongly as the second-most booked destination in early December, supported by growing non-stop links to Phuket and Krabi. Air Arabia has introduced daily non-stop flights from Sharjah to Krabi from November 2025 and increased Sharjah-Phuket services to three flights a day from October 2025 in response to demand.
The Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka ranks fifth for early December travel bookings, attracting visitors with its “extensive itineraries for exploration and excellent value for money”, according to dnata Travel. Beyond its beaches, Sri Lanka offers a rich blend of culture and history, complemented by year-round warmth and plentiful sunshine.
Beyond island escapes, the UK is trending as a destination this December as travellers look to enjoy festive markets and seasonal events. Saudi Arabia completes the top five ranking, reflecting demand for Umrah travel and heightened interest in new tourism offerings launching this month, from Global City in Dammam to new entertainment destination, Six Flags Qiddiya City, near Riyadh.
Top 5 trending destinations for UAE travellers during Eid El Etihad 2025:
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Maldives
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Thailand
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UK
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Saudi Arabia
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Sri Lanka
Dnata Travel’s Head of Retail and Leisure UAE, Meerah Ketait, said UAE travellers are prioritising value and experience. "December marks the best time of year to travel to the islands of the Maldives and Thailand for weather and swimming conditions. In contrast, the UK is popular for its festive atmosphere and winter markets as the weather cools and evenings get darker.”
For travellers staying closer to home, dnata is seeing a shift toward resort properties away from the city, with rising demand for rugged, adventure-led destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman, as well as Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, with its many family-friendly attractions.
Across the wider winter months of 2025, destinations gaining traction include the Seychelles, South Korea, the Netherlands, the USA and Finland. Traditional European winter hotspots are benefiting from interest in festive markets and ski seasons, while Finnish Lapland appeals for unique cold-weather experiences.
Gulf cruises are also on the rise, with lines such as Celestyal and MSC offering sailings across Eid Al Etihad, the festive period and New Year’s Eve.
Among top offers still remaining for breaks during Eid Al Etihad 2025:
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The Maldives: stay at the 5-star Kurumba Maldives in a Deluxe Bungalow on all-inclusive, with return speedboat transfers, from AED 6,635
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Sri Lanka: packages at Avani Kalutara Resort with three nights in a Superior Courtyard View Room with breakfast daily and return flights, from AED 3,199
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Arabian Gulf cruise: sailing departing Dubai on 29 November 2025 with a seven-night full-board itinerary on MSC Euribia calling at Doha, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, from AED 3,500
For more information, visit dnatatravel.com
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