UAE residents plan final summer escape during long weekend with slight airfare rise

As the UAE prepares to observe the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday on Friday, September 5, residents are seizing the opportunity for a last-minute getaway before the winter season begins. With Saturday and Sunday already part of the weekend, the three-day break is prompting strong demand for short holidays to nearby destinations.

Travel agencies report that bachelors, newlyweds, and young couples — many of whom stayed back while families travelled during peak summer — are driving the current surge in bookings. Companies often encourage single employees to work through the summer, and this extended weekend has opened a window for quick travel.

“This long weekend has come as a blessing for many bachelors and couples who didn’t travel in July or August,” said Pavan Poojary, a travel consultant at Luxury Travels. “They are eager to make the most of a few days off, especially to destinations with cooler weather just a few hours away.”

Popular choices include Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia. Couples without children are favouring the Maldives and Sri Lanka for their beaches and tropical climates. Travel experts highlight that short flights, minimal jet lag, and favourable weather are key reasons behind the spike in demand.

Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Travels, noted, “Families mostly travelled during school breaks, but now we are seeing a wave of bookings from newlyweds, young couples, and bachelors heading to Baku, Tbilisi, and Almaty.”

Slight rise in airfares

Data from Skyscanner shows that airfares have increased slightly for the long weekend compared to the following week. A direct flight from Dubai to Baku on September 4 costs Dh548, up from Dh450 on September 11. Fares to Tbilisi stand at Dh615 on September 4, compared to Dh520 the next Thursday. Similarly, tickets to Kazakhstan are priced at Dh736 for the holiday weekend, versus Dh614 a week later. Travel to the Maldives has also risen, from Dh498 next week to Dh605 on September 4.

Travel consultants explained that such fare hikes are typical during public holidays due to increased demand.

With September marking the shift from peak summer heat to cooler months, this long weekend is seen as the last opportunity for a summer getaway. “This is not just a holiday. For many, it’s the closing chapter of their summer,” Poojary added.