The United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a surge in domestic travel during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in March 2025, with hotels across the country reporting strong performance driven by both local residents and the coinciding school holidays.
According to property market analytics firm CoStar, the timing of the holiday alongside the UAE’s spring school break significantly bolstered tourism, creating a robust demand for accommodations. Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah emerged as standout performers, showcasing the growing appeal of these regions as domestic travel destinations.
Ajman Leads in Occupancy
On March 31, Ajman recorded the highest hotel occupancy rate in the UAE, reaching 95.8%. This performance was accompanied by an average daily rate (ADR) of AED 698.59 and a revenue per available room (RevPAR) of AED 669.23. These figures highlight the emirate’s rising popularity, particularly during public holidays, as more residents opt for staycations and regional travel.
Ras Al Khaimah Posts Top Room Rates
Ras Al Khaimah, meanwhile, led the country in both ADR and RevPAR on the same day, with rates of AED 1,184.36 and AED 1,100.43, respectively. The emirate achieved a 92.9% occupancy rate, driven by increased demand for luxury accommodations and the region’s appeal to both local and international tourists.
Eid and School Break Drive Domestic Tourism
The alignment of Eid al-Fitr with the school holiday provided an extended travel window for families, spurring staycations and regional trips. This convergence was particularly beneficial for the hotel sector, as families took advantage of the holiday period to explore destinations within the UAE.
While Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah led the pack, other emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, also reported impressive occupancy rates of 89.7% and 89.8%, respectively.
Experts in the tourism industry have noted that the cooler weather during this time of year made domestic travel even more attractive, further enhancing the appeal of local tourism during the Eid period.
As the UAE continues to develop its tourism sector, these strong performance figures underline the importance of domestic travel during peak periods and highlight the growing prominence of regional destinations outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
