Hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are attracting more clients for summer holidays due to value-added offers, including packages starting from 169 dirhams and 24-hour stay options.
Hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are attracting more clients for summer holidays due to value-added offers, including packages starting from 169 dirhams and 24-hour stay options.
Experts note a continuing shift towards 'experience-based travel' rather than simply booking a hotel room. Rene D. Egle, Cluster General Manager at JA The Resort, stated that UAE residents are increasingly looking for places where they can fully relax without traveling far, especially resorts offering a wide range of entertainment for different generations in one location.
Julio Rafael, Marketing and Communications Director at Jannah Hotels & Resorts, emphasized that family holidays remain highly sought after during school breaks. He noted that offers such as free accommodation or meals for children, family activities, and exclusive seasonal bonuses allow families to spend quality time together while effectively managing their vacation budget.
Rafael added that while price is important, guests look beyond just the cost. They expect flexibility, significant inclusions, and the feeling that every day of their stay brings something new.
The Dubai Gold District and Dubai Deira hotel cluster, managed by Valour Hospitality Partners, introduced the Golden Summer Escape program, where an overnight stay starts from 169 dirhams per room per night. Families can gain even more benefit: children under 12 stay and eat free if sharing a room with parents and dining together.
At the JA Hatta Fort Hotel, nestled among the rugged Hajar Mountains, guests can take advantage of a 24-hour stay offer on weekdays from Sunday to Thursday until September 30th. Upon checking in at 9 am or 9 pm, guests receive full 24-hour access to the resort and can only check out at the same time the following day.
Jannah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah launched a summer weekday escape until September 30, 2026. It starts from just 199 dirhams per night and includes half board, spa discounts, and flexible check-in/check-out options. For those who value privacy, the summer private villa stay in Ras Al Khaimah offers a three-bedroom villa with a private pool and a 25 percent discount on food and beverages.
Those seeking something different can opt for a horse-riding experience at Habtoor Polo Resort, where guests can tour the stables and take advantage of several exclusive discounts. These offers are valid until September 30th and include complimentary room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.
Rene confirmed that meal inclusion is a powerful booking incentive. He noted: 'Meal inclusions continue to be one of the strongest booking factors, especially for families, as they provide both convenience and greater certainty regarding vacation expenses.'
He also added that flexible arrival and departure times are highly valued, as this allows guests to maximize every minute of their stay. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for packages that include experiences such as spa treatments, water sports, golf, or family activities, not just accommodation.
Julio reported that longer stays are also becoming increasingly popular. 'More guests are deciding to extend their stay and enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace,' he said. 'Ultimately, the most successful packages are those that strike the right balance between value, flexibility, comfort, and memorable experiences.'
Both experts expressed optimism about occupancy for the rest of the year. Rene stated: 'Dubai continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience as a global tourist destination, supported by strong regional demand, a diverse international visitor base, and a growing domestic market.'
Julio added that the consistent support and strategic vision of the UAE tourism authorities have helped with this. 'Their continuous investment in tourism, promotion of destinations, and enhancement of visitor experiences continues to generate positive momentum for the hospitality sector.'
He concluded that while international travel trends may change throughout the year, these periods often prompt more local and regional visitors to discover destinations closer to home, creating additional opportunities for summer holidays.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates who were unable to travel in the first half of the summer can take advantage of vacation offers in August, with packages starting from just 1099 dirhams.
Longer trips and less popular destinations among UAE tourists can cost almost 7000 dirhams per person.
Travel agents note that demand in August is driven by residents' desire to visit places they could not reach earlier in the summer to have a short break before the season ends.
Pavan Pujari from Luxury Travels reported that some packages are already sold out, and only a small number of spots remain for select destinations. He noted: 'People who did not travel to their hometowns are now considering trips in August.'
According to him, the average package price ranges from 3000 to 7000 dirhams, depending on the duration and destination of the holiday.
An online price check by Khaleej Times demonstrated that more affordable options for August are available for visiting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. These destinations are in demand because they suit a short break and are within a few hours' drive from the UAE. Pujari added that 'the Caucasus countries continue to be in demand among residents looking for a quick vacation. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian countries are also attracting more interest.'
Furthermore, Pujari mentioned that some destinations in Sri Lanka are gaining popularity as tourists seek places with greener nature during the monsoon season.
Montenegro is also attracting interest from UAE residents. Pujari explained that new destinations that have gained visa access, such as Montenegro, are becoming more popular, although packages to this country fall into the more expensive category compared to August prices. Online analysis showed that shorter tours to Montenegro cost around 7000 dirhams per person.
Nevertheless, travelers should check in advance whether the visa-on-arrival regime applies to their nationality and UAE residency status, as entry rules may vary depending on the passport, visa category, and its validity period.
Tourism companies often list starting prices, which may only apply to specific dates or a limited number of spots. The final amount may increase after including baggage, paying visa fees, travel insurance, airport transfers, tourism fees, or additional excursions.
According to agents, the price may also be based on accommodation for two adults in one room. Families traveling with children are advised to clarify whether the stated cost includes accommodation with an extra bed and if the tariffs for children differ.
Dubai offers residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the opportunity to receive discounts on hotel stays and restaurant offers totaling over 3000 dirhams. This promotion has been launched as part of the new tourism program by the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai (DET).
Under this new tourism initiative, residents can nominate relatives or friends free of charge to visit the emirate. After the guest arrives in Dubai and their visit is confirmed, the inviter receives a package of discounts that includes offers for accommodation, dining, and attraction visits.
The campaign will run until October 31st, and each eligible resident can nominate up to five visitors arriving in Dubai during this period. The received rewards can be used until December 31, 2026, unless individual offers specify a different validity period.
To take advantage of the benefits, residents must fill out an online nomination form on the Visit Dubai website. Registration requires providing details such as Emirates ID, date of birth, gender, and email address. After personal information is confirmed, residents add details about their invited family members or friends.
The nomination will be processed, and the guest's arrival will be tracked through authorized government systems. Residents can invite non-residents of the UAE who enter Dubai with a valid tourist visa or are eligible for entry on arrival. Arrival must occur between July 20 and October 31, 2026.
Although multiple nominations can be submitted, only five are allowed simultaneously. Additional applications can be submitted after the first one is completed. Each guest can only be nominated once within the campaign. Registration closes on September 30th, but guests can arrive in Dubai until October 31st to meet the conditions.
After the guest arrives in Dubai, DET verifies the visit. Since authorities are automatically notified of visitor entries, no further action is required from residents. Once the arrival is confirmed, the relevant residents will receive an email with details of the benefits package and instructions on how to use the offers. The benefit packages will be issued in August, and the rewards are available until December 31, 2026.
It is important to note that guests must independently arrange flights, visas, accommodation, and travel expenses, as the campaign does not provide visa assistance. Residents can receive a maximum of three reward packages under this initiative.
Dubai offers various tourist visa options. Citizens of over 80 countries can enter on a visa on arrival. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can enter without a visa, and GCC residents can obtain an e-visa. Transit visas for 48 or 96 hours are also available for all passport holders. Travelers can choose a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa. The application process usually takes about 48 hours.
UAE tourist visas can be extended for a total duration of up to 120 days within the country.
A single-entry tourist visa allows guests to enter Dubai once and stay for 30 or 60 days. It can be obtained through approved airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or authorized visa service providers. Applicants typically need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photo, and medical insurance. The visa cost is 200 dirhams for 30 days and 300 dirhams for 60 days, plus 5% VAT. Once leaving the UAE, the visa cannot be used for re-entry.
A multiple tourist visa allows foreign nationals to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during its validity period—30 or 60 days. The visa is issued for tourism purposes and requires a sponsor or host party in the UAE licensed in tourism. Applicants must pay the set visa fee and, if necessary, a financial deposit. For 30 days of multiple entry, the cost is 300 dirhams, and for 60 days, it is 500 dirhams, plus 5% VAT.
A five-year multiple tourist visa allows foreign nationals to visit the UAE multiple times over five years without the need for a host party or guarantor. This visa is intended for those visiting relatives or friends and permits stays of 30, 60, or 90 days per visit. Visitors can stay continuously in the UAE for up to 90 days at a time, with the possibility of extension for a similar period, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days per year. The cost of the long-term multiple visa is 3713.5 dirhams, including application fees, issuance fees, and a 3000 dirham deposit. Additional fees may apply, such as Knowledge Dirham (10 dirhams), Innovation Dirham (10 dirhams), or UAE fee (500 dirhams).
