Travel agencies across the UAE are reporting sharp increases in airfares as residents prepare for the five-day National Day holiday, which runs from Wednesday, December 2 through Sunday, December 6, 2026, marking the country's 55th anniversary.
Fares to destinations popular for visiting friends and relatives have climbed 25 to 35 percent, while prices on high-demand leisure routes could nearly double, according to travel industry sources. The surge is being linked to a jump in jet fuel prices since late February this year, following regional tensions and disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Maldives, just a four-hour flight away and visa-free for UAE residents, remains the top choice for holidaymakers. Thailand, Switzerland, South Africa, Mauritius and the Seychelles are also drawing strong bookings, while Helsinki has emerged as a new favourite among travellers seeking something different.
Industry representatives say the five-day break is fuelling a noticeable jump in travel demand, though the relatively short holiday is also pushing many residents toward destinations that are quicker and easier to reach rather than long-haul trips.
Domestic tourism is benefiting too: hotel bookings within the UAE are up 23 percent year-on-year, alongside a similar rise in local getaways. South Africa bookings have jumped 58 percent compared with last year, one of the strongest gains across all destinations. Travel agents are urging residents to book flights and accommodation early to avoid paying even steeper prices as the holiday approaches.