UAE hotels see occupancy rates hit the roof amid Schengen, US visa delays

Many families are seeking cost-effective holiday packages and extended weekend stays.

- Waheed Abbas

Hotels across the UAE are experiencing a surge in bookings ahead of the Eid Al Adha holidays, with many properties reporting full or near-full occupancy. This uptick is largely driven by residents opting for staycations due to ongoing difficulties securing US and Schengen visa appointments, as well as an influx of regional visitors.

Several hotels have already reached full capacity for the four-day Eid break, while others expect to hit 100 per cent occupancy in the coming days as last-minute bookings increase. UAE residents will enjoy a four-day Eid Al Adha holiday from Thursday to Sunday this week.

Tarek Labib, head of Commercial for IMEA at IHG Hotels & Resorts, noted that hotel occupancy rates are expected to peak over the Eid weekend, with strong performance extending into the surrounding days, especially in the Northern Emirates.