UAE residents have a three day break from August 28 to 30 for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. The break gives people a chance to travel, rest or explore new places.
People who have Saturday and Sunday off can enjoy the full long weekend. Some may fly to a nearby country. Others may cross the Oman border by car. Many may also choose a hotel stay within the UAE.
Travel firms are offering short trips for the break. Hotels and resorts are also offering summer deals. This gives residents many ways to plan a short holiday without taking much extra leave.
A short flight is one of the easiest ways to use the long weekend. Travel sites are offering three night trips to several countries.
Popular options include Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Thailand.
Three night deals reviewed for the break start at about Dh1,200 per person. Some packages cost up to Dh3,000. The price can change based on the hotel, flight and services included.
Georgia, Baku and Armenia are among the options for people who want to return before work starts again.
People who can take extra leave have more choices. A Montenegro trip, for example, runs from August 26 to 31. That trip would need extra days away from work.
Georgia is also a popular choice for Gulf travellers. Data from the Georgian National Tourism Administration shows that the country had 145,513 visits from GCC markets in 2025. This was a 3.4 per cent rise from the year before.
Georgia is about a four hour flight from major Gulf cities. It also offers city trips, mountain views and nature spots.
Salalah in southern Oman is another choice for families. The city is known for its Khareef season, which brings cooler weather and green views.
The road trip is long. From Dubai, the drive is about 1,200km each way. A return trip can cover about 2,400km to 2,500km.
A car that gives 10 to 12km per litre may need about 200 to 250 litres of fuel for the trip. Fuel costs could be around Dh600 to Dh850, based on the car and fuel price.
Hotels in Salalah may cost about Dh200 to Dh550 a night. After adding food, border costs, insurance and activities, a family of four may spend about Dh3,000 to Dh4,500.
Visitors can explore places such as Wadi Darbat and Mughsail. The new Salalah Eye is also due to open in August.
People who do not want to drive can look for flight and hotel deals. Some Salalah packages start at around Dh1,499.
Musandam is a better choice for people who want an easier Oman trip. The area is known for its tall mountains and clear waters.
Khasab packages can start from about Dh250. Residents can also plan their own road trip.
The three day break is enough for a short visit. People can leave on Thursday evening, stay for one or two nights and return on Sunday.
Dhow trips, mountain views and time near the sea make Musandam a good short escape.
Residents do not need to leave the country to enjoy the break. A staycation can be a simple and less tiring choice.
Hotel deals can start below Dh200. Travel listings show average staycation prices of about Dh300 in Ras Al Khaimah and Dh375 in Dubai.
Average prices are about Dh450 in Abu Dhabi, Dh495 in Al Ain and Dh500 in Ajman. Umm Al Quwain may cost around Dh590, while Fujairah may cost about Dh600.
Prices can change based on the hotel, room, meals and travel dates.
For a different trip, residents can also visit Sir Bani Yas Island. It offers an island break without leaving the UAE.
The August 28 to 30 break gives residents many choices. They can fly abroad, drive to Oman or stay close to home.
The best choice will depend on budget, travel time and how much rest each person wants before normal work and school routines return.
