10 trips to take during the Eid Al Fitr public holiday

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The Blue Mosque Istanbul Turkey Eid Al Fitr Holiday Feature

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

With Eid Al Fitr approaching, residents across the UAE and wider GCC are planning ahead for the first public holiday of 2026. A potential three-day weekend is on the horizon, with celebrations expected from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March.

Travellers and agents across the region can capitalise on the opportunity by curating short-haul trips ranging from coastal escapes to cultural city stays. For those seeking a longer adventure, adding a few days of annual leave can easily extend the holiday to five days.

Here are 10 of the best destinations for GCC travellers to explore during the 2026 Eid Al Fitr holiday.

1. Colombo, Sri Lanka

With just under a five-hour flight duration and direct services from all major local carriers, Colombo is an easily accessible destination from the UAE. The largest metropolis of the island nation, Colombo spans colonial-era temples and contemporary landmarks, including the Lotus Tower, one of South Asia’s tallest structures. Nature-seekers can embark on a day trip to Kandy, exploring the tea highlands and the Royal Botanical Gardens. The city recently also hosted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, drawing international fans and highlighting Colombo’s potential for event-driven tourism.

2. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Home to white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, Zanzibar is emerging as a fast-growing Indian Ocean destination, just under a six-hour flight from the UAE. Located off the coast of Tanzania, the island has a rich Swahili culture, with heritage sites including the Unesco-listed Stone Town, a historic trading port for East Africa. Zanzibar has recorded a 53% rise in demand from Saudi travellers, as revealed in Skyscanner’s Travel Trends report, highlighting growing regional interest in alternative island destinations beyond traditional spots such as the Maldives. Local carrier Etihad is set to relaunch seasonal services to the island later this year.

Beach Zanzibar Tanzania Eid Al Fitr Holiday Feature

Beaches in Zanzibar, Tanzania

3. Istanbul, Turkey

Türkiye is the leading outbound destination for GCC travellers, as per the 2025 Connecting Travel Insights Report, and Istanbul remains at the heart of this demand with its mix of historic landmarks and seasonal events. March in the capital city marks the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival, as green spaces across the metropolis are covered in tulips. Must-visit highlights include the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, sampling street food in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, alongside a night cruise on the Bosphorus River. Recent additions to the city’s hotel portfolio include Canopy by Hilton Istanbul Taksim, launched in January, which offers quick access to sites such as Taksim Square and Istiklal Street.

4. Yerevan, Armenia

This history-rich Caucasus capital is gaining popularity as improved air connectivity and flexible visa policies drive growing interest from the GCC. UAE travellers can soon enjoy direct access to Yerevan from Abu Dhabi for the first time, with weekly flights by Etihad launching on 9 March 2026. The country has also granted visa-free access to all GCC residents since 1 July 2025, allowing for stays up to 90 days. Key landmarks include the Republic Square, Cascade Complex and the recently renovated Red Bridge, which dates to the 17th century.

Republic Square Yerevan Armenia Eid Al Fitr Holiday Feature

Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia

5. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh remains a popular short-haul destination for GCC-based residents, with Eid in the Saudi capital marked by lively decorations, cultural performances and fireworks displays. Just a 40-minute drive from downtown, Qiddiya City will unveil its newest attraction, Aquarabia water park, on 19 March, welcoming its first visitors over Eid. It’s the second theme park to open in the kingdom’s new tourism hub, following Six Flags, which is home to the world’s tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster. Another day trip from Riyadh is Diriyah, a Unesco‑recognised historic district that includes the At‑Turaif World Heritage Site with its 18th‑century mud‑brick palaces, alongside Bujairi Terrace’s mix of high‑end dining and retail. IHG’s Kimpton brand made its Middle East debut with a new Riyadh property launched in September 2025, and offers 212 rooms and four dining venues.

10 best‑value destinations for UAE travellers in 2026

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6. Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang, Vietnam’s vibrant coastal city, is emerging as a top destination for Muslim travellers in 2026, with Wego reporting a 128% year-on-year increase in flight searches from GCC markets. Emirates introduced four weekly services to the city via Bangkok in 2025, improving connectivity from the UAE. Major attractions include the Marble Mountains – home to caves, temples and shrines – and landmark bridges such as the Golden Bridge, famous for its two limestone hand structures. Nearby Hoi  An, named one of Asia’s top destinations for 2026 by TripAdvisor, makes for an easy day excursion from Da Nang to explore the ancient town, known for its canals and lantern-lit streets.

Golden Bridge Da Nang Vietnam Eid Al Fitr Holiday Feature

Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam

7. Tbilisi, Georgia

An affordable proximity getaway, Georgia is a long-time favourite for UAE travellers. Its capital, Tbilisi, offers visitors a relaxed cityscape complete with the famous Bridge of Peace, Old Town neighbourhoods with cobblestone streets and traditional sulphur baths in the Abanotubani district, fed by natural hot springs. Over the past year, the city has introduced new attractions, including the Art Foundation Anagi centre and the restoration of historic cable car routes connecting major hilltop landmarks. Visa-on-arrival for GCC residents supports growing regional demand, alongside direct services from carriers such as Flydubai, Air Arabia, Flynas and Qatar Airways.

8. Milan, Italy

Italy continues to be a strong outbound market for the UAE, with Milan searches up 40%, according to SkyScanner’s 2026 Travel Trends Report. Dubbed Italy’s fashion capital, Milan is renowned for its high-end shopping, historic architecture and artistic culture. Luxury style enthusiasts can visit the Giorgio Armani, Milano per amore exhibition, dedicated to the legacy of the late designer, running till 3 May. Other must-visit attractions include Duomo Di Milano church, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II mall and Santa Maria delle Grazie church, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Direct flights are available via Emirates and Etihad to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Flydubai to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY). New accommodation in the city includes the recently refurbished The Carlton Milan, a 70-room property located in the heart of the city’s fashion district.

Duomo Di Milano church in Milan, Italy

9. Salalah, Oman

Located in Oman’s southern Dhofar region, Salalah is framed by the Arabian Sea on one side and rugged wadis and mountains on the other. March’s dry, warm weather makes it an excellent time to hike Jebel Samhan or visit the blowholes at Al Marneef Cave. Travellers can unwind at the city’s many beachfront resorts, including Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, named among the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best winners. Oman Air has recently launched Dubai–Salalah flights, strengthening air connectivity between the two nations. For those opting to drive, the city is under a 20-hour driving distance from the UAE, while visa-on-arrival access adds convenience for last-minute getaways.

10. Cairo, Egypt

Situated within a three-hour flight distance from the UAE, Cairo remains a trending regional getaway, with Eid celebrations in the Egyptian capital ranging from festive cruises on the Nile to outdoor picnics in local hotspot, Al‑Azhar Park. Alongside the iconic Pyramids of Giza, must-visit attractions include the Khan Al-Khalili open-air market and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest archeological museum, home to more than 100,000 artefacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. Visitors can also dine with unobstructed views of the pyramids at Khufu’s, named the Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa on 50 Best’s 2026 list. Emirates has recently introduced a fifth daily flight to the city, reflecting strong travel demand between the two countries.