With flight suspensions disrupting outbound travel, residents are swapping boarding passes for local escapes
For many in the UAE, summer usually starts with a suitcase packed and a long weekend escape to somewhere cooler, greener, or rich in culture. But this year, rising regional tensions and sudden airspace closures are prompting a change of course — and it’s reshaping how travellers are planning their summer getaways.
In the past week, several airlines — including Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai — have suspended or rerouted flights in response to ongoing regional instability. Following missile strikes and new airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East, routes to cities like Basra, Baghdad, Tehran, Damascus, and Tel Aviv have been halted through at least June 30. Earlier this month, nighttime flights to Beirut and Amman were also impacted.
While many of these routes have now resumed or stabilised, the lingering uncertainty around sudden changes and security concerns has prompted some UAE residents to cancel or delay their travel plans — especially those eyeing quick getaways for Eid or early July.
So what’s the alternative?
Staycations are suddenly hot again (were they ever not?)
Instead of rolling the dice with airspace disruptions and rerouting hassles, more travellers are choosing to stay local. Hotels, resorts, and eco-retreats across the UAE are seeing a rise in last-minute bookings, as residents look to escape the daily grind without straying too far from home.
Top local escapes catching serious buzz:
- Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah — A new fave for families, complete with a private beach and scenic mangroves.
- JA The Resort, Jebel Ali — All-inclusive chill vibes for beach lovers who want the club feel without the airport hassle.
- Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat — Glamping with sea views, kayaking, and cozy fire pits for that ultimate chill-out weekend.
- Hatta Dome Park — A refreshing mountain retreat, perfect for beating the heat on those long weekends.
With flexible cancellations and tempting summer deals, these spots make it easy to book — even when global travel plans feel up in the air.
Pro tip: book smart
If you’re still aiming to fly in July or August, experts suggest booking flexible fares, staying updated on airline alerts, and steering clear of tight layovers to avoid connection headaches. Otherwise, dive into the best the UAE has to offer — from luxe staycations and desert escapes to cultural hotspots and beachside weekends just a short drive away.
So, if your travel plans are on hold, take this as your sign to explore local gems. That passport stamp can wait — the ultimate summer reset might be right in your backyard.
