EXCLUSIVE: LEVA Hotels on Eid and Long Weekend Travel Demand in UAE

DUBAI, UAE - Eid periods and extended weekends are continuing to play a stronger role in shaping short-term hospitality demand across the UAE, particularly as regional travellers look for convenient, flexible and value-driven hotel experiences.

As Dubai remains a preferred destination for short-haul travel from across the GCC, hotels are adapting to more concentrated booking windows, shorter leisure stays and increasingly event-led demand patterns. This shift is influencing how operators approach pricing, packages, distribution and guest experience, especially during peak holiday periods.

In this interview, Thomas Kurian, General Manager of Leva Hotels discusses how Eid breaks, long weekends and evolving GCC travel behaviour are impacting hospitality performance in the UAE, and how hotels are responding with more flexible stay options, targeted packages and dynamic pricing strategies.

Interview, Thomas Kurian, General Manager of Leva Hotels:

How are Eid periods and long weekends shaping short-term hospitality demand in the UAE?

Eid periods and long weekends continue to play an important role in shaping short-term hospitality demand in the UAE, particularly by concentrating leisure travel into defined peak windows. These periods tend to influence booking behaviour more than overall demand levels, with guests planning shorter, more intentional stays around the holiday dates. In many cases, this creates clearer peaks in occupancy followed by a return to more stable mid-week patterns once the holiday period concludes.

How are booking patterns changing around regional holidays and extended weekends?

Booking patterns are becoming increasingly last-minute and flexible, especially around regional holidays and extended weekends. Travellers are showing less inclination to book far in advance, instead responding to availability, pricing, and convenience closer to the travel dates. At the same time, there is a noticeable preference for shorter stays that are focused around the core holiday days, followed by quicker check-outs as guests resume work and travel routines.

What are GCC-based travellers looking for when choosing hotels in Dubai?

GCC-based travellers are increasingly prioritising convenience, comfort, and value-driven experiences when selecting hotels in Dubai. Central locations, easy access to dining and leisure options, and family-friendly amenities remain key considerations. There is also growing interest in flexible stay formats, where guests can personalise their experience through add-ons such as wellness services, dining packages, and extended check-out options that enhance comfort without compromising on efficiency.

How are hotels adapting pricing, packages, and distribution strategies for more event-driven demand?

Hotels are increasingly adopting more dynamic and responsive approaches to pricing and distribution, particularly around event-driven demand periods. This includes adjusting rates in line with peak travel windows, introducing flexible stay packages tailored to shorter holidays, and enhancing value-added offerings such as dining credits or wellness inclusions. Distribution strategies are also becoming more targeted, with greater emphasis on direct booking channels and real-time pricing adjustments to reflect shifting demand patterns.

At LEVA Hotels, this approach is also reflected in our focus on flexible monthly stay options alongside curated staycation packages designed for short breaks. This dual strategy allows us to cater to both long-stay guests seeking convenience and stability, as well as leisure travellers looking for accessible, value-driven experiences during peak periods and long weekends.

Do you expect long weekends and holiday-led travel to play a bigger role in UAE hospitality going forward?

Long weekends and holiday-led travel are expected to remain an important part of the UAE hospitality landscape, particularly as regional travel patterns continue to evolve. These periods are likely to continue concentrating demand into specific windows, supporting occupancy peaks and driving short-term leisure activity. At the same time, the broader market is expected to remain balanced by steady corporate and long-stay demand, creating a more blended performance profile across the year.