ABU DHABI – The countdown to the year’s longest public holiday is on. With Arafat Day expected on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid Al Adha beginning the following day, UAE residents are looking at a six-day break when the four paid public holidays are combined with the weekend. The savvier ones have already figured out that burning just one day of annual leave on Monday, May 25, could stretch that into a nine-day run.
For those who’d rather skip the airport queues — and the packed flights — Abu Dhabi is making a compelling pitch to stay put. The capital has quietly become one of the region’s most varied short-break destinations, and a clutch of its hotels have put together Eid packages that range from full family blowouts to quiet getaways where the biggest decision of the day is pool or beach.
Here’s where to look.
On the waterfront
InterContinental Abu Dhabi is leading with its Family Staycation package, designed squarely for parents who want an easy, all-inclusive reset. One night covers accommodation, all meals and full access to Bayshore Beach Club — pool, golden sand, the lot — for two adults and two children, with the kids going free. It’s a clean, no-surprises option for families who’d rather not spend the holiday juggling separate restaurant bills.
For something more atmospheric, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri has a resident rate that opens up access to a one-kilometre private beach, an infinity pool and a 25% saving across all food and beverage outlets. The traditional abra rides that wind through Qaryat Al Beri’s waterways remain one of those small Abu Dhabi pleasures that most residents have meant to do but never quite got around to — Eid week is as good a time as any.
Next door, Traders Hotel offers the same Qaryat Al Beri setting — the Arabic architecture, the waterways, the abra rides — at a more accessible price point. Their Residents’ Retreat includes complimentary breakfast at Afya, a 25% dining discount and flexible check-in and checkout times. For those who want the postcard without the premium, it’s worth a look.
Into the desert
Not everyone wants to spend a long weekend staring at a pool. Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, has put together a package for residents who need actual distance from the city — the kind of break where the drive there is already part of the decompression.
The offer covers daily complimentary breakfast at Hanine Al Bait, a choice of lunch or dinner (free for children under 12), a 20% discount on additional dining, 20% off spa treatments at Saray Spa, and a one-time complimentary session at both the FlowRider and Archery facilities. Infinity pool, Kids’ Club and fitness centre access are standard. Advance booking is required.
Out to the islands
Sir Bani Yas has always been Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secret for families who want something genuinely different, and the Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort is delivering again with its Island Discovery package. Daily breakfast, late checkout until 2pm and complimentary rooms for children under 12 sharing with parents form the baseline. Book directly and you pick up an AED 150 spa credit, a floating breakfast and access to a private bicycle track on top of that.
The island itself does the heavy lifting — wildlife safaris, water sports, archery, stables, tennis courts and a Kids’ Club — but the pool villas with uninterrupted sea views are reason enough to just stay put for the better part of the day.
On Saadiyat Island, St. Regis is offering two options — Breakfast Exclusive or Half Board — both of which include early check-in at noon, late checkout at 3pm, 40% off a minimum 60-minute spa treatment and access to the beach, pools and Athletic Club. Children under 12 dine free, and the St. Regis butler service is included throughout. With Saadiyat Beach right outside, it’s easy to fill several days without feeling the need to go anywhere.
City break with a theme park add-on
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island has gone a different route with a two-night package that bundles accommodation with theme park access on Yas Island. Guests choose two parks from Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World or SeaWorld Abu Dhabi — all included, along with a Quick Pass for one ride and complimentary shuttle transfers. Kids go free with each paying adult, which makes the maths work considerably better for bigger families.
The budget-friendly option
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi is the straight-talking entry on this list: a flat 25% discount on stays through August 31, with advance booking required to lock it in. It’s not the flashiest package on offer, but for residents who want a clean, comfortable break without a lot of ceremony, it gets the job done.
Abu Dhabi’s appeal for staycations has grown considerably in recent years, with the capital investing heavily in its tourism offering alongside the development of Saadiyat Island, Yas Island’s expanding theme park cluster and the natural reserves around Sir Bani Yas. Eid Al Adha 2026 is shaping up to be the longest official holiday window of the year— which makes it as good a moment as any for residents to actually explore the city they live in.
Full details and bookings at visitabudhabi.ae/en/campaign/eid-al-adha