Eid al-Adha is right around the corner, and if all goes as predicted, UAE residents could be in for a three-day public holiday. Combined with the regular weekend, this means a five-day escape without touching any annual leave – or 10 by just booking two days off. With almost a whole week to spend time with loved ones and reconnect with oneself, Eid al-Adha is the perfect time to enjoy a staycation or vacation.

With that in mind, Skyscanner UAE has revealed the top five most searched for cities by UAE travellers – set to inspire some inspiration for Eid travels with some unexpected favourites. On top of revealing the five most searched for cities, the price comparison engine also revealed the top five trending holiday destinations from the UAE, along with the most popular day to fly over the Eid Al Adha break – which is, as expected, set to be Friday 14 June.

Top five trending cities this Eid al Adha for UAE travellers

London, UK

Weather: Highs of 21°C, lows of 13°C
Flight time from UAE: 7 hours 35 minutes

The UK capital is a forever-favourite travel destination from the UAE, pulling in vast amounts of residents and citizens who come for its culture, food, shopping and to escape the scorching climes of the Middle East. According to Skyscanner’s research, London came out on top as the most searched for destination this Eid al Adha. Summer sees the city come alive with pop-ups, exhibitions, street fairs, markets and more, and a trip this June. Check into The Emory – the dazzling new opening from Maybourne (the operator of Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley) for the ultimate city escape with its own private cobbled entrance and subterranean to Surrenne: a new private members’ club for wellbeing and longevity.

Athens, Greece

Weather: Highs of 29°C, lows of 20°C
Flight time from UAE: 5 hours 15 minutes

At just over a five-hour flight, Athens is the perfect destination for a five-day break, somewhere not too far, but far away enough from home. The capital of Greece is not only one of the most beautiful, culturally-rich and fascinating cities in the world, but it’s also the gateway to idyllic holiday destinations – such as the Athenian Riviera and the nearby Saronic Islands (some just 20 minutes away by hydrofoil). Athens is the second most popular searched city for UAE travellers – and we’d reccomend a night or two to soak up the city buzz and see the world-famous sights, before decamping to the Athens Riviera – where you’ll find luxury resorts neslted in pine-covered peninsulas and elegant beaches and seaside towns. Check into Four Seasons Astir Palace or the brand new One&Only Aesthesis.

New York

Weather: Highs of 27°C, lows of 18°C
Flight time from UAE: 14 hours

Early summer in New York is a wonderful time – before the city’s sticky heat truly sets in, and as the city kicks into full summer action with a roster of events and more. New York City itself – a direct flight from the UAE – is a wonderful idea for an extended city break, offering the perfect mix of adventure, culture, art, design, architecture, food and more. Make the most of the weather and be sure to visit one of its many rooftop spots to soak up the skyline. Those extending their Eid Al Adha break should also head into New York state itself – visiting destinations like the beachy Hamptons, leafy Hudson Valley and (as we reccomend) a booking at Blue Hill at Stone Barns – the epitome of rural, upstate New York glamour with two Michelin stars. Fly with Etihad to NYC to avoid lengthy immigration queues at JFK and clear customs in Abu Dhabi – allowing you to walk off the plane into the domestic arrivals hall and into your holiday. According to Skyscanner, search for New York is up 525 per cent year on year for June 2024.

Cairo, Egypt

Weather: Highs of 35°C, lows of 22°C
Flight time from UAE: 3 hours 45 minutes

As the capital of one of mankind’s greatest civilisations, Cairo is steeped in history and wonder and a fantastic destination at any time of year (though summer does get particularly scorching). The sprawling metropolis – home to nearly 10 million people – is set along the banks of the River Nile and has a mix of Roman, Ottoman, Arab and modern architecture. History and the present day collide in Cairo: the Pyramids of Giza lording over the city and other ancient monuments, but also beautiful hotels, modern shopping districts and its renowned traffic and cacophony of car horns (almost as prevalent as the call to prayer). Stay at Marriott Mena House – a tranquil resort overlooking the pyramids – or the Marriott Cairo – set in the old The Gezirah Palace on upscale Zamalek island with riad-like grounds and huge outdoor swimming pool.

Manchester, UK

Weather: Highs of 18°C, lows of 12°C
Flight time from UAE: 7 hours 40 minutes

Surprisingly, the trendy UK city of Manchester came in fifth for most searched for cities in the UAE – offering a different type of UK vacation away from the capital. As one of the most happening places in the UK, the northern metropolis was once faed for its rich industrial heritage, but it’s now more cocktail bars, independent restaurants and boutique hotels than docks and factories. Visit the Daniel Libeskind-designed Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry cultural centre at the reinvented Salford Quays dockyards and wander the Northern Quarter and Spinningfields for great eateries.

Skyscanner’s list also revealed the five trending destinations for Eid al Adha 2024 travel: New York, USA Toyko, Japan; Athens, Greece; Dublin, Ireland and Male, Maldives – all an easy direct flight away from the UAE.

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