Travel operators in the UAE say booking patterns for this year's winter break have shifted noticeably, with many residents opting for short, last-minute trips instead of planning weeks in advance.

Executives at several Dubai-based travel agencies report that nearly 45 per cent of their domestic and regional holiday packages are now finalised just seven to ten days before departure, compared with three to four weeks in previous years. That shift, combined with a 30 to 35 per cent year-on-year rise in domestic staycation bookings, points to a broader move away from long, pre-planned holidays toward shorter, more flexible getaways.

Popular domestic destinations this season include Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, while regionally, Musandam and Salalah in Oman, along with Baku, Tbilisi and Almaty, have emerged as affordable, nearby options for short multi-day trips. For residents holding a Schengen visa, Europe remains a viable choice as well.

Industry figures say slightly lower domestic hotel rates have made staying within the UAE more appealing, with cancellation rates staying below 5 per cent. At the same time, some high-traffic flight corridors have seen demand fall by 15 to 20 per cent, while interest in short- and medium-haul destinations has climbed by as much as 25 per cent.

The trend suggests residents are increasingly favouring flexibility and value over longer-term planning when it comes to using their winter break, a pattern travel companies expect to continue into the rest of the season.