1. ✨ Introduction

The 2025 National Day long weekend is expected to be a four-day break for most residents, so it is the perfect time to look at UAE staycations instead of flying long haul.

With busy airports and higher airfares around National Day, many residents now prefer UAE staycations that keep them closer to family and friends while still feeling like a real getaway.

From Dubai’s waterfront skylines to Fujairah’s quieter beaches and the golden dunes outside Abu Dhabi, UAE staycations give you a chance to celebrate the country’s 54th Union Day in comfort and style without long journeys.

The long weekend usually includes events such as air shows, fireworks, concerts, and heritage performances across the country, so choosing a base within the Emirates can help you see more of the celebrations.

By driving rather than flying, you also have the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, heritage villages, and new attractions on the way, turning the journey itself into part of the holiday.

2. 🏙️ Dubai city breaks close to the celebrations

Dubai is usually the heart of the Union Day fireworks and concerts, which makes centrally located UAE staycations a smart choice if you want to stay near the action.

Hotels in Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and along Sheikh Zayed Road often release special UAE staycation offers that bundle breakfast, late check-out, and access to viewing areas for fireworks, so you can enjoy the celebrations and still stroll back to your room in minutes.

Look for properties within walking distance of major landmarks such as Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, or City Walk, especially if you are travelling with children or older relatives who may not want long walks after the evening events.

Many city hotels also collaborate with malls and attractions on retail discounts or theme park tickets during the National Day sales period, so you can mix shopping with cultural shows and stay dry and cool in between.

Public transport runs extended hours on key celebration days, yet staying central means you can avoid crowded last-minute rides home and focus on enjoying the night.

3. 🏝️ Palm Jumeirah and beachfront relaxation

For travellers who want a resort feel without leaving the city, Palm Jumeirah hotels create some of the most indulgent UAE staycations during the National Day long weekend.

Many properties on the crescent and trunk have kids clubs, private beaches, and half board options, which makes these UAE staycations ideal for families who want a mix of pool time, shopping, and evening celebrations in the city.

Morning can start with a relaxed breakfast overlooking the sea, followed by paddleboarding or a gentle walk along the boardwalk, while the afternoon is perfect for spa treatments or a nap before the fireworks.

Couples often choose these resorts for their rooftop lounges and fine dining restaurants, which are well placed for watching the sky light up in the colours of the national flag.

Because Palm Jumeirah is connected to the rest of Dubai by road and monorail, you can still reach mainland attractions easily, then return to a quieter beachfront setting at the end of the day.

4. 🌊 Ras Al Khaimah island and beach resorts

If you prefer a quieter coastal escape, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most popular emirates for UAE staycations over National Day, thanks to its long sandy beaches and wide range of family-friendly resorts.

Recent National Day offers in Ras Al Khaimah have included discounts, meal upgrades, and credits on spa or activities at places like InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, so keep an eye on new UAE staycations as deals for 2025 are released.

This emirate is easy to reach by road from Dubai or Sharjah, with a scenic coastal drive that passes mangroves and small fishing communities before opening out onto wide beaches.

Families appreciate the large pools, kids clubs, and water parks attached to many resorts, while adventure seekers can add on a trip to Jebel Jais for zip lining, hiking, or viewing platforms high above the sea.

If you are planning a longer holiday, consider combining a couple of nights in the mountains with a few days on the beach for two very different experiences within the same trip.

5. 🏜️ Desert retreats for a peaceful escape

For couples and small groups who want something quieter, desert resorts near Dubai and Abu Dhabi create memorable UAE staycations with star-filled skies, wildlife drives, and traditional style hospitality.

Properties such as Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa or other conservation area lodges often design limited National Day UAE staycations that combine full board stays with guided desert experiences, so booking early is important.

Many of these retreats limit the number of rooms and focus on privacy, which means more personal service, fewer crowds, and a stronger connection with the desert landscape.

Typical activities include sunrise camel rides, guided nature walks to spot gazelles and oryx, and evening storytelling under the stars while traditional music plays softly in the background.

Because light pollution is low in the desert, stargazing can be spectacular, and many guests say that they return to the city feeling more grounded and rested after just a couple of nights.

6. 🕌 Culture-rich Abu Dhabi stays

Abu Dhabi combines city comfort with easy access to heritage sites and cultural venues, which makes it a strong choice for UAE staycations if you want more than just pool time.

High-end hotels such as Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, and other city properties usually announce dedicated National Day UAE staycations that may feature themed dinners, fireworks viewing, and kids’ activities linked to the Union Day celebrations.

During the day, you can visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, or Qasr Al Watan, then return to your hotel for afternoon tea or a dip in the pool before the evening festivities.

Families might choose to spend one of the long weekend days on Yas Island at the theme parks, using the hotel as a base to balance adrenaline-filled rides with quieter cultural and beach time.

If you enjoy dining out, the capital’s growing restaurant scene offers everything from fine dining to casual cafes, many of which run National Day-themed menus or Emirati-inspired dishes.

7. ⛰️ Hatta and the mountains of Dubai

Hatta has become a favourite weekend escape for residents looking for nature-focused UAE staycations within driving distance of Dubai.

From glamping-style mountain lodges to simple chalets beside the dam, you will find UAE staycations here that centre on hiking, cycling, kayaking, and cool mountain air rather than malls and city lights.

The region’s trails suit a range of fitness levels, and guided tours can be arranged for visitors who prefer structured routes or want to learn more about local geology and history.

In cooler months, evenings can be spent around a campfire with barbecue dinners, while clear mornings invite sunrise photography or a peaceful paddle on the dam.

Hatta is especially appealing for groups of friends who want to disconnect from city life, with many accommodations offering communal spaces, board games, and outdoor seating areas for long conversations under the stars.

8. 🌊 Relaxed coastal breaks in Fujairah

On the East Coast, Fujairah is known for its laid-back atmosphere and clear waters, which make it ideal for slower-paced UAE staycations during a busy holiday period.

Resorts such as Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa or other beachfront properties often promote National Day UAE staycations with breakfast included, family-friendly pools and water sports like snorkelling or kayaking, so you can spend most of the long weekend by the sea.

Because the Hajar Mountains rise so close to the shoreline, you can combine time on the sand with scenic drives through rugged valleys and visits to historic forts and hot springs.

Divers and snorkellers appreciate this side of the country for its marine life, and many hotels partner with dive centres to arrange boat trips or introductory courses.

If you are driving from Dubai or Sharjah, consider leaving early to enjoy sunrise over the mountains as you approach the coast, then stopping at a local cafe for traditional breakfast before checking into your hotel.

9. 💸 How to find the best value UAE staycations deals

Because demand is high, planning short breaks for the National Day weekend is all about timing and research. Travel portals and deal platforms in the region constantly update National Day offers and flash sales, so it is worth signing up for newsletters or notifications.

Specialist agencies and tour operators that focus on UAE staycations and National Day holiday packages across the emirates also publish curated lists of deals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, which can help you quickly compare options for your preferred style of short breaks.

Prices can change quickly as rooms sell out, so if you see an offer that fits your budget and dates, it is usually wise to confirm it rather than waiting too long in the hope of a bigger discount.

Before booking, check what is included in the rate, such as meals, kids club access, late check out, or free parking, as these extras can make a big difference to the overall value of your stay.

It is also helpful to read recent reviews to make sure service levels and renovation works match your expectations, especially for popular holiday periods when hotels are running close to full capacity.

10. 🎉 Conclusion

Whether you choose city excitement, a serene beach, or a quiet desert escape, well-planned UAE staycations let you enjoy the entire National Day long weekend without long journeys or complex itineraries.

By focusing on UAE staycations that match your travel style, from family-friendly resorts with kids clubs to romantic desert retreats, you can use the four-day break to relax, connect, and celebrate the spirit of the Emirates.

Keep an eye on early announcements from hotels, deal sites, and tourism boards, and you will quickly see how UAE staycations can turn the 2025 National Day long weekend into one of your most memorable short breaks of the year.

Take a moment to think about what matters most to you on holiday, whether that is spa time, cultural experiences, kids’ activities, or quiet reading by the pool, and then choose a location that brings those elements together.

However you decide to spend the break, planning now means that when the flag colours light up the sky, you can simply enjoy the moment, knowing that your room, meals, and activities are all arranged.

External reference links

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to National Day Celebrations in Dubai 2025

Ras Al Khaimah beach resorts

Best UAE Staycations for the National Day Long Weekend 2025