Life
Have you been dreaming of your next long weekend in the UAE? What if we told you that with just a little strategic planning, you could transform your Eid holiday off into an indulgent 16-day escape?
This year’s Eid Al Adha break presents the perfect opportunity to do exactly that. With Arafah Day expected to fall on 5 June, Thursday, followed by the three-day Eid holiday from 6 June, Friday, to 8 June, Sunday, UAE residents are already looking at a 4-day weekend. But why stop there?
The Genius Leave Strategy
By adding just 7 days of annual leave at the right time, you can unlock a full 16-day break – all while keeping the majority of your leave days intact for the rest of the year. Here’s how:
Option 1: The 9-Day Break (Using 3 Leave Days)
Take off Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4, and combine them with the existing weekend (1 June) and Eid holidays (5-8 June). Return to work on 9 June, Monday – having enjoyed 9 consecutive days off while only using 3 annual leave days.
Option 2: The Ultimate 16-Day Escape (Using 7 Leave Days)
For those craving a truly extended getaway, take the same 2-4 June off, but then add 9 June , Monday, to 13 June, Thursday, to your leave. When combined with the following weekend (14-15 June), this creates a 16-day break from 1 June, Saturday, to 16 June, Sunday – all while only using 7 days of annual leave.
Now that you’ve secured the time, how should you spend it?
For the Travel Enthusiast: Book a last-minute European summer trip, a tropical retreat in the Maldives, or an adventure across Southeast Asia. With 16 days, you can explore multiple destinations without feeling rushed.
For the Staycation Lover: Dedicate time to rediscovering the UAE – book a spa retreat, try new restaurants, or simply enjoy slow mornings at home.
For the Family-Oriented: Plan a multi-generational trip or dedicate quality time to activities with your children, from beach days to museum visits.
Pro Tip: Plan Ahead. Since many residents will likely be using similar strategies, flights and hotels may book up quickly during the Eid holiday. Secure your plans early to avoid missing out on your dream getaway.
Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Pinterest
