Why Emiratis Are Saying Yes to Slow Travel Over Eid

Eid holidays have long been a time for celebration, reflection, and quality time. For Emiratis, these precious days offer a chance to travel—and in recent years, many are embracing a different kind of travel altogether: the slow kind.

Rather than packing their itineraries or rushing between tourist spots, Emiratis are choosing to slow down. They're focusing on experiences that are more meaningful, restful, and connected to local life.

• The Appeal of Less Rush and More Presence

The fast pace of everyday life in the UAE—between work, school, and digital demands—leaves many craving stillness. During Eid, slow travel becomes a welcome change. It's not about how many places you visit, but how deeply you experience them.

Whether it’s sipping coffee in a quiet village in Italy, strolling through olive groves in Jordan, or soaking in the peaceful beaches of Zanzibar, these moments offer what many seek most during Eid: presence.

• Choosing Destinations That Invite Stillness

Destinations like Sri Lanka, Georgia, and the South of France are growing in popularity for this very reason. They offer scenic landscapes, authentic hospitality, and a slower rhythm of life. Emirati travelers are opting for countryside inns, eco-resorts, and small towns over bustling cities.

This shift lets them unplug and truly appreciate the local environment, cuisine, and culture—without the pressure of ticking off a long travel list.

• Connecting With Family on a Deeper Level

Slow travel encourages quality time with loved ones. For families, this means more space to talk, laugh, and create lasting memories. Instead of hurried meals and busy tours, there’s time for shared cooking classes, long walks, and late-night storytelling.

Couples are also finding this style of travel ideal for reconnecting—away from distractions and schedules. Even solo travelers find comfort in the calm.

• Experiencing Eid in a New Light

Celebrating Eid Al Adha abroad doesn’t mean letting go of tradition. In fact, slow travel allows Emiratis to celebrate Eid with greater mindfulness. Whether joining a small prayer gathering, preparing traditional dishes in a homestay, or simply reflecting in nature, the spiritual side of Eid often feels more present in a quieter setting.

Travelers are not just observing Eid—they’re living it fully, away from the noise.

• Learning Through Local Immersion

Slow travel opens doors to richer cultural understanding. Emiratis are spending their Eid holidays learning to make Berber bread in Morocco, understanding Buddhist values in Thailand, or attending calligraphy workshops in Uzbekistan. These immersive experiences build empathy and curiosity.

Staying longer in one place also fosters friendships and conversations that wouldn’t happen on a typical quick getaway.

• Planning With Purpose

This kind of travel requires intention. Emiratis embracing slow travel are choosing one destination, often for a week or more, and allowing space in their itinerary. They’re focusing on wellness, spirituality, and discovery, not just sightseeing.

Travel planners and agents are noticing the trend and offering tailor-made slow travel packages that suit the spiritual and personal goals of Eid journeys.

• A More Sustainable Way to See the World

Another reason behind this shift is a growing awareness of sustainability. Slow travel tends to support local communities, avoid overtourism, and reduce environmental impact. By staying longer in fewer places, travelers contribute more mindfully and leave a lighter footprint.

It’s a way to align values with travel—something that resonates deeply during the reflective time of Eid.

• A Journey That Stays With You

When Emiratis return from a slow travel Eid trip, they often bring back more than souvenirs. They return with clarity, gratitude, and a renewed sense of balance. In a world that rarely slows down, choosing this style of travel is an act of care—for oneself, for loved ones, and for the wider world.

And as more Emiratis discover the joy of taking it slow over Eid, it’s clear this is more than a travel trend. It’s a meaningful choice that transforms the holiday—and the traveler.