Delaycation in the UAE: Vacation Extension Trend

Delaycation in the UAE: Extending Holidays Brings Savings and Memories

Traditionally, summer holidays last until the end of August so that families can return to the United Arab Emirates in time for the start of the school year. However, in 2025 a new phenomenon has emerged among returning residents: delaycation, or intentionally postponed return, which offers both financial savings and valuable extra time with family.

Airfare in August: A Nightmare for Families

Many families living in the UAE traveled home at the beginning of July for their children to spend the summer holiday with grandparents. Despite careful planning, by mid-August, many faced skyrocketing return flight prices. For a family of four, the cost of returning in August could range from 6,000 to 14,000 dirhams, posing a significant additional burden on household budgets.

Popular destinations such as South India, Egypt, or North Africa were extremely crowded in August, as everyone scheduled their return for the start of the school year. According to travel agencies and online searches, many families found that ticket prices per person ranged between 1,800 and 2,200 dirhams, a considerable expense for a larger family.

The Delaycation Decision: Waiting Pays Off

However, many were unwilling to pay such high prices. Instead, they chose to wait and postponed their return to the first week of September. This decision was not only budget-driven but also allowed for more precious days with family members—whether attending a rural wedding, spending time with elderly parents, or children playing with cousins.

Ticket prices in early September significantly dropped, in many cases falling to half. For instance, a ticket to Dubai was available for 986 dirhams on the same route that cost over 1,800 dirhams at the end of August.

Financial and Emotional Gains

The decision to return a few days later saved many families between 3,000 and 8,000 dirhams. For many, this amount covered a new school year's budget, school supplies, or even a new electronic device.

But delaycation was not just about money. Many reported that these extra days were invaluable. Some were able to attend an important family event, while others spent a few more peaceful days with elderly parents. The late return also helped avoid the end-of-August airport crowds, leading to a smoother return.

Flexible Workplaces and Official Holidays

The success of delaycation was aided by the fact that many employers were flexible and allowed an extra week of leave for employees, especially if it was arranged in advance. Additionally, the official holiday at the beginning of September, marking the Prophet's birth anniversary, resulted in a long weekend, allowing people to return to work on Monday after a Friday off.

This timing ensured that family returns were not rushed, and children did not have to sit in school right after arriving home, giving them some time to readjust to the home environment.

A New Travel Habit Born?

Delaycation might become a persistent feature in the travel habits of families living in the UAE. Those who previously automatically booked their return around August 25 might now consider that delaying a week could save thousands of dirhams, especially if employers or schools do not insist on exact dates.

It became evident that flexibility and foresight are crucial. Those who prepared for fare changes in July and planned several scenarios (such as separate travel for family members, returning from a different city, or combining one-way tickets) could make much better decisions.

Summary

The phenomenon of delaycation is not just a creative response to fare increases, but a new mindset. The end of the summer holiday does not have to be about rushing and stress. If conditions permit, a few days of delay can mean savings and lifelong memories. For families living in the UAE, this summer was not just about relaxation but about smart decisions too.

(The article is based on residents' accounts.)