UAE Farmhouse Boom: Prices Skyrocket Pre-Eid

Prices Double Ahead of Eid: What's Happening in the UAE Farmhouse Market?

As this year's Eid Al Fitr celebration approaches, there has been a dramatic turn in the market for rural accommodations in the UAE. The demand for farmhouses and private countryside villas has surged to such an extent that daily rental prices have almost doubled, and in some cases, even more. Previously ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 dirhams per night, prices have soared beyond 5,500 dirhams in many places, with even higher sums appearing for premium options.

The holiday long weekend is always a significant period in the UAE, but in recent years a new trend has clearly emerged: families are increasingly opting for nature-close, private locations instead of crowded urban programs. Farmhouses have thus become not just alternative accommodations but the primary venues for celebrations.

The Explosion of Demand: Places Book Out Weeks in Advance

According to operators, bookings for Eid days were finalized weeks in advance. Nearly every available farmhouse for the long weekend is fully booked, especially those with swimming pools, barbecue areas, and large outdoor spaces. Most guests are groups made up of multiple families wanting to spend the holiday together.

Several factors are driving the phenomenon. First, Eid Al Fitr is one of the most important religious and family holidays in the UAE, traditionally centered around shared meals, visits, and evening events. Second, alongside the modern urban lifestyle, there is an increasing demand for a peaceful, nature-close environment where families can be together without external disturbances.

Many start looking for the right place three to four weeks before the holiday, as they know that popular regions, such as around Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta, or Fujairah, quickly run out of the best options.

Why Have Farmhouses Become So Popular?

The popularity of farmhouses is not just due to the festive atmosphere. Over recent years, the culture of celebration has changed significantly. Whereas previously many spent Eid days in hotels, restaurants, or shopping malls, today more and more are seeking intimate, private solutions.

A farmhouse provides an opportunity for children to run freely in the garden, adults to grill, cook together, play board games, or converse late into the night without having to worry about a late-night journey back to the city. Overnight stays are particularly important: families don't want to interrupt the festive atmosphere by having to return to the city late at night.

Another factor is that shopping malls and entertainment venues are extremely crowded during the Eid period. For those seeking tranquility and proximity to nature, a farmhouse is an ideal choice.

Reasons for the Price Surge

The price increase is explained by classic supply and demand principles. Supply is limited: the number of farmhouses is finite, especially those capable of accommodating larger groups of 10–20 people. When demand surges in a short period, prices automatically rise.

Some operators suggest that this year's demand is even higher than in previous years. Inquiries poured in continuously a month before the holiday. Early booking is now not a preference but practically a necessity for securing a place at a better price.

Prices are also influenced by the increasing number of extras requested by guests. Outdoor movie nights equipped with projectors, tents set up for children, extended check-out times, or special decorations are not uncommon. These all increase operational costs, which are ultimately reflected in rental fees.

The Role of Weather: Perfect Spring Conditions

The pleasant March weather also plays a key role in the rise in demand. Due to the extreme heat of the summer months in the UAE, outdoor programs are limited, but in spring, the weather is ideal for outdoor celebrations. The days are pleasantly warm, and the evenings are cool, creating the perfect environment for grilling, campfires, or pool activities.

Many, therefore, time such gatherings for this period. The combination of Eid Al Fitr and spring weather virtually guarantees high occupancy.

Family Experience Beyond the City Noise

The success of farmhouses also reflects a deeper social change. Life in big cities—especially in dynamic centers like Dubai—means continuous bustle, traffic, and noise. The holiday, however, is about slowing down and spending quality time together.

A rural accommodation allows families to truly focus on each other. Shared cooking, children's play, evening conversations, or even a simple communal breakfast create experiences that are harder to achieve in a crowded urban environment.

It is also observed that several families team up and jointly rent a larger farmhouse. This makes the cost per person more manageable, while the experience is much more intense and communal.

What Does the Future Hold?

Based on current trends, it is likely that demand for farmhouses will remain high during holiday periods in the future. For operators, this is a stable revenue opportunity, yet guests will need to plan more consciously.

Early booking becomes key, especially during Eid, long weekends, or months with pleasant weather. Prices are expected to continue to be sensitive to changes in demand.

One thing is certain: farmhouses in the UAE are no longer just alternative accommodations but new centers for celebration and family gatherings. The price surge before Eid Al Fitr clearly shows that the demand for nature-close, private experiences is stronger than ever.