As Christmas approaches, UAE expats looking to travel on a budget can find several international destinations offering affordable airfares, making festive holidays possible without overspending.
UAE: Planning a budget-friendly Christmas? These destinations have low-cost flights for expats
For many residents in the UAE, returning home for Christmas has become increasingly expensive this year, forcing families to reconsider how and where they spend the festive break.
A sharp rise in airfares to India during the holiday season, combined with mounting incidental costs, has led several expats to look beyond their hometowns and choose nearby overseas destinations instead. Dubai-based resident Paul J, originally from Kolkata, said the financial calculations no longer made sense for his family.
“A return flight to Kolkata now costs roughly Dh3,400 per person. For a family of four, airfare alone comes close to Dh14,000, and when you include internal travel, shopping, and family-related expenses, even a short visit can exceed Dh18,000,” he explained.
“By comparison, flights to Cairo are available for around Dh1,200, making the overall trip far more affordable,” Paul added.
Had Paul and his wife travelled with their two children to Kolkata this Christmas, their expenses would have reached nearly Dh17,000, with Dh13,600 spent only on flights. A week-long vacation in Cairo, including airfare, accommodation, and daily expenses, cost them approximately Dh8,400. Opting for an alternative destination helped the family save almost Dh8,500 over the festive period.
Naveen Kumar, an IT professional from Bengaluru, said soaring December prices also altered his holiday plans. “A round-trip ticket to Bangalore costs about Dh1,800, which seems reasonable initially, but expenses back home push the total much higher. Destinations such as Istanbul or Male actually offer better value during this time and feel like a genuine holiday without financial pressure,” he said.
Data analysed by insider18 using figures from MakeMyTrip shows that airfares during Christmas week to Indian cities including Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai are well above average because of heightened seasonal demand.
Meanwhile, international routes such as Dubai to Cairo (Dh1,200), Dubai to Istanbul (Dh1,200), and Dubai to Male (Dh1,300) are emerging as significantly cheaper options, especially for families travelling together.
Travel industry experts say this trend is becoming increasingly noticeable. Pavan Poojary, a travel consultant at Luxury Travels, told Khaleej Times that more residents are now choosing destinations based on affordability and convenience.
“Flights to India during December are always expensive, but this year the increase has been sharper than usual. As a result, travellers are favouring countries with simpler visa requirements and lower travel costs,” he said.
According to Poojary, destinations such as Turkey, Egypt, and several Caucasus nations are gaining popularity among UAE residents seeking alternatives.
“For families, the decision is no longer solely about visiting home; it’s about managing budgets wisely. These destinations provide affordable flights, easier entry procedures, and a complete holiday experience without overspending,” he added.
Travel experts also note that hotel prices and tour packages in several international destinations remain comparatively stable during December, further influencing travel decisions. Many cities in the Middle East, Europe, and island nations offer seasonal promotions aimed at attracting winter travellers from the Gulf. Residents say this flexibility allows them to plan stress-free holidays without the emotional and financial pressures often associated with festive travel back home. With children on school breaks and limited leave days, families increasingly prefer destinations that offer predictable costs, efficient transport, and leisure-focused itineraries, making international getaways an appealing alternative to traditional home visits during Christmas.
Airline analysts say this trend reflects a broader shift in how expatriates approach festive travel. Rather than viewing Christmas solely as a time to return home, many now treat it as an opportunity to explore new destinations without exceeding their budgets. Online fare-comparison tools and social media travel groups have made residents more price-aware, allowing them to quickly identify affordable routes and travel deals. As costs rise on traditional homebound routes, flexible travellers are increasingly open to short-haul holidays that combine sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation, while still staying within reasonable spending limits during the festive season.
