Are you dreaming of a special getaway for Eid Al Fitr? If so, it’s time to start planning. With travel demand soaring, flights to popular destinations are filling up fast, and prices are on the rise. But don’t worry — we’ve got all the details to help you make the most of your holiday without breaking the bank.

How long is Eid Al Fitr break in UAE

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially announced that private sector employees in the UAE will receive paid holidays for Eid Al Fitr starting Sunday, March 30, 2025, and extending through Tuesday, April 1, 2025. If Ramadan extends to 30 days, the holiday will include Wednesday, April 2, 2025, as well.

The exact end date of Ramadan, and the final day of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, depends on the sighting of the moon, which determines whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.

Why Are Airfares So High?

This year, ticket prices to top destinations such as India, the UK, the US, and Europe have jumped by 30-50 per cent, and experts predict they will stay high until the end of August. There are a variety of reasons. A mix of high demand during Eid, upcoming school vacations, fewer available flights, and delays in aircraft deliveries worldwide.

Business + Leisure = Price Hikes

During Ramadan, business travel usually slows down by about 30 per cent, but as the fasting period ends, many professionals plan to mix work trips with family vacations. This trend is adding even more demand for flights, keeping ticket prices elevated.

Good News for Travellers

Some airlines are working hard to add more flights and new routes, which should help bring prices down gradually. For example, while an economy-class ticket from Dubai to New York currently costs between Dh6,850 and Dh8,850, prices are expected to drop to Dh3,030 by September. Likewise, flights to London may decrease from school vacations. It would be wise to postpone your dream destination holiday during the Eid Al Fitr break and plan for a later date. It would make better financial sense.

How Much Are Tickets Right Now?

If you’re travelling between March 31 and April 10, here’s what you can expect to pay for a round-trip (until offers are valid):

• Rome, Italy: Dh3,800 – Dh4,800
• Zurich, Switzerland: Dh4,000 – Dh5,000
• Bangkok, Thailand: Dh2,500 – Dh3,500
• Delhi, India: Dh1,200 – Dh1,500
• Mumbai, India: Dh1,100 – Dh1,400
• Kochi, India: Dh1,000 – Dh1,300
• Tbilisi, Georgia: Dh1,800 – Dh2,200
• Yerevan, Armenia: Dh1,700 – Dh2,100

Why Are Flights Limited?

A major reason behind the flight shortage is delays in new aircraft deliveries. Airlines worldwide are facing a backlog of 17,000 aircraft orders, and at the current pace, it may take 14 years to catch up.

Book Early & Save!

If you’re eager to explore new destinations, reunite with family, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, booking your flights early is the best way to save money. As airlines gradually increase the frequency of flights, prices will start to ease. Also, keep an eye out for special deals and discounts on travel.

(Source: www.travelandtourworld.com)

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced that it will keep the Base Rate for the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) steady at 4.40%, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to leave its Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB) unchanged. This move aligns the UAE’s monetary policy with the US, given the dirham’s peg to the US dollar.

In addition, the CBUAE confirmed that the interest rate for short-term liquidity borrowing through its standing credit facilities will remain 50 basis points above the Base Rate. This ensures stability in the UAE’s financial markets and helps maintain liquidity conditions.

Monetary Policy Impact

The Base Rate, which is linked to the US Federal Reserve’s IORB, serves as a key benchmark for overnight money market interest rates in the UAE. By maintaining its current stance, the CBUAE signals a commitment to monetary stability, supporting economic confidence while keeping inflation in check.

Why It Matters

With the global economy facing uncertainty, central banks worldwide are carefully adjusting their policies. The UAE’s decision to hold rates steady provides businesses and investors with clarity, ensuring a predictable financial environment. Additionally, the move reflects the UAE’s strong economic fundamentals, as the country continues to attract foreign investment and maintain steady growth.

(Source: Wam)

British businesses are increasingly eyeing the Middle East as a top investment hotspot, with interest in the region multiplying in recent years, new research has revealed.

A study by Pagefield found that more than a third (36 per cent) of UK business leaders now view the region as a key investment hub for the next five years — a huge leap from just 18 per cent who had previously put money into Middle Eastern markets.

Meanwhile, Asia is also emerging as a top contender, with interest jumping from 22 per cent to 32 per cent, as UK firms seek to expand their global footprint.

UAE is a Prime Destination

Among the Gulf nations, the UAE has become a prime destination for high-networth individuals (HNIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) looking for better economic opportunities, a higher quality of life, and secure wealth management. This trend is especially evident in the growing number of wealthy individuals leaving the UK for the UAE, drawn by its tax-friendly policies and luxury lifestyle.

Europe Still Leads as US Faces Uncertainty

Despite the rising interest in new markets, Europe remains the UK’s top overseas investment priority, with 55 per cent of businesses still focused on the continent.

Investment in the United States, however, remains steady, with 42 per cent of firms currently investing there compared to 45 per cent looking to do so in the future. But looming uncertainty over new trade tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration could put future deals at risk.

Experts Weigh In

Christopher Clark, Partner at Pagefield, said: “The data shows a clear shift in UK businesses’ global outlook. While Europe remains crucial, the soaring interest in the Middle East and Asia highlights a growing appetite for fresh, high-potential markets.”

Businesses are now looking beyond traditional hubs, seeking opportunities in regions with booming economies and strategic advantages.

Calls for Government Action

The report also reveals growing frustration among business leaders, with 83 per cent of UK firms urging the government to do more to support international expansion.

Among their top demands? Nearly a third (31 per cent) believe that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are the single most important tool to help British companies thrive abroad.

Despite economic and political challenges, UK businesses remain optimistic about investing abroad. Around 91 per cent of firms support Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), putting them ahead of US companies with bigger international investments over the past year. This shows strong confidence in global growth despite uncertain times.

(Source: Zawya, Forbes)