Eid-Al-Fitr 2023: Our guide to budget-friendly getaways this Eid holiday

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or not watching Katch up with Kash), we’re pretty sure you’ll have heard that the likely dates for Eid-Al-Fitr have been announced.

Can I get a drumroll please…

Dubai is set to enjoy a four-day weekend which will fall from Friday 21st April to Monday 24th April!

The Islamic festival is celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan, which is predicted to last for 29 days this year. Confirmed dates for Eid al Fitr will only be announced in Dubai following the relevant moon sighting - but when in doubt, plan it out!

Flights from the UAE to popular destinations have already seen an increase in bookings, and according to online travel agency Musafir budget and visa-friendly destinations are the most in demand!

So if you’ve been thinking of packing those bags and waving goodbye to the city for a couple days, we’ve compiled our top four budget-friendly cities that are just a short trip from Dubai.

Salalah - Oman

This tropical gem is a great spot for those looking to explore somewhere beautiful on a budget.

Salalah is home to many water wonders, where you can enjoy the pristine blue waters of Mughsail beach or explore the many naturally formed blowholes. Whether you’re looking for waves or to sunbathe, the tropical waters here are next level.

Probably one of their most famous hot-spots is Darbat Falls, a nature lover's dream! Here you can hike through its beautiful trails, visit the two gorgeous waterfalls, enjoy a picnic or BBQ or even boat through the canals!

Salalah itself is a very small town but bursting with history and culture! You’ll find multiple local souks here such as Al Husn Souk, where you can shop for gifts, clothes and local delicacies. There’s also plenty of options for food and drinks!

A round-trip via Abu Dhabi could cost you just AED 138 with WhizzAir or if you’re planning to drive, make sure you pack enough snacks to keep you going for the 12-hour journey.

Hotels start on average at AED 100 per night.

Kathmandu - Nepal

This ancient city is tucked away in the middle of Asia and is home to many spiritual museums, local bazaars and cultural events!

If you’re looking to enjoy delicious street food with a stunning mountain backdrop while having your own ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ moment - then Kathmandu ticks all the boxes.

Embrace nature at the Garden of Dreams, before you head down to Durbar Square which sits just in front of the impressive Old Royal Palace before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many local eateries bursting with vibrant but traditional Asian dishes.

If you’re looking for something more non-touristy then head over to the Jugal Himal Range which borders China for some truly mesmerising mountain views!

A round trip to Nepal could cost you AED 530 with FlyDubai and hotels start on average at AED 300 onwards per night.

Mumbai - India

If you’ve been booking for a rich cultural experience then get ready to immerse yourself in the many colours of Mumbai.

A city that loves art, food and music, it’s also home to many icons such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel or the Gateway of India.

Take a single-day trip around the city on the Mumbai Darshan bus for AED 15 and experience the authentic vibes of Aamchi Mumbai - here you’ll learn about all the must-visit spots for the best bites, cultural museums, art hubs and local bazaars!

A roundtrip to Mumbai would cost you AED 700 with Indigo Airlines, with hotels starting at AED 250 per night!

Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka

Fancy exploring old monasteries, temples and learning more about Buddhism? Well The Anuradhapura is the spot for you.

A trip to Sri Lanka would not be complete without a visit to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, which is known to be a living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history with a recorded date of the plantation!

Meet with the monks at the Jetavanaramaya Monastery (the third-largest structure in the ancient world) - where legend has it that a part of Buddha’s belt was tied and preserved there. How cool is that?

A roundtrip to Anuradhapura will cost you AED 800 with hotels starting as cheap as AED 80!

If a staycation in Dubai was more of what you had in mind, we know the perfect spots where you can kick back and relax, as well best deals for getaways in the city.