Still undecided about your Eid Al Adha getaway plans?
Fortunately, the UAE’s strategic location between Europe and Asia makes it an ideal hub for travel, offering easy access to many holiday destinations.
Whether you’re looking to explore nearby Oman or don’t mind spending a few extra hours traveling to the enchanting city of Istanbul, there’s no shortage of options for a short break this Eid Al Adha.
Here are 7 destinations to consider, all within a five-hour flight from the UAE.
1. Larnaca, Cyprus
Flight Duration: About four and a half hours
Airlines: Emirates, Wizz Air
Larnaca is perfect for a short break with its 75km coastline offering fabulous beaches ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing. The city’s compact nature makes sightseeing convenient. Explore Larnaca Castle, visit the Church of Saint Lazarus, or see the ancient Hala Sultan Tekke mosque on Larnaca Salt Lake. Enjoy hiking with stunning views and diving in the pleasant sea temperatures. Indulge in traditional cuisine inspired by Arabic, Greek, Mediterranean, and Turkish flavors.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
Flight Duration: About five hours
Airlines: Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines
Istanbul, straddling two continents, offers over 2,500 years of history, culture, and traditions. The city boasts fantastic food, incredible landmarks, and breathtaking views. Must-see sites include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar for shopping. A cruise on the Bosphorus provides a unique perspective of this vibrant city.
3. Muscat, Oman
Flight Duration: One hour
Airlines: Etihad Airways, Wizz Air, Emirates, Air Arabia, Oman Air, Salam Air
For a quick getaway, Muscat is a popular choice among UAE residents. Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, admire Al Jalali Fort at the harbor, or enjoy a performance at the Royal Opera House. Head to Zale Beach Club at Kempinski Hotel Muscat for some ocean vibes, relax at The Chedi, or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Mutrah Souq in the old town.
4. Baku, Azerbaijan
Flight Duration: Three hours
Airlines: Emirates, flydubai, Wizz Air, Air Arabia
Experience Parisian-style boulevards and Caspian coastlines in Baku, featuring fantastic seafood and stunning architecture like the Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by the late Zaha Hadid. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts historical sites such as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the 12th-century Maiden Tower. Don’t miss the mud volcanoes in Gobustan National Park, an hour’s drive away.
5. Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Flight Duration: Three hours
Airlines: Emirates, flydubai, Somon Air
Discover Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, with its leafy boulevards, manicured parks, and pastel-colored buildings. Visit Rudaki Park for its animated fountains and monuments or explore the highly praised National Museum of Tajikistan and the Ethnography Museum. Enjoy a fusion of Arabic, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and international cuisine at Chaykhona Rokhat, a beautifully decorated tea house established in 1958.
6. Tbilisi, Georgia
Flight Duration: About three and a half hours
Airlines: Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai
Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, sits at the crossroads of Asia and Europe along the ancient Silk Road. The city offers centuries-old ruins, beautiful botanical gardens, and vibrant street life. With a summer average temperature of 30ºC, it’s perfect for sightseeing. Explore Meidan Square, take a cable car to Turtle Lake, or entertain children at Mtatsminda Park, Georgia’s answer to Disneyland.
7. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Flight Duration: Four hours
Airlines: Wizz Air, flydubai, Air Arabia
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, features a grid layout with wide boulevards and abundant green spaces. The city blends Soviet-era apartment complexes with marble-fronted buildings and orchards. Visit Ala-Too Square, the cultural heart of Bishkek, and explore the State Historical Museum, formerly the Lenin Museum. Dive into the contemporary art scene at Gallery M, founded by local artists Momunbek Akmatkulov and Zhyldyz Oruzbayeva, showcasing painting, graphics, sculpture, and photography.
