Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

During Christmas and New Year, the world’s eyes turn to the UAE, now a magnet for tourists thanks to its diverse attractions. From luxurious hotels and mega-malls to bustling traditional markets, it offers something for everyone.

Tourism and airlines predict a record influx of visitors during the festive season. The demand for travel to the UAE is soaring, pushing hotel occupancy rates to the max.

“Wego,” a travel booking site, reports the UAE dominating Middle Eastern flight searches for the holidays. Over 300,000 searches for flights to the Emirates were recorded in early December.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) expects a massive surge in passenger traffic over the holidays. They’re pulling out all the stops to ensure a smooth travel experience for the estimated 4.4 million passengers arriving between December 15th and 31st, with an average daily flow of 258,000.

Etihad Airways anticipates carrying around 1.4 million passengers in December, bringing families together and creating memorable holiday journeys. They encourage travellers to soak up the festive spirit onboard throughout the season.

With the recent opening of Abu Dhabi’s new Terminal A, Etihad Airways welcomes guests with spacious check-in facilities, including the state-of-the-art biometric self-bag drop for all classes.

Every year, the UAE becomes a winter wonderland during Christmas and New Year, drawing millions. Major events across the country entice travellers of all ages.

Since mid-December, hotels in the UAE have seen occupancy rates skyrocket, surpassing 95%. On New Year’s Eve, some establishments expect to reach 100% capacity.

The UAE boasts diverse options in terms of hotel establishments that cater to their guests’ comfort and luxury needs, suitable for various budgets. Visitors to these hotels enjoy serene and relaxing atmospheres provided by beachfront hotels and resorts, while desert resorts offer a unique experience for safari enthusiasts that might not be available elsewhere in the world.

All Emirates in the country witness a series of tourist events, entertainment, and shows to celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome 2024. The UAE has a tradition of astonishing the world with outstanding fireworks displays held at prominent tourist landmarks.

Al Bandar Rotana, a five-star hotel with a prime waterfront outlook, has announced the details of the festive season for its guests with a packed calendar of exciting celebrations.

Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana recently welcomed the guests at the star-studded tree-lighting ceremony.

He mentioned that he is feeling happy as they were celebrating the event this year in a big way. Ashor emphasizes the hotel’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences, with a variety of venues and special promotions designed to make the holiday season with family and friends a joyous one. “Revel in a picturesque waterfront setting as we offer an extensive array of festive activities.

“Our seasonal celebrations include a four-course dining experience, live violin performances, and breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline at our signature restaurant Gusto. Guests can enjoy a memorable New Year’s Eve with marvelous fireworks at Gusto Italian Restaurant, a gala dinner, Arabic singer, lively DJ music, an enchanting belly dancer, and fireworks viewing at Salt & Pepper Restaurant.” Ashor concluded.

Meanwhile, the Higher Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, currently taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba showgrounds, has announced its fun New Year’s special program, including events, shows, folkloric performances and international art shows arranged to celebrate the season and New Year’s Eve, in a cultural and entertaining setting that will attract millions of visitors, residents and tourists from around the world.

Celebrations will include the largest and most extravagant firework display, which will last more than 60 minutes, breaking 4 Guinness World Records in terms of quantity, time and design intricacy. Along with that, there will be an elaborate drone show utilizing over 5,000 drones that will hover over Al Wathba skies in intricate patterns, which is also a new record in the region. The New Year’s extravaganza will also include a huge laser show in another first of its kind event, in addition to special presentations by the Emirates Fountain, Glowing Towers Garden and the various pavilions of the Festival, along with a number of cultural and civilizational performances from around the world.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival is breaking yet another Guinness World Record-breaking season with exceptional new shows to celebrate the New Year, with a major firework display that will last 60 minutes continuously, breaking 3 new Guinness World Records in terms of quantity, time and formation, amazing visitors with a unique experience as they enter the first minutes of 2024 while witnessing a new world record in firework shows.