Summer usually means one thing for UAE residents: suitcase packed, boarding pass in hand, and a quick escape to cooler shores. But let’s be real, this year has flipped the script. Regional tensions are heating up, and for UAE travellers, that means one thing: summer plans are getting flipped. With airspace closures and sudden flight changes causing chaos, plenty of residents are skipping airport runs altogether and sticking to local escapes instead.

Just this past week, airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai had to suspend or reroute flights, all thanks to instability across parts of the Middle East. Popular routes to places like Baghdad, Basra, Tehran, Damascus, and Tel Aviv were completely off-limits, while flights to Beirut and Amman faced disruptions earlier this month. Sure, some of those routes are slowly returning to normal, but the uncertainty has people thinking twice. That’s exactly why so many are turning their attention to the best plan B, staying local, soaking up the UAE, and avoiding the airport drama altogether.

Honestly, when flights get unstable, we do what we do best in the UAE: we find a five-star plan B. Local hotels, resorts, and eco-retreats are filling up fast as residents swap airport queues for beach clubs, mountain stays, and desert escapes. Some of the hottest spots getting booked?

No wonder everyone’s jumping on the staycation train. With flexible cancellation deals and tempting summer rates, these quick getaways feel like a win-win. You skip the stress of flight delays, airspace drama, and all that layover hassle and still get your dose of holiday vibes.

If you’re still keen to hop on a flight later in July or August, play it safe. Go for flexible tickets, keep tabs on airline travel alerts, and avoid tight layovers. You never know when reroutes might throw your schedule off. Otherwise, embrace what’s right here. Whether it’s luxury hotels, desert resorts, beach days, or cultural gems, the UAE has no shortage of dreamy staycation options, all without the passport stamp.

In short? Your perfect summer escape might be closer than you think

Travel plans may be on pause, but your holiday mood doesn’t have to be. The UAE’s packed with hidden gems and top-notch escapes, from Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches to Hatta’s mountain breeze. No visa, no stress, just pure UAE-style unwinding.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Nednapa from Getty Images

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download .

First Published: June 25, 2025 11:38 AM