UAE Families Take “Delaycation,” Saving Thousands on Return from Summer Break

Every year, as the long summer holidays draw to a close, families across the United Arab Emirates prepare for their return flights home. These trips usually follow weeks of spending time abroad with parents, siblings, cousins, and grandparents. While these journeys are full of warmth and bonding, the return journey has long carried one bitter reality, expensive August airfares.

In 2024, return tickets for many destinations soared to Dh1,800 or even Dh2,000 per person. For families traveling in groups of four, six, or more, the bills often reached tens of thousands of dirhams. The cost of returning home began to feel as heavy as the holiday itself.

Faced with this, many residents chose a different approach. Instead of returning in late August, they waited until the first or second week of September. This new practice is known as Delaycation UAE. By extending their stay, families managed to save thousands of dirhams while also gaining more time with their loved ones abroad.

The High Cost of August Travel

The UAE is one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, and August is its busiest month. Dubai International Airport alone saw more than 3.6 million passengers in just two weeks of August, averaging nearly 280,000 travelers each day. The majority of these passengers were families rushing to return before schools and offices reopened.

Airlines take advantage of this yearly rush. A ticket that costs Dh1,000 in early summer often doubles by the third or fourth week of August. The reason is simple: demand far outweighs supply. Parents are anxious to return before the school term begins, which means airlines can set higher fares without losing customers.

For families of four, the costs quickly add up. A Dh2,000 ticket per person means Dh8,000 just for the return journey. Larger families with six or eight members find themselves spending over Dh12,000 or even Dh15,000 on flights alone. For many households, this is more than the cost of the entire summer holiday abroad.

This reality has forced residents to rethink their plans. Instead of rushing back during the most expensive weeks, families are waiting just a little longer ,and the difference is remarkable.

Ayyub’s Story: An Extra Week and Dh8,000 Saved

Ayyub, a UAE resident originally from Mangalore, India, faced this dilemma in 2024. His wife and children had traveled earlier in July, while he joined them later in the month. As August came to an end, he searched for tickets back to Dubai.

The prices left him stunned. Each ticket cost more than Dh1,800, meaning his family of eight would pay over Dh14,000. “It felt like we were being charged for a second holiday just to return home,” he said.

Instead of giving in, Ayyub explored dates in early September. To his surprise, he found fares on September 7 for just Dh986 per ticket. By waiting a few days, he saved nearly Dh8,000.

The benefits were not just financial. The family gained extra time with grandparents, and the children were able to attend a cousin’s wedding. What began as a cost-saving decision turned into a cherished extension of family time.

Omar’s Experience: A Stress-Free Journey

Omar Mansour from Sharjah faced a similar situation. His plan was to return with his wife and two young children before the end of August. But tickets were priced at Dh1,600 and above. For four people, the cost would exceed Dh6,400.

Omar considered delaying the trip by a week. After negotiating with his workplace for an extended leave, he booked flights for September 7. Each ticket cost just Dh876, reducing the family’s bill to about Dh3,500.

The journey was smoother too. September flights meant fewer crowds, shorter queues at immigration, and less stress during boarding. “It wasn’t only about saving money,” Omar shared. “It was about enjoying the trip home with peace of mind.”

His children also benefited. They spent more time with their grandparents, building memories that money cannot buy.

Neha’s Unplanned Delaycation UAE

For some, Delaycation UAE happens unexpectedly. Neha Sharma, a UAE resident, had to extend her stay in India due to a family emergency. Initially, she worried because her children were expected back in school in late August.

However, the UAE announced a public holiday on September 5 for the Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary. This gave residents a long weekend. Neha’s family used the opportunity to return in early September instead.

To her relief, the tickets were far cheaper than August prices. The children had a smoother transition back into school, and the family avoided the airport rush. What started as an unplanned delay became a blessing in disguise.

Why Airfares Drop After August

The logic behind Delaycation UAE is rooted in supply and demand. In the last two weeks of August, demand peaks as families rush to return before schools reopen. Airlines raise prices, knowing passengers have little choice but to pay.

But once schools and offices reopen, demand falls dramatically. In early September, airports are quieter, and airlines are eager to fill empty seats. As a result, ticket prices drop sharply.

Travel experts note that this is not unique to the UAE ,similar patterns appear worldwide. However, the UAE’s large expatriate population makes the impact more significant. Families traveling in groups save much more by adjusting their travel dates.

The Cultural Side of Delaycation UAE

While cost savings are the main reason behind Delaycation UAE, the trend carries cultural importance as well. The UAE is home to millions of expatriates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, the Philippines, and many other countries. For many, summer is the only chance to reconnect with extended family abroad.

By extending their trips into September, families attend weddings, religious festivals, or other important gatherings. Parents find more time to relax before resuming work. Children deepen their bonds with cousins and grandparents.

The result is not only financial savings but also stronger family ties and lasting memories.

Practical Tips for Families

As more families adopt Delaycation UAE, practical strategies are emerging. Some of the most common include:

1. Book with flexibility – Choose tickets that allow free date changes.

2. Track fares early – Monitor flight prices in early August to spot trends.

3. Coordinate with schools – Some schools allow students to miss the first few days if parents request permission.

4. Leverage public holidays – Plan return dates around official UAE holidays.

5. Split travel – Parents may return earlier for work while children and spouses come back later.

These strategies make it easier to save money without disrupting family life too much.

Airlines and Travel Agencies Respond

The popularity of Delaycation UAE is also shaping the travel industry. Travel agents report that more families are now requesting September return flights instead of August ones. Airlines, noticing the trend, are offering early September promotions to attract customers.

This adjustment shows a shift in consumer awareness. Families are no longer accepting high prices without question. Instead, they are learning how travel cycles work and are adjusting their schedules to save money.

The Broader Mindset Shift

Delaycation UAE reflects more than a clever travel hack. It highlights a broader change in how UAE residents view time, money, and family. Families are realizing that flexibility leads to both financial and emotional rewards.

By postponing their return, they save thousands of dirhams, reduce stress at airports, and spend more quality time with relatives abroad. The concept is gaining traction year after year, and many believe it may become a regular tradition for UAE households.

More Than Just Savings

For families like Ayyub’s, Omar’s, and Neha’s, the Delaycation UAE experience has been transformative. What began as a response to high airfares became an opportunity to value time over urgency.

The trend demonstrates that small changes in planning can create big differences. By delaying their return flights by a week, families enjoy less stress, more affordable tickets, and stronger family connections.

Ultimately, Delaycation UAE is more than a cost-cutting strategy. It is a reminder that in today’s busy world, extra time with loved ones is as valuable as money saved.