Emirates is gearing up for its busiest travel period in months as people travel to celebrate Eid this weekend. An increase in traffic is expected to start today at Dubai International Airport, to coincide with the start of the Eid holiday celebrations. Passengers have been advised to arrive at the airport three hours early in case of delays.

Increase in demand

Emirates has witnessed a surge of interest in travel to Dubai since the emirate reopened to tourists at the beginning of July. Eid Al Adha, one of the premier Islamic celebrations, begins today, and as such, the airline is expecting a busy travel weekend. The recent ease of border restrictions, coupled with the religious holiday, has tempted people back to the skies in search of a vacation.

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The airline has advised passengers departing from Dubai to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight. Anyone who tries to check in less than 60 minutes before their plane leaves will be refused travel. Emirates reminded passengers that online check-in is available 48 - 90 hours before flight departure.

Dubai is also expecting an increase in tourists over the holiday period. The emirate is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this Eid holiday is celebrated in style. Several events are planned across the city, giving a clear message that Dubai is very much open for business.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates' Chief Operating Officer, told Gulf News, "Dubai remains a highly attractive destination to international visitors. In the three weeks since Dubai re-opened for tourists, we saw more than 1.6 million searches for destination Dubai on emirates.com, and an increase in bookings with travellers coming from more than 30 countries including France, Germany, Malaysia, UK, and US."

Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Last year alone, the emirate welcomed 16.7 million visitors.

Travel requirements

Those planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will have to meet several requirements. From August 1st, all those arriving in the UAE, or transiting through it, will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test a maximum of 96 hours before departure.

This is irrespective of the country of departure. A negative COVID-19 test is also needed for passengers departing from the UAE to destinations in the European Union and the United Kingdom. The UAE has made it mandatory for tourists to have travel insurance.

All residents that are returning to Dubai are required to request permission to return to the emirate before booking their flight. This can be done online through the federal government's Twajudi system.

Emirates to cover COVID-19 medical costs

Emirates recently committed to covering the costs of any COVID-19 associated medical costs incurred by its passengers during their travels abroad. The insurance, which is free to its customers, will cover medical expenses of up to EUR 150,000. The cover also expands to include quarantine costs of EUR 100 per day for 14 days.

The airline is ramping up its international services to over 60 destinations during August. This initiative is a great idea that allows passengers to book their travel safe in the knowledge that should the worst happen; the airline is there to help.

Simple Flying would like to wish a happy Eid Al Adha to all those celebrating this weekend.

Are you traveling with Emirates this weekend? Let us know in the comments.