Free upgrades, discounts and deals: 13 last-minute staycations for UAE National Day

National Day is just around the corner and many people will be getting set to enjoy a five-day holiday from Friday, November 29 until Tuesday, December 3. That also means that hotels around the country are filling up fast, but don't panic if you've not booked anything yet as there are still some special offers to be had. From sleeping on a historic boat in Dubai to reconnecting with nature in Fujairah, here is some last-minute inspiration for a staycay over National Day. The 'QE2' Celebrate the 48th UAE National Day with a stay on the Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai. There will be a host of Emirati-inspired experiences happening on deck including live entertainment and themed dining events. Guests can also book a space on a QE2 heritage tour to discover more about the ship's fascinating history — to celebrate 48 years of the UAE, Emiratis can book this at a reduced rate of Dh48. When it comes to sleeping over, families of two adults and two children can bed down in a deluxe room and get both breakfast and dinner included. Rates start at Dh848 per room per night; www.qe2.com Rixos Premium Dubai Located on Jumeirah Beach Residence, Rixos Premium is a good choice for a beach getaway. During National Day weekend, book a room with breakfast and you'll not only get upgraded to the next room level, but can also take advantage of staying at the resort on a half-board basis at no extra charge. You'll also get two free tickets to go see La Perle and a Dh150 voucher to spend in the hotel's Natureland Spa. Rates start from Dh1,300 per night; premiumdubai.rixos.com Studio One Hotel One of Dubai's newer properties, Studio One in Studio City is also a dining hub, making it a nice option for foodies this National Day. Take your pick from Italian eats at Larte, or go for Mexican at El Chapos Tacos. There's also The Irish Village, Mr Miyagi's and the Maine Street Eatery to choose from. This long weekend there's a 48 hours for Dh480 deal for any guests checking in on Friday, November 29. There will also be Emirati-inspired entertainment on offer, including free henna, dates and Arabic coffee. Rates start from Dh480 for two nights; www.studioonehotel.com Paramount Hotel Dubai If you want bragging rights of being one of the first to stay in the brand-new Paramount Hotel, then try one of the hotel's National Day special offers. Take your pick from the Premiere Package, which includes a one-night stay in a Scene Room and breakfast at The Stage restaurant, or go for The Spoiler deal, which also includes an immersive Californian dinner. If you want to indulge, the Celebrity Pass Suite Package gives you two nights in one of the hotel's themed suites — take your pick from Silver Screen, Don Corleone or the Paramount Suite. You'll get a full American breakfast in-suite, private access to the hotel's Speakeasy bar and late checkout. Rates start from Dh500 per night for the Premiere Package, Dh699 per night for Spoiler, Dh750 per night for Celebrity Pass (minimum of two nights); www.paramounthotelsdubai.com Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah Head to Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah for a relaxed getaway this National Day weekend. GCC residents will get 30 per cent off room or suite rates, plus 25 per cent off at any of the hotel's six restaurants. Try Asian eats at Lao or Arabian inspired dishes at Mezzerie. Unwind at the spa where you'll also get 25 per cent off treatments and free access to the Himalayan Salt Stone sauna, aromatic steam room and experience showers. Rates start from Dh1,333; www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com One & Only Royal Mirage Book a staycay at one of Dubai's stalwart resorts and you can sample the One & Only Royal Mirage's Dine in Style offer. As well as a complimentary daily breakfast at this luxury beachfront resort, you'll also get an evening dine-around offer for two on a set-menu basis at some of the hotel's top restaurants. They have nine eateries dotted across the resort's 26 hectares so you won't be lacking in options. Rates over National Day weekend start from Dh2,335 per night; www.oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage Rixos Saadiyat Island For an ultra all-inclusive stay this National Day, head to Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island where there are lots of extras to be had when booking a stay of three nights or more. In addition to two free tickets to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan, guests will also get complimentary access to one of the parks on Yas Island. If you want to pamper yourself or a loved one, there's 20 per cent off all spa treatments and children will get complimentary daily activities at the kids' club. Rates start from Dh2,300 inclusive of all food and beverages; www.rixossaadiyatisland.com Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel Embrace all things Emirati at Anantara Eastern Mangroves, where there are some special offers happening over National Day. Book a stay including breakfast and an Emirati-inspired dining buffet and you'll also get 48 per cent off at Anantara spa, to coincide with the country's 48th year. If you're staying on Monday, December 2, you can enjoy a series of live performances, henna and free-flowing Arabic coffee from noon until 6pm. Rates start from Dh948 per night; www.abu-dhabi.anantara.com Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island Abu Dhabi Turn your National Day into a thrill-packed staycation by booking the Adventure Package at Radisson Blu Hotel on Yas Island. Book two nights or more and you'll get complimentary breakfast and free entry at Yas Beach. You'll also get free tickets to the Yas Island theme parks. The hotel will give you one set of tickets for each night you stay, so if you want to try Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World, then you'll want to make it a three-night staycation. Rates start from Dh550 per person per night (plus taxes); www.radissonhotels.com The Retreat, Fujairah The weather is perfect for spending time outdoors which makes The Retreat in Fujairah a good pick for the long weekend. Nestled in the mountains and just a few metres from the ocean, this eco-friendly retreat is all about connecting with nature. The camp is designed as a place to unwind and slow down as you relax in your private tent. And if you want to be more active, there's a host of activities on offer in partnership with the Fujairah Adventure Centre. Rates start from Dh1,400 for two including dinner, breakfast, soft drinks and trekking; book via info@theretreat.ae Fairmont Ajman The beachfront Fairmont Ajman is around 30 minutes from Dubai, but a stay here feels a world away from big city life. Ideal for families, the hotel has a children's pool and kids' club as well as seven restaurants and lounges so that everyone can find something they like when it comes to dining. There's also 200 metres of private beach and a temperature-controlled infinity pool. Book the GCC residents' offer and you'll get complimentary daily breakfast plus discounts at selected restaurants for dinner and beverages. Rates start from Dh829.32 per night; www.fairmont.com/ajman/ DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah Head to the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah over the long weekend for a family-friendly escape. Set on a man-made archipelago, this alcohol-free resort offers a tranquil place to spend the weekend. There are six dining outlets, a spa with a plethora of East-meets-West treatments and a huge outdoor pool with views over the Arabian Gulf. Kids will be kept entertained in the Pirates Club and there's a host of watersports on offer including snorkelling, banana boat rides and water-skiing. UAE and GCC residents get 15 per cent off the best available rates on all rooms, plus 20 per cent discount on food and drinks, 15 per cent discount at Lamar Spa and a free Pirates Club card worth Dh50 for kids to spend in the arcade and games room. Rates start from Dh764 plus taxes; www.marjanislandresort.com Hilton Sharjah Book a stay at the Hilton Sharjah where you'll have views of Khalid Lagoon plus great vistas of the city skyline. The Family Fun package means you'll get free daily breakfast, complimentary premium speed Wi-Fi so everyone can be on their devices at the same time, and late checkout until 4pm. Kids under 12 stay for free when sharing a room with an adult. When it comes to dining, children under 6 eat for free and those aged 6 to 12 pay half price at all of the hotel restaurants. Rates start from Dh465, plus taxes; www.hilton.com _________________ Read more: Last-minute National Day breaks: 17 destinations within five hours of Dubai and Abu Dhabi UAE residents can register for place on special Emirates Airbus A380 National Day flight Airline and travel news: Emirates gears up for Mexico and Etihad is making connections _________________

Free upgrades, discounts and deals: 13 last-minute staycations for UAE National Day

With a long weekend on the cards for many, here are some last-minute staycations worth considering