Maldives was the most popular destination for Emiratis to travel to in 2020.
Easily reachable from the UAE, the Indian Ocean archipelago was the go-to destination for UAE citizens last year, according to travel specialists at Rehlaty.
"With a convenient four-hour flight time from Dubai, and no requirement for a PCR test ahead of returning home for UAE nationals [flying into Dubai] it's no surprise that Maldives' travel packages proved the top choice for travellers," said Rehab Mansoor, general manager at Rehlaty, part of the dnata Travel Group.
The Maldives reopened to international tourists in July 2020. Since then, Emiratis have been one of the top source markets to the islands, with more than 6,000 visitors recorded by the Maldives Immigration between July 15 and December 31.
Top 4 Maldives resorts for Emirati travellers
Multi-island leisure destinations seemed to be among the favourite resorts in the Maldives with Emirati travellers. Also popular were islands and hotels known for their Instagrammability or their privacy. The most popular places to stay, according to Rehlaty's bookings, were:
- LUX* Resorts & Hotels
- Sun Siyam Resorts
- Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
With a perfect year-round climate and naturally socially-distanced islands, the Maldives' one-island, one-resort policy has worked in the country's favour when it comes to controlling the coronavirus.
"On top of the regulatory measures undertaken by the government in terms of keeping tourism facilities, the airport, and means of transportation safe and in-check, the Maldives is lucky to have natural means of tackling the ongoing situation surrounding Covid-19," said Thoyyib Mohamed, managing director of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation.
The archipelago has long been popular with travellers from the Middle East and its reopening in July saw the UAE take the lead in terms of post-lockdown arrivals. The UAE was in the top five source markets to the island nation in 2020.
A bucket-list destination for many people, the Maldives ticks boxes for a beach resort holiday, which was sought by nearly 50 per cent of UAE citizens recently surveyed about travel by Rehlaty.
"For our Emirati community, choosing the Maldives as the 'go-to' travel destination for 2020 was an easy call – its luscious blue waters and pristine beaches, world-renowned resorts, adventure-filled water activities, and most importantly, hassle-free travel experience, definitely powered our choice," says Mansoor, who adds the trend will continue this year.
Who can travel to the Maldives?
There are no restrictions on travellers to the Maldives from any country, so long as they can show a negative PCR test carried out within 96 hours prior to departure and have a confirmed hotel reservation for the duration of their stay.
Travellers also need to fill out a health declaration form and submit it online with the negative Covid-19-test results 24 hours prior to arrival. Health checks are in place at the airport with PCR tests being conducted for anyone displaying symptoms, at the cost of travellers.
Upon returning to the UAE, travellers flying into Dubai can either show a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before departure or take a free Covid-19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International Airport.
To Abu Dhabi, travellers need a PCR test before flying, and testing services are available in the Maldives for tourists who require them. The Maldives is not on Abu Dhabi's green list of countries, so those flying back to Abu Dhabi will have to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.
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Luxury for less: 5 Maldives hotels you can book for under Dh1,000 a night
The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Oppenheimer
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
THE SPECS
Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 518bhp
Torque: 625Nm
Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds
Price: Dh633,435
On sale: now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Chelsea 2 Burnley 3
Chelsea Morata (69'), Luiz (88')
Burnley Vokes (24', 43'), Ward (39')
Red cards Cahill, Fabregas (Chelsea)
ANDROID%20VERSION%20NAMES%2C%20IN%20ORDER
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
HOW TO WATCH
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
MATCH STATS
Wolves 0
Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi 90 4' pen)
Red cards: Joao Moutinho (Wolves); Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Man of the match: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars
if you go
The flights
Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes.
The hotels
The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
