For many in the UAE, summer is synonymous with travelling. As the heat amps up at home, many look to international destinations for long holidays and quick breaks.
Of course, things are a little different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although passenger flights are gradually resuming operations, decreased flights and quarantine requirements (which differ from country to country) can make it a tedious process.
So, why not holiday in the country you're already in? A number of hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have launched staycation deals aimed at residents, to help them feel like they're a world away without leaving the emirates.
Here are some offers to try ...
Please note: From Tuesday, June 2, to Tuesday, June 9, Abu Dhabi residents cannot travel for a staycation at a hotel outside the emirate; and residents outside Abu Dhabi cannot enter the emirate for a staycation.
In Dubai
Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Explore the relatively new neighbourhood of Al Seef with the property’s Dream Away staycation package, which gives customers a 10 per cent discount on flexible rates, plus an additional 10 per cent discount for Hilton Honors members, late check-in and check-out, and a 24-hour cancellation policy (no deposit required).
Guests can also enjoy long walks along the promenade, with plenty of waterfront dining options, and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
From Dh225 per room, per night. This offer is valid from Friday, June 5.
Taj Dubai
The hotel located in the heart of Downtown Dubai is offering guests staycations complete with Burj Khalifa views. Guests can check into a Burj Room View or Burj Room Suite and enjoy early check in at 10am, late checkout until 6pm and daily breakfast while one child below the age of 12 stays for free.
Prices start at Dh299 for a Luxury Burj Room View and Dh999 for a Luxury Burj Room Suite. The package is valid till July 29.
JA The Resort
JA Palm Tree Court in JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, is giving away a staycation for free. Well, not exactly, but the hotel has introduced a package wherein the price of the room per night will be given back to guests in the form of credit that they can use to spend at its restaurants or on experiences.
That means, the price of the package can go towards horse riding lessons or clay pigeon shooting, or can be spent at restaurants including Captain's and La Fontana. Visitors also have access to the hotel's private beach, which is now open. Do note that the hotel’s pool remains closed, in line with government directives.
From Dh396 per room, per night. This offer is only valid for UAE residents. Bookings can be made at www.jaresortshotels.com using the code UAESTAY.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
If it's family fun you're looking for, InterContinental Dubai Festival City has partnered with Toys R Us to launch a "playcation". Guests can expect a complimentary upgrade to an InterContinental Suite, and in-suite guests will find Toys R Us family games and toys, as well as surprise gifts for children below the age of 12. The rate includes breakfast at Anise All Day Dining or in-room dining service, family lunch or dinner at Anise and guaranteed early check in and late check out.
Prices start at Dh399
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
UAE residents can take advantage of the high-end beachfront hotel's current staycation deal, valid for two adults and two children. Guests can choose from different dining options (free breakfast, half-board, full-board) and get a 25 per cent discount on drinks and more during the stay. Visitors can also enjoy the property's private beach and tropical gardens.
From Dh399 per room, per night. Customers can use the promo code LRR to get the discount.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Residents checking into the hotel’s Polynesian-themed hotel rooms, suites or apartments can enjoy its UAE residents’ staycation offer, which includes complimentary breakfast, late check-out until 3pm (subject to availability) and a 30 per cent discount on select restaurants and in-room dining.
From Dh450 per room, per night. Full payment is required at time of booking and is non-refundable.
Andaz Dubai The Palm
The five-star boutique hotel has launched a summer staycation deal, valid until Tuesday, September 15. Guests can choose from a variety of contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and Dubai skyline views, and enjoy the Palm Jumeirah property’s 300-metre private beach. They can also opt for some retail therapy at Nakheel Mall, which is within walking distance. The offer includes an a la carte breakfast at all-day dining restaurant, The Locale.
From Dh550 per room, per night.
Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai
The five-star hotel has launched two staycation packages giving guests a chance to enjoy its luxurious interiors and 450 metre private beach.
The UAE Residents package offers residents a 35 per cent discount on room rates as well as complimentary breakfast and dinner for two.
Meanwhile, the Like A Caesar package offers guests a 20 per cent discount on room rates and includes complimentary breakfast and 20 per cent discount on all food and beverage outlets across the property.
Prices start at Dh614 for the UAE Residents package and Dh756 for the Like a Caesar package.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
If you’re looking for a way to beat the summer heat, it doesn’t get "cooler" than this package from Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. UAE residents booking a staycation in the month of June can choose one of the following: a second room at 50 per cent off, dining credit of Dh200 at any of the restaurants … or two complimentary tickets to Ski Dubai (which recently reopened). The package also includes early check-in, late check-out and a 20 per cent discount when dining at any of the restaurants. And being in the vicinity of Mall of the Emirates means there will be plenty to eat, see and do.
Dh899 for a grand deluxe room, including breakfast for two adults and two children. Offer valid until Tuesday, June 30.
Jumeirah Al Naseem
The beachside destination has launched its Ultimate Staycation offer where guests can take in the sun along the private two-kilometre beach, and enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch or dinner at select restaurants, as well as up to 40 per cent off on best available rates. When it comes to dining, guests can choose between Peruvian-Nikkei cuisine at Kayto, the al fresco vibes at Rockfish, or Greek specialties at Shimmers.
Prices start at Dh990 per night.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Those looking to splurge can treat themselves to the property’s UAE Staycation Beach Escape package. Choose from a collection of rooms, suites and even a beach garden villa with a private pool and terrace – all with early check-in and late check-out, breakfast and daily resort credit of Dh500, which can be spent on drinks or dining within the property, at the likes of Drift Beach Club or The Dining Room. Between its gardens and private beach, there will be more than enough to keep you occupied – and pampered.
From Dh1,550 per room, per night.
In Abu Dhabi
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
The stylish hotel located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche has launched a staycation offering guests the chance to check-in as early as 10am and check-out at 3pm.
Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast – within the hotel’s restaurants or from the comfort of their rooms – and a 20 per cent discount on food and drinks during their stay.
The staycation offer includes a 40 per cent discount on the best available rate, or a 30 per cent discount on the best available rate with a complimentary lunch or dinner at select venues.
Prices start at Dh420.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Looking for a treat for the whole family? This hotel has a staycation offer that includes breakfast at Fairways, Dh150 credit to spend in any of the hotel's restaurants, a 35 per cent discount on food and drinks, late check-out and more.
Price depends on the date of booking, but starts at Dh600.
The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
The hotel has put together a package including complimentary daily breakfast, Dh200 to spend in the resort per day, and one hour of complimentary water sports rental. Guests can also let their children loose at the complimentary Sandcastle Club.
Price depends on the date of booking, but starts at about Dh700.
In Ras Al Khaimah
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
The beachside resort has a Reconnect Oceanside package for families looking to live it up in a villa. Two adults and up to children under the age of 12 can enjoy an overnight stay in a private villa complete with a temperature controlled pool. The package includes Dh200 resort credit per day, daily breakfast at Shore House, complimentary dining for children under the age of 12 and access to the daily falcon and owl show at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.
Prices start at Dh1,800+ for the Reconnect Oceanside package, valid until 30 September.
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
ALL THE RESULTS
Bantamweight
Siyovush Gulmomdov (TJK) bt Rey Nacionales (PHI) by decision.
Lightweight
Alexandru Chitoran (ROU) bt Hussein Fakhir Abed (SYR) by submission.
Catch 74kg
Omar Hussein (JOR) bt Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) by decision.
Strawweight (Female)
Seo Ye-dam (KOR) bt Weronika Zygmunt (POL) by decision.
Featherweight
Kaan Ofli (TUR) bt Walid Laidi (ALG) by TKO.
Lightweight
Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW) bt Leandro Martins (BRA) by TKO.
Welterweight
Ahmad Labban (LEB) bt Sofiane Benchohra (ALG) by TKO.
Bantamweight
Jaures Dea (CAM) v Nawras Abzakh (JOR) no contest.
Lightweight
Mohammed Yahya (UAE) bt Glen Ranillo (PHI) by TKO round 1.
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) bt Aidan Aguilera (AUS) by TKO round 1.
Welterweight
Mounir Lazzez (TUN) bt Sasha Palatkinov (HKG) by TKO round 1.
Featherweight title bout
Romando Dy (PHI) v Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) by KO round 1.
Indika
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: N2 Technology
Founded: 2018
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Startups
Size: 14
Funding: $1.7m from HNIs
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Racecard
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
Dubai World Cup factbox
Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)
Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4)
Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9)
Most wins by a horse: Godolphin’s Thunder Snow(2)
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The%20specs
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Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
Company%20profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
Five expert hiking tips
- Always check the weather forecast before setting off
- Make sure you have plenty of water
- Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
- Take your litter home with you
RESULTS
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Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat
Barbara J King, University of Chicago Press