Spring break is around the corner, with most private schools in the UAE scheduled to close from March 27 to April 10.
Pupils will have the two-week break at the beginning of Ramadan, which is expected to begin in the UAE on March 23 — although the official date will be determined by the country's moon-sighting committee closer to the time.
There are plenty of deals to be had for travellers looking to escape on a budget. From exploring ancient history in Egypt's Alexandria to sun-seeking in the Maldives, these last-minute getaways are still available.
1. Underrated Albania
Albania has been growing in popularity as travellers increasingly discover how diverse and affordable the European destination can be. Known for its Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, plus its mountain peaks, Albania can be reached via a six-hour flight from Dubai.
Holiday Factory’s Albanian winter deal is still valid for departures before the end of March. It includes flights to Tirana with flydubai and four nights accommodation, including a hotel stay in the bustling capital and a stint in Korce, the country's cultural and economic centre. Also included are transfers to and from the airport, and between the cities.
From Dh2,999; including flights and hotels; www.holiday-factory.com
2. Georgia in the spring
Georgia still ranks highly when it comes to budget getaways and since it is only a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UAE, it is ideal for a short break. Air Arabia Holidays is offering a five-night visit to Tbilisi, Georgia’s picturesque capital, departing from Abu Dhabi.
Travellers can stay at the colourful three-star Boutique Hotel Mojo, which is 600 metres from a mall, 6km from Tbilisi Zoo and 9km from Tbilisi Opera and Freedom Square. Visit the sulphur baths of Old Tbilisi, go shopping in the Meidan Bazar, tuck into Georgian cuisine and enjoy the springtime weather in this underrated destination. Transfers to and from the airport are included.
From Dh2,373 per person; including flights and hotel; www.airarabiaholidays.com
3. Self-drive adventures in Oman
For those craving a change of scenery but who don’t fancy flying, Trekkup Dubai’s trip to Oman for spring break is well worth considering.
Departing on March 31, it’s a two-night venture at a time when the country is welcoming its spring blooms. A five-hour drive to Oman takes travellers to their hotel, where an early night is recommended in preparation for an early start the following day. Heading to Jebel Akhdar — Oman’s green mountain — there's a group hike into a wadi, where banana and papaya plantations lead the way to the famed black pools of Maraibis for the chance of a quick dip. Post-hike, the sunset from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, the highest point on the mountain, is recommended.
A hike through rose plantations takes place the next day. From mid-March until May, farms in these highlands turn pink as rosebuds flourish. Trekking to the Omani village of Al Ain, guests can see the process of rosewater making first-hand, before starting the drive back to Dubai with a few stops along the way.
Dh980 including hotel, hiking and all meals; www.meetup.com
4. Exploring Egypt's Alexandria
Alexandria on the north coast of Egypt is a striking city surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. One of the great cities of the ancient world, there's plenty for travellers to see and do, and the weather in March is particularly pleasant.
Flydubai Holidays offers a three-night trip to Alexandria, departing from Dubai, with accommodation at the five-star Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza. This Art Deco-style hotel has a spa, two outdoor swimming pools and a well-equipped fitness centre, making it a good base.
Must-see sights include Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Citadel of Qaitbay and a drive along the corniche to visit the Alexandria National Museum and Bibliotheca Alexandrina. And for anyone that's not yet visited Egypt’s Great Pyramid, the Giza Plateau is reachable via an easy day trip from Alexandria.
Dh1,979.65 per person; including flights and hotel; www.bookholidays.flydubai.com
5. The Maldives on a budget
Wizz Air's new direct flights from Abu Dhabi mean a budget holiday to the Maldives is now possible, and there's availability for the spring break. The Indian Ocean destination is a four-hour flight from the UAE and offers golden shorelines, overwater villas and some of the world’s best sunsets.
The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is arguably the most beautiful Holiday Inn in the world. Set on Kandooma Fushi South Male Atoll, it is reached by a 45-minute speedboat transfer. There’s a sprawling outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees, three on-site restaurants and several bars, a fully-equipped health and fitness suite and a garden spa. Little ones can enjoy playing in the Kandoo Kids Club and children up to the age of 12 stay and eat for free.
Three nights from $1,172 (Dh4,304) www.ihg.com; and flights from Dh1,178; www.wizzair.com
6. A city break in Amman
The Jordanian capital has plenty of sightseeing opportunities with the option to visit the Dead Sea for the day. Etihad Holidays is offering a three-day package, giving visitors enough time to familiarise themselves with the city.
The offer includes accommodation at the five-star Kempinski Hotel Amman, which is in the heart of the city and has a spa, swimming pool and entertainment centre. Rainbow Street, about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, is popular for having great places to eat, drink and people-watch. The city's myriad ancient monuments, including the Citadel and the Roman Amphitheatre, can be explored the Dead Sea is merely an hour from the capital.
Dh3,595 per person, including flights and hotel; www.etihadholidays.com
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.
More on Quran memorisation:
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
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White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
FA Cup quarter-final draw
The matches will be played across the weekend of 21 and 22 March
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Manchester City
Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
Leicester City v Chelsea
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
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The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
'Peninsula'
Stars: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Ra
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Rating: 2/5
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
Company%20Profile
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A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
Stats at a glance:
Cost: 1.05 billion pounds (Dh 4.8 billion)
Number in service: 6
Complement 191 (space for up to 285)
Top speed: over 32 knots
Range: Over 7,000 nautical miles
Length 152.4 m
Displacement: 8,700 tonnes
Beam: 21.2 m
Draught: 7.4 m
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
MATCH INFO
Serie A
Juventus v Fiorentina, Saturday, 8pm (UAE)
Match is on BeIN Sports
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
RESULTS
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Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
Haemoglobin disorders explained
Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.
Haemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen and a lack of it triggers anemia, leaving patients very weak, short of breath and pale.
The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.
The condition mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Saudi Arabia recorded 45,892 cases of carriers between 2004 and 2014.
A World Health Organisation study estimated that globally there are at least 950,000 'new carrier couples' every year and annually there are 1.33 million at-risk pregnancies.
The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela
Edited by Sahm Venter
Published by Liveright
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
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The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Power: 272hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 331Nm from 5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km
On sale: now
Price: Dh149,000
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
