Eid Al Adha is right around the corner, with the UAE's next public holiday predicted to fall on June 16. For many employees across the country, that will mean enjoying time off until June 19.
Staycation deals are available, with prices starting at Dh375 a night. Here are 14 options to check out.
A floating stay on Dubai's Queen Elizabeth 2
Enjoy a night at sea in the city’s only floating hotel, where guests can walk through history. Take part in the complimentary heritage tour to find out about events that shaped the ship in its yesteryear. Complimentary breakfast for two at Lido Restaurant is also included, as well as 20 per cent discount on afternoon tea.
From Dh499, excluding taxes; www.qe2.com
Island vibes at Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah
Children have their own pool, plus a kids and teenagers club with supervised activities. The half board UAE resident's package is bookable over Eid and includes daily breakfast buffet, plus dinner as well as an extra 10 per cent off on dining and spa treatments when staying in a Premier Room. If you want to sleep in the overwater villas, rates are upwards of Dh9,000 per night.
From Dh2,340, excluding taxes; www.anantara.com
Pocket-friendly escape at Marriott Hotel, Al Jaddaf Dubai
This is a staycation that won’t break the bank. One of the first hotels to open in Al Jaddaf neighbourhood promises a fusion of old and new with views over Dubai Creek and proximity to modern marvels like Burj Khalifa. This Eid, there's 20 per cent off room rates and food and beverages, including the hotel's Eid buffet. Breakfast is also included. Enjoy a dip in the pool with a view, or unwind at Lavana Spa. There's also a free shuttle service to Dubai Mall and Festival City for retail therapy.
From Dh392, including taxes, book before June 14; www.marriott.com
Family fun at Millennium Place Barsha Heights, Dubai
Conveniently located, this four-star escape is well placed for trips to The Palm Jumeirah or Mall of the Emirates. This Eid, families can book an extended stay with an offer that includes early check-in from 9am and late checkout until 5pm, depending on availability. Complimentary breakfast is included, as is an extra bed for children, and two tickets for Dubai Parks and Resorts where you can explore Legoland, Real Madrid World or Motiongate. Back at the hotel, there are four swimming pools, a rooftop terrace and five restaurants, including The M One and the Level Social Lobby Lounge, where guests will get 20 per cent off food.
From Dh375 per night, excluding taxes; www.millenniumhotels.com
Adults-only hideaway at voco Monaco Dubai
Stays at the adults-only resort on The World Islands start with a 35-minute boat ride across the Arabian Gulf. The hotel's buzzing social scene is centred around its mammoth swimming pool and Lagoon Pool Bar. The party venue hosts daily DJ sets and has its own 700-metre private beach, plus plenty of dining and nightlife spots. Rooms and suites come with private balconies and ocean views. Cool down with a visit to Raining Street, the world's only climate-controlled walkway, where the temperature is always a pleasant 27 degrees. If you're not a party animal, sunrise and sunset yoga sessions take place on the beach and there's retail therapy available at the hotel's boutique stores.
Minimum two-night stay over Eid, with rates from Dh1,512, including taxes; www.ihg.com
Short breaks at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai
Located in Downtown Dubai right next to the Museum of the Future, where hotel guests get priority access, the twin tower skyscraper is offering travellers 15 per cent off bookings of three nights or more, with children under 12 staying free. Soak in the rays at the temperature-controlled pool, unwind at Talise Spa where there's 20 per cent off treatments and dine at Mundo, The Agency or Azuro Pool Bar. Stays also include guaranteed late check out until 4pm.
From Dh589 per night, excluding taxes; www.jumeirah.com
A suite stay with shopping at Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Book a two-night stay in a suite at Rosewood Abu Dhabi and you'll get a Dh250 gift card to go shopping at the adjoining The Galleria Mall. Abu Dhabi's most stylish mall that also has plenty of family entertainment such as Vox cinema, National Geographic Ultimate Explorer and Caboodle for the smaller ones. The hotel has a stunning 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness centre and eight restaurants and lounges. Suites are spacious, starting at 78 square metres and are beautifully decorated with Arabian Gulf views. Guests also get access to the Manar Club lounge, and there's a luxury spa where parents can unwind while children have fun at the Rosewood Explorers kids club.
From Dh2,250 per night, excluding taxes; www.rosewoodhotels.com
Seaside holidays at Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is always popular during public holidays and this five-star resort on Al Marjan Island is ideal for families looking for beach vibes. It's the only resort on the island with two waterfronts. The Home for Eid package includes a stay in a superior room, which can sleep up to two adults and two children, plus daily breakfast. Unwind by the hotel's two swimming pools or at the luxury La'mar spa and enjoy a variety of leisure activities on the beach while the children check out the pirate-themed kids club.
From Dh1,250 for a two-night stay, including taxes; pullmanmarjanisland.com
Coastal vibes at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
One of Abu Dhabi's prettiest coastlines, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island overlooks protected dunes and crystal clear waters. The beachfront hotel is offering up to 40 per cent off room rates over Eid Al Adha, with stays inclusive of breakfast, daily yoga sessions and access to the kids club. There's also 20 per cent off dining experiences with choices including Italian inspired Mare Mare or Levantine Tean. Recently opened Sal Saadiyat Island is the place to go for adults-only ocean-surrounded beach club vibes.
Stays from Dh1,522 with free-to-join Jumeirah One membership, excluding taxes; www.jumeirah.com
A palatial stay at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Recently refurbished, the palatial Waldorf Astoria towers above Ras Al Khaimah's shoreline. Stepping inside, elegant vibes abound not least in the lobby's golden six-metre clock which reflects the rich history of grand clocks in Waldorf Astoria hotels around the world while paying homage to its Arabic roots. Rooms and suites are beautifully furnished and have views over the ocean, and there's nine restaurants and bars to choose from, including the hip Lexington Bar and Grill and Japanese restaurant Umi. A private beach, multiple swimming pools, endless manicured gardens and a children's water park also await travellers this Eid, along with 20 per cent off room rates plus complimentary dinner and breakfast.
Stays from Dh1,350 per night with honours discount, excluding taxes; www.hilton.com
Celebrate Eid at Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort
Located on the UAE's popular east coast, this art-inspired haven has the Hajar Mountains as an impressive backdrop. Unwind by the pool as the waves crash on to the rocks or visit Willow Stream Spa for a wellness treatment. There's also hiking excursions and water sports, and all rooms offer sundowner-perfect balconies with sea, marina or mountain views. This Eid, there's a special dinner menu at Copper Lobster and a family-friend Eid lunch at all-day dining restaurant Canvas. Discounted drinks are available at Lava Beach Club throughout the first three days of the Eid holiday.
Bed and breakfast, from Dh1,000 per night, excluding taxes; www.fairmont.com
Affordable elegance at Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain
Only an hour's drive from Dubai, Umm Al Quwain is famed for its natural scenery and has a protected mangrove coastline and pristine shore. Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain has offers over the Eid holidays that include a half board package with breakfast and lunch or dinner at Origins restaurant. The pet-friendly hotel is great for families with a kids club and shaded children's pool. Plus, there's a large main swimming pool and spa, lush gardens and a private beach.
From Dh598, excluding taxes; www.vidahotels.com
Book an Arabic getaway at Bab Al Shams, Dubai
Something of an institution in Dubai, this desert retreat is running its Bas Summer Ever campaign and it's available over Eid to UAE residents. The rate includes 10 per cent off rooms plus complimentary daily breakfast and 30 per cent off on other food and beverage spends at the hotels outlets which include Anwa, Zala and one of the UAE's first alcohol-free bars. Falconry shows and camel rides are complimentary and there's a daily resort credit of Dh250 to spend on spa, sports or leisure activities. Recently renovated rooms have upscale Arabic-inspired decor and views of manicured gardens, towering palm trees and desert dunes. Travellers will need to show a valid Emirates ID at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate, which includes complimentary stays for children under four, and for those aged 4-11 when sharing their parents' bed.
From Dh1,553 per night, excluding taxes; www.babalshams.com
Take the kids for free to Centro Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Children can stay, play, dine, and kart for free on Yas Island when staying at Centro, which offers a three-star stay in comfortable, contemporary rooms. The lobby has a convenient co-working space, there's an outdoor swimming pool and well-equipped gym. Dine at C-Taste or venture next door to sister hotel Yas Island Rotana, which has six additional restaurants and bars. The Eid offer is for two adults and up to two children under 12 and includes tickets to one of the island's theme parks. Take your pick from Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Water World or Sea World Abu Dhabi. The island's and its offerings are now being promoted by its newest ambassador Ryan Reynolds.
From Dh1,565, including breakfast and park tickets; www.yasisland.com
The five pillars of Islam
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Essentials
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
The bio
His favourite book - 1984 by George Orwell
His favourite quote - 'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance' by Derek Bok, Former President of Harvard
Favourite place to travel to - Peloponnese, Southern Greece
Favourite movie - The Last Emperor
Favourite personality from history - Alexander the Great
Role Model - My father, Yiannis Davos
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The five pillars of Islam
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Read more about the coronavirus
Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunday, 8.30pm UAE
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
