With the UAE's next public holiday not too far off, it's time to start thinking about your next getaway. This year's National Day holiday falls on Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3, meaning that a four-day weekend is likely on the cards for those who typically have Saturday and Sunday off.
That's a good amount of time to head off on a short break for a few days, discovering somewhere new, or simply for a change of scenery. If you're looking for some destination inspiration ahead of the coming holiday, here are some places to visit in December, all within a five-hour flight of the UAE.
Tbilisi, Georgia
A short hop from the UAE, Tbilisi is less than a four-hour flight away and offers centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens and bustling street life. The Caucasus country sees relatively mild temperatures throughout winter, averaging between 8ºC and 10ºC during the day. Wrap yourself up and meander through Meidan Square, take a cable car over Turtle Lake or warm up with a visit to the city's thermal baths. Winter sports enthusiasts can head to Gudauri, only 90 minutes outside the city, where the first snows of the season are likely to have fallen.
The Maldives
Quintessential beachside holidays await in the Maldives, and the Indian Ocean archipelago is only a four-hour flight from the UAE. Once reserved for honeymooners, the holiday hotspot has matured over the years and now offers something for everyone, from family-friendly resorts to wellness retreats. For most travellers, time in the Maldives is likely to be spent basking on a golden beach or venturing into the blue to discover some of the world's best waters for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Egypt
Dripping in history, Cairo is a city you could spend weeks or months exploring. But if you've only got time for a short break, its proximity to the UAE – and less than four-hour flight time – makes it an ideal pick for a few days of discovery. As well as checking out the top must-sees, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the artefact-filled Egyptian Museum, schedule time to tour the art galleries, shop in the old Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and go on an evening cruise down the Nile, perfect this time of year. The city also has a bustling food scene, so make sure you pack your appetite.
Muscat, Oman
Whether for a city escape or a small-town getaway, the charm of Muscat is in its varied natural beauty and accessibility. Everything is a short drive away, whether you wish to go dolphin-watching or snorkelling in the many wadis or, weather-permitting, tackle an outdoor trek. It's got a lot to offer culturally, too – from a tour of the striking Royal Opera House Muscat to the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where multilingual Omani guides will regale you with colourful anecdotes of how these architectural marvels were built. And then there’s the country's famous frankincense, considered one of the best in the world, and easily found in the local souqs. As a city known for its safety, and friendly smiles wherever you go, Oman's Muscat is the perfect spot for a short break, and a mere hour-long flight away.
Bahrain
Only an hour from the UAE, Bahrain offers a change of scenery within easy reach. The tiny kingdom is easily traversed in a couple of days, making it a good pick for a short break. Visit Qal’at al-Bahrain (the Bahrain Fort), shop at Manama Souq or soak in some rays on Bilaj Al Jazayer. December is a special month here too, as the country celebrates its own national day on December 16, and celebrations take place throughout the month with concerts, carnivals and events. For petrol heads, Bahrain International Circuit is worth a visit or, if nature is your thing, you might consider the drive out to the Tree of Life. Located at Bahrain’s highest point, the tree is green year-round despite no known water source coupled with the country's hot and dry desert climate.
Armenia
Nicknamed the pink city, Yerevan is Armenia's rose-toned capital that boasts Mount Ararat as its gorgeous backdrop. A three-hour flight from Dubai, it is the heart of one of the oldest countries in the world and the first to declare itself a Christian nation, meaning there's more than enough cultural and religious history to keep even the most avid history buff engaged. Wander around Republic Square, head to the National Gallery to see the world’s largest collection of Armenian art, or take a trip to the History Museum of Armenia to delve into the past. The best views of the city are waiting at the top of the giant limestone stairway known as the Yerevan Cascade. Prices here are relatively reasonable – meaning you can feast like a king without blowing your budget. And if you tire of the capital, there are plenty of day trips within easy reach.
Mumbai, India
India’s busiest city is also one of the world’s most vibrant and is only a three-hour flight from the UAE. Winter in this chaotic city is delightful, as temperatures cool down and people come out to play. Base yourself in Bandra, Worli or Colaba – each a district worth exploring. As the birthplace of Bollywood, catching a movie here is a must, as is a visit to The Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea and a great place to soak in the city’s frenetic atmosphere. If you want a bird’s-eye view of Mumbai’s famous skyline, take in a sunset from Malabar Hill, and be sure to pack your appetite – the capital of Maharashtra has a vibrant food scene teaming with cafes, restaurants, street food and fine dining.
Kenya
One of the world’s best safari destinations is only a five-hour flight from the UAE, and December is a great time to go as the rains begin to taper off and wildlife sightings are in abundance thanks to migratory patterns and mating seasons. While the Great Migration is elsewhere at this time of year, travellers can spot newborn animals and migratory birds. Samburu National Reserve is the place to go to see imperial zebras and the world's tallest giraffes. The capital, Nairobi, offers warm days and cool nights, while divers and snorkellers can head to the coast to escape into the big blue. Seas are calm at this time of year and marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays, is plentiful.
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Winter is the best time of year to visit Saudi Arabia's historic AlUla, reachable via a three-hour flight from the UAE. Surrounded by desert dunes and sandstone canyons, the region's lush green oases bloom brightly at this time of year and the scent of citrus fills the air as lemons, oranges and grapefruits grow. As well as enjoying some winter sun, travellers can witness history at age-old monuments, heritages sites and ancient tombs. After dark, wrap up with a blanket to embrace the cover of darkness, best served stargazing under an inky black sky. There's a host of hotels to stay in, from the traditional-inspired Dar Tantora by The House Hotel to the wellness-focused Banyan Tree AlUla
Istanbul, Turkey
With a flight time of just under five hours, Istanbul's cultural capital is a must-visit if you've never been before. Filled with historic sites, bustling markets and excellent museums, the city sees December temperatures that hover around 10°C or less, perfect if you're looking to embrace rather than escape the season. It is also the best time of year to score cheap deals on accommodation. Warm up at a Turkish Bath then sip a hot cup of coffee in a nearby cafe while you try to master the art of tavla, the country's national board game. Visit world-renowned attractions such as Hagia Sophia, the former church-turned-mosque that's also a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the 400-year-old Blue Mosque, where you can enjoy a visit without the throng of crowds that flock here during spring and summer.
TOURNAMENT INFO
Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier
Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi
The five pillars of Islam
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Look north
BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on animal trafficking
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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”
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Company%C2%A0profile
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The specs
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm
Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: From Dh1 million
On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
SPECS
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'The Sky is Everywhere'
Director:Josephine Decker
Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon
Rating:2/5
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
HOW DO SIM CARD SCAMS WORK?
Sim swap frauds are a form of identity theft.
They involve criminals conning mobile phone operators into issuing them with replacement Sim cards, often by claiming their phone has been lost or stolen
They use the victim's personal details - obtained through criminal methods - to convince such companies of their identity.
The criminal can then access any online service that requires security codes to be sent to a user's mobile phone, such as banking services.
Normal People
Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
Other key dates
-
Finals draw: December 2
-
Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
-
Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
-
Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
match info
Union Berlin 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski 40' pen, Pavard 80')
Man of the Match: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
South Africa v India schedule
Tests: 1st Test Jan 5-9, Cape Town; 2nd Test Jan 13-17, Centurion; 3rd Test Jan 24-28, Johannesburg
ODIs: 1st ODI Feb 1, Durban; 2nd ODI Feb 4, Centurion; 3rd ODI Feb 7, Cape Town; 4th ODI Feb 10, Johannesburg; 5th ODI Feb 13, Port Elizabeth; 6th ODI Feb 16, Centurion
T20Is: 1st T20I Feb 18, Johannesburg; 2nd T20I Feb 21, Centurion; 3rd T20I Feb 24, Cape Town
More on Quran memorisation:
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
THREE
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Coal Black Mornings
Brett Anderson
Little Brown Book Group
Things Heard & Seen
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton
2/5
Read more about the coronavirus
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
Company%20Profile
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
The years Ramadan fell in May
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
More coverage from the Future Forum
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Bawaal%20
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Tips for avoiding trouble online
- Do not post incorrect information and beware of fake news
- Do not publish or repost racist or hate speech, yours or anyone else’s
- Do not incite violence and be careful how to phrase what you want to say
- Do not defame anyone. Have a difference of opinion with someone? Don’t attack them on social media
- Do not forget your children and monitor their online activities
MATCH INFO
Argentina 47 (Tries: Sanchez, Tuculet (2), Mallia (2), De La Fuente, Bertranou; Cons: Sanchez 5, Urdapilleta)
United States 17 (Tries: Scully (2), Lasike; Cons: MacGinty)
More on Quran memorisation:
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
The%20Last%20White%20Man
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
RACECARD
6pm Emaar Dubai Sprint – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35pm Graduate Stakes – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.10pm Al Khail Trophy – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 2,810m
7.45pm UAE 1000 Guineas – Listed (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm Zabeel Turf – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 2,000m
8.55pm Downtown Dubai Cup – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 1,400m
9.30pm Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
10.05pm Dubai Sprint – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
more from Janine di Giovanni
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Under 19 World Cup
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
