The welcome
Driving up to the hotel on Ras Al Khaimah's Marjan Island, I attempt to have my car valet parked, but I am told to leave it out front until I find out where I am staying. The resort is so big that there are different parking options depending on your room location. So my family and I head inside the newly renovated lobby and, after a short wait, are greeted by the receptionist.
Check-in is a little slow to start, but does not take too long to complete. After being issued with a wristband to show we are entitled to the hotel’s all-inclusive packages, we head back to our car and park it directly in front of our room.
The neighbourhood
Man-made Marjan Island has almost 8km of beaches so there are plenty of places to explore. As well as several other resorts and hotels, there is a promenade perfect for running, cycling or strolling along, with plenty of beautiful views of the beach and children’s play areas.
The room
We are staying in a ground-floor club room with direct access to the garden, and the beach is just a few metres beyond. This is great for accessibility – especially with a little one in tow – but sacrifices sweeping ocean views that rooms in the main hotel command.
Club rooms are set up in double-height buildings, each with around 10 rooms and a private lift. A long hallway leads into our room, where there’s a bathroom on the left and wardrobes on the right, opening on to the main bedroom. A king-size bed and large dresser housing the minibar – included in our tariff – make up the main room. A living area beyond this also has a dining table that can comfortably seat four. Patio doors slide open to reveal a terrace and a spot for alfresco dining when the weather allows.
The scene
In a word, bustling. Despite checking in during UAE summertime – traditionally lower season for hotels – the resort is very busy with lots of multi-generational families, parents with young children, older couples and groups of friends, plus a few solo travellers.
DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah is like a mini-village and many guests never leave the resort. There are seven swimming pools, including shaded ones for children and a floating sea pool. There is also a 650-metre-long beach and watersports galore. Daily activities take place across the resort – everything from aerobics to water polo.
It is geared towards children, so there is no shortage of fun for little ones who – if aged four or over – can attend the kids' club and take part in organised activities, or play at the pirate-themed water park then splash around on RAK's largest inflatable attraction. There is also a playground with slides, swings and trampolines.
A faux river runs along the outskirts of the resort and is a nice setting for a leisurely morning stroll, with music piped out of the fake rocks dotted along its length. There are a handful of small retail outlets along its banks – including a photography studio, hair salon and a leather goods store.
The food
There are no fewer than 12 bars and restaurants here, so I was spoilt for choice. The all-day dining restaurant is a sprawling buffet-style venue that had me working up an appetite as I wandered around selecting my food. Signs highlight food waste, but most guests seem oblivious to the message as they pile their plates high.
Sanchaya serves Asian food, with good quality sushi and curries on offer, accompanied by upbeat tunes and a buzzy atmosphere, while Islander's Coffee House is a nice spot for a caffeine hit.
Turkish fare takes centre stage at Meze – with a large open kitchen to watch the chefs at work. Recommendations include the sebzeli moussaka (Dh82), a vegetarian version of the classic dish, and the cokertme kebab (Dh105) which consists of crispy fried potatoes and marinated beef with a rich tomato sauce and creamy yoghurt. The havuc dilim baklava (Dh50) is a good shout for dessert, served with creamy Turkish ice cream.
The service
Do not expect turndown service and high-end toiletries. This value-for-money resort prioritises functionality over fuss, but the staff are incredibly friendly and efficient, and great with children.
Highs and lows
Families will delight in this resort's entertainment options for children. Spacious rooms with direct outdoor access are also ideal for this demographic, and rates are reasonable.
The huge capacity of the hotel can be overwhelming at times, and it is a mission to hunt down sun loungers not claimed by a blue towel during popular sunbathing hours. Talking of towels, having to return them soggy and sand-covered to retrieve a towel token that guarantees more the next day feels like a throwback to the 1990s.
The insider tip
Find some quiet by escaping to the adults-only pool if travelling child-free.
The verdict
For those who do not mind crowds and appreciate value for money, or have eternally hungry and easily bored children to entertain, this is the Ras Al Khaimah resort for you.
The bottom line
Rates start from Dh550. Check-in is from 3pm; checkout is until noon.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the resort and reflects standards during this time. Services may change in the future
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000
On sale: now
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The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
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.
The years Ramadan fell in May
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Company%20Profile
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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Rating: 5/5
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The five pillars of Islam
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas
Three stars
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Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
TOURNAMENT INFO
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Regional Qualifier
The top three teams progress to the Asia Qualifier
Thursday results
UAE beat Kuwait by 86 runs
Qatar beat Bahrain by five wickets
Saudi Arabia beat Maldives by 35 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, third-place playoff – Saudi Arabia v Kuwait
3pm, final – UAE v Qatar
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Listen to Extra Time
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Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
