Tucked away at the far end of the eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, away from the crowds of tourists snapping pictures outside the Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, is Rixos The Palm Dubai.
This all-inclusive resort is a big draw for families – the 316-room property caters equally to parents looking to unwind and children eager to explore.
Offering sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai skyline and the luxurious villas on the Palm’s fronds, the property's location gives it an air of being a world away from the city’s buzz, and is great for a weekend beach break even for residents.
The National checked in to find out what you can expect from this family-friendly resort.
The welcome
The arrival experience at the resort is effortless and welcoming. Valet attendants whisk away our car and luggage with efficiency, while the check-in process is swift and seamless.
The lobby at Rixos The Palm is bright and spacious and acts as the centrepiece connecting to the signature restaurants, bar, the spa and pool areas. Meanwhile, a pianist enhances the welcoming atmosphere.
Upon check in, we indulged our sweet tooth at Patisserie Istanbul in the lobby, where complimentary treats are served throughout the day. You can choose from Turkish sweets such as baklava and bite-sized pastries.
The absence of a metro or public buses on the Palm’s eastern crescent heightens the feeling of exclusivity and privacy for holidaymakers. Guests can only arrive by a private car or taxi, thereby making the journey to Rixos feel like an escape reserved for a select few.
However, couples looking for a romantic getaway may find it less suitable. The resort’s emphasis on children means that the atmosphere can be lively and busy, especially around the lobby, restaurants and main pool.
There is no dearth of entertainment options on the Palm. Guests can visit the Palm Jumeirah Mall, which is a quick cab ride away. There are also two free shuttles daily from the hotel to the Aquaventure World and Mall of the Emirates.
The room
We stayed in a well-appointed sea-facing junior suite. At 70 square metres, it is generously sized and designed for four adults. It comes with a separate sleeping area with a plush king-sized bed, a spacious living room, a lavish bathroom with a rain shower, his and her faucets and a private balcony with sea views. Waking up to sweeping sea views through the floor-to-ceiling windows was serene but be warned, the sound of yacht parties will drift into the sea-facing rooms in the evening.
The room is also equipped with a well-stocked mini bar, tea and coffee-making facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a hair dryer, bathrobes and toiletries.
As soon as we checked in, I was added to a WhatsApp group with two holiday assistants who made sure my stay was comfortable and helped me with restaurant bookings, spa appointments and updated me on activities for the day.
The food
The resort has several dining options – all-day dining restaurants A'La Turca and Turqoise offer an international buffet, there are steaks at Toro Loco, Italian fare at L'Olivo Ristorante and Bodrum is for Mediterranean seafood.
We had buffet dinner and breakfast at A'La Turca. Despite the generous variety, there were very few dishes that left a lasting impression.
During the seafood night on Friday, we could choose from a wide variety of fish to grill. There was an abundance of Indian food, doner shawarmas, Turkish food, mezze, seafood paella and a wide variety of desserts. The broccoli soup, oven-roasted lamb, Adani kebab, lamb steak and cinnamon rice were my picks of the night. Several flavours of baklava, such as walnut, pista, coconut and hazelnut, were also available.
We picked Turquoise restaurant for lunch. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool, a live meat grill and pasta station. I had a rushed lunch owing to a spa appointment and the yoghurt soup with meat impressed me the most.
The breakfast scene
Breakfast at A'La Turca offered plenty of variety. But we felt the flavours didn’t quite measure up to the spread’s scale. The bacon, sausages and eggs benedict in particular were disappointing.
However, despite the crowd, eggs were quickly made to order. I enjoyed the traditional Turkish simit with honey, fresh juice and pastries the most. But the buffet covers all bases – pancakes, waffles, French toast, cereals and milk, a bread station, a cold station with cheeses, cured meats and olives, regional staples such as labneh and hummus.
I liked the fact that the restaurant caters to health-conscious guests, with a dedicated section featuring sugar-free jams and compotes.
Spa and wellness
I opted for a 50-minute Swedish massage (Dh650) at Anjana Spa, which also offers hammam treatments, healing therapies and programmes for children.
My therapist Cynthia’s technique was calming and melted away my muscle tension. The pressure was firm enough to relieve knots, yet gentle enough to lull me into a meditative calm. The spa’s serene ambience enhanced the overall sense of relaxation.
Spa treatments come at an additional cost beyond the all-inclusive package.
I also did a hair wash and blow-dry at Zaki Ladies Salon as I had to attend a party in the evening. Service was immaculate although it was pricey (Dh290).
Hotel facilities
The Rixy Kids Club keeps younger guests entertained with activities such as yoga, piano class, sand painting, Zumba, taco making classes and more.
There is also an adults-only pool, a lap pool, open air wellness area and an indoor wellness studio. The Exclusive Sports Club offers activities including sunrise yoga, paddling, CrossFit, boxing, pilates, aqua boxing and sound healing.
The hotel also offers live entertainment for adults such as DJ performances and live bands at the Bar1 lounge.
Value for money
The price of a junior suite on all all-inclusive package during high season is Dh7,000 ($1,906) per night. Summer rates start at Dh3,000 per night for the same room category. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is at noon.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
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
CABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
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Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Last-16
France 4
Griezmann (13' pen), Pavard (57'), Mbappe (64', 68')
Argentina 3
Di Maria (41'), Mercado (48'), Aguero (90 3')
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)
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
Abu Dhabi traffic facts
Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road
The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.
Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.
The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.
The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels
Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
RESULTS
Bantamweight
Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)
(Split decision)
Featherweight
Hussein Salim (IRQ) beat Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)
(Round 1 submission, armbar)
Catchweight 80kg
Rashed Dawood (UAE) beat Otabek Kadirov (UZB)
(Round-1 submission, rear naked choke)
Lightweight
Ho Taek-oh (KOR) beat Ronald Girones (CUB)
(Round 3 submission, triangle choke)
Lightweight
Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) beat Damien Lapilus (FRA)
(Unanimous points)
Bantamweight
Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)
(Round 1 TKO)
Featherweight
Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)
(Round 1 rear naked choke)
Flyweight
Shannon Ross (TUR) beat Donovon Freelow (USA)
(Unanimous decision)
Lightweight
Dan Collins (GBR) beat Mohammad Yahya (UAE)
(Round 2 submission D’arce choke)
Catchweight 73kg
Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM) beat Islam Mamedov (RUS)
(Round 3 submission, kneebar)
Bantamweight world title
Xavier Alaoui (MAR) beat Jaures Dea (CAM)
(Unanimous points 48-46, 49-45, 49-45)
Flyweight world title
Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)
(Round 1 RSC)
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
