Eid Al Adha arrives in July, bringing the next public holiday in the UAE.
While the exact dates of the coming holiday depends on the sighting of the Moon, it is believed Arafat Day will fall on July 9 this year.
Subsequently, Eid Al Adha holidays are most likely to start on July 10, which will be a public holiday.
For UAE employees, this means a long weekend is on the cards, with the majority of people expected to be off from Saturday, July 9 until Tuesday, July 12.
If you’re not travelling overseas this summer, there’s plenty to do over the holiday if you want a change of scenery.
From a palatial stay in Ras Al Khaimah to a family-friendly, action-packed adventure on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, here are some ways to make the most of your Eid break.
1. Family fun at W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island
The hotel overlooks one of the most exceptional circuits of the Formula One calendar and is a unique place to celebrate Eid. Now, just for the holidays, W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island has a great family staycation offer.
As well as being able to splash around at the hotel's rooftop swimming pools, up to two adults and two children will enjoy complimentary daily breakfast at the multi-cuisine Garage.
Free access to one of Yas Island’s theme parks is also included in each stay. Take your pick from cooling down at Yas Waterworld, revving things up at Ferrari World or meeting all your favourite characters at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi where Eid celebrations will be under way.
If you have a furry friend at home, bring them along for the stay as the W Abu Dhabi is now pet friendly.
Rates from Dh1,165, excluding taxes; marriott.com
2. A budget stay in Dubai at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel
Staycations in Dubai don’t have to break the bank. Book a stay at the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel and you’ll enjoy 33 per cent discount on regular room rates this Eid Al Adha, with rooms from Dh500.
Even better, you’ll get the same amount that you pay for your room back in credit to use at one of the hotel’s dining spots.
Take your pick from Masala Bazaar’s upscale Indian dining or head to Kris with a View, the multi-cuisine restaurant on the 19th floor with 360-degree views of Dubai.
You can unwind at the rooftop swimming pool, which has a nice vantage of the Dubai skyline, and if you want to get out and explore, the hotel offers beachgoers a free shuttle service to La Mer or The Dubai Mall if retail therapy is required.
Stays from Dh500, excluding taxes; parkregiskriskin.ae
3. Fireworks views at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Palm, Dubai
For some of the best views of Dubai’s Eid fireworks, head to Palm Jumeirah. The recently opened Taj Exotica Resort & Spa has a UAE resident package that’s available to book over the coming holiday.
Located on the east crescent, guests will be given a free upgrade to the next room category, where you'll have Arabian Gulf or resort and Palm views.
Enjoy the hotel’s beachfront pool, seven dining venues and the luxurious spa and keep the family entertained at the children's play area, splash pool and in the state-of-the-art games room.
Up to two children stay free in each room, and you can choose between complimentary lunch or dinner with free-flowing beverages during your stay.
There's 20 per cent discount on food and beverages across the rest of the resort and, when it's time to unwind, there's a buy one get one free offer on aromatherapy massages at Jiva Spa.
UAE resident stays from Dh899, excluding taxes; tajhotels.com
4. Brunch and stay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
If you want to be in the heart of the action this Eid, book a room at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. At the entrance of Palm Jumeirah, 10 minutes from Mall of the Emirates, close to the beach and with its own Metro stop, the area is a good spot to base yourself.
If you want to have a party weekend, the hotel also has you covered with an all-inclusive stay.
Check in early to your superior room and head to Icon Bar and Lounge at 1pm for the Dirty Saturday brunch. During your visit, you’ll also enjoy free-flowing beverages in Certo Italian restaurant.
If you want to keep going after brunch, head to Zero Gravity where you’ll get access for a discounted Dh100, all of which you'll get back in food and beverage credit.
Next morning, tuck into complimentary breakfast then catch a few hours by the pool as you’ll have late check-out until 4pm.
From Dh1,014 per night, including taxes, available for Saturday check-in only; radissonhotels.com
5. Adventure or unwind at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan has something for everyone this Eid Al Adha with two staycation options. The adventurer package starts with a breakfast at Khayal Restaurant, followed by your choice of two adrenalin-fuelled activities. Take your pick from go-karting, wakeboarding, archery or an equestrian session.
You’ll also get 20 per cent discount on food and beverages across the resort, and early check-in or a late checkout.
The spa staycation, on the other hand, is for those who simply want to kick back. It includes a 60-minute marble hammam treatment at The Saray Spa, plus breakfast and the same discount on food and beverages. Both offers also get you access to one of Abu Dhabi's biggest swimming pools.
Adventure stays start from Dh550, spa stays from Dh600, excluding taxes; marriott.com
6. A palatial stay at Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah
Head along to Ras Al Khaimah and you can spend a night in one of the UAE’s most luxurious hotels. Waldorf Astoria is set right on the beach and all rooms are beautifully designed, inspired by the palaces of the Arabian Peninsula with a seaside slant.
The resort has a new water playground for children, while there's also the sprawling Azure family pool. Grown-ups seeking downtime can head to the infinity-style adults-only pool, with views to the Arabian Gulf. There’s also a private beach, tennis courts, a spa, kids' club and lots more.
Hilton's summer sale has launched just in time for Eid Al Adha, meaning you’ll get up to 25 per cent off regular room rates when you book on a weekend.
The family premier rooms easily sleep four people and comes with golf course views, generous bathrooms and a private balcony.
Rooms from Dh1,542, excluding taxes; hilton.com
7. Get more for your money at The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
If you like to feel like you're really getting your money's worth on a staycation, then consider the Eid Al Adha offer at The Chedi Al Bait in Sharjah. Set in a quiet locale away from the bustle of the emirate, this serene hotel offers traditionally crafted, spacious rooms featuring local Emirati designs.
Indulge in creative culinary offerings at The Library and stop for a coffee in The Cafe in the heritage house of Majlis Ibrahim Al Midfa.
The 500-metre Chedi Spa draws inspiration from the original meaning of “Chedi”, a mystical paradise of enchantment and serenity, and is designed as a place for guests to relax and recharge.
There are a whole host of remedies on offer in this sanctuary, plus 100 per cent of your room rate back in resort credit when you stay in The Chedi Grand Room this Eid.
Rooms from Dh1,200, excluding taxes; bookings via reservations@chedialbaitsharjah.com; ghmhotels.com
8. An ultra all-inclusive escape at Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Nestled on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, the pyramid-shaped, all-inclusive Rixos Bab Al Bahr has 650 rooms and suites, nearly all of which come with ocean views.
It also has an endless parade of beaches, swimming pools, restaurants and bars, plus plenty of activities for the whole family to get involved in with, including everything from stand-up paddle boarding to beachside treasure hunts for children.
Each of the a la carte restaurants offers a different type of cuisine so that no matter how long you stay, eating out here will never get boring.
Rooms from Dh1,579 (per person), excluding taxes; rixos.com
9. A two-night retreat at Al Habtoor Polo Resort, Dubai
For something a little bit different this Eid, consider staying at Al Habtoor Polo Resort. Located in Dubailand, this equestrian-inspired resort channels Andalusian vibes and has plenty of sweeping green views, thanks to the four polo fields that surround it.
There are plenty of activities to try while you're there, such as archery, yoga, padel or tennis, and golf. The LVXE Spa is the place to go when you want to unwind.
This Eid, book a two-night stay to enjoy complimentary daily breakfast at the tranquil Andalucia restaurant and afternoon tea at the Equestrian lounge. You’ll also get free access to the beach and pool at Al Habtoor Grand Resort in JBR, the hotel's sister property.
From Dh1,899 per couple for two nights in a deluxe room with polo views, excluding taxes; habtoorpoloresort.com
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The First Monday in May
Director: Andrew Rossi
Starring: Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, John Paul Gaultier, Rihanna
Three stars
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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
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).
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Initial investment: $1 million
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Navdeep Suri, India's Ambassador to the UAE
There has been a longstanding need from the Indian community to have a religious premises where they can practise their beliefs. Currently there is a very, very small temple in Bur Dubai and the community has outgrown this. So this will be a major temple and open to all denominations and a place should reflect India’s diversity.
It fits so well into the UAE’s own commitment to tolerance and pluralism and coming in the year of tolerance gives it that extra dimension.
What we will see on April 20 is the foundation ceremony and we expect a pretty broad cross section of the Indian community to be present, both from the UAE and abroad. The Hindu group that is building the temple will have their holiest leader attending – and we expect very senior representation from the leadership of the UAE.
When the designs were taken to the leadership, there were two clear options. There was a New Jersey model with a rectangular structure with the temple recessed inside so it was not too visible from the outside and another was the Neasden temple in London with the spires in its classical shape. And they said: look we said we wanted a temple so it should look like a temple. So this should be a classical style temple in all its glory.
It is beautifully located - 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and barely 45 minutes to Dubai so it serves the needs of both communities.
This is going to be the big temple where I expect people to come from across the country at major festivals and occasions.
It is hugely important – it will take a couple of years to complete given the scale. It is going to be remarkable and will contribute something not just to the landscape in terms of visual architecture but also to the ethos. Here will be a real representation of UAE’s pluralism.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
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THE BIG MATCH
Arsenal v Manchester City,
Sunday, Emirates Stadium, 6.30pm
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Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Anti-semitic attacks
The annual report by the Community Security Trust, which advises the Jewish community on security , warned on Thursday that anti-Semitic incidents in Britain had reached a record high.
It found there had been 2,255 anti-Semitic incidents reported in 2021, a rise of 34 per cent from the previous year.
The report detailed the convictions of a number of people for anti-Semitic crimes, including one man who was jailed for setting up a neo-Nazi group which had encouraged “the eradication of Jewish people” and another who had posted anti-Semitic homemade videos on social media.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
England squad
Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Amar Virdi, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
