Breathtaking vistas and breezy afternoons are a winning combination at this time of year — and the mountains surrounding the UAE are the best places to find both.
With several high-altitude getaways located in the emirates or a short road trip away, travellers looking to elevate their next holiday are spoilt for choice.
From luxury castaway vibes at Six Senses Zighy Bay, Dibba, Oman, to a stay in the craggy highlands of Hatta, Dubai, these retreats are all less than a six-hour drive away.
1. Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort, Dubai
Nestled high in the Hajar Mountains, Sedr Trailers Resort is one of the most unique glamping resorts in the UAE. Channelling retro vibes, this getaway offers mountain accommodation by way of gleaming silver Airstream-style campers. Inside, the trailers have everything needed for a comfortable escape including flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes and comfortable beds, not to mention private bathrooms. Outside, there’s a terrace to unwind on as you take in unobstructed views of the craggy Hatta peaks and the nearby Hatta Dam.
Stays from Dh1,150 ($313), open seasonally; www.visithatta.com
2. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman
Drive about five hours from Dubai to Jabal Akhdar, Oman, where Anantara Jabal Akhdar commands the top spot on the mountain. Known as the highest luxury resort in the Middle East, this escape is famed for its epic vistas with guests able to look out over deep channels and ancient villages, as well as catch stunning sunsets from Diana’s Point — a place Princess Diana frequented on a trip to Oman with Prince Charles in 1986.
The resort’s beautifully landscaped gardens are packed with flowers and fruits, while late summer marks the start of pomegranate season when the land is bursting with the bright green and pink fruits. There’s also an infinity pool overlooking the clifftop, open-air yoga with valley views and a site dedicated to stargazing, which easily makes this one of the best mountaintop retreats in this part of the world.
Stays from Dh1,059 ($288); www.anantara.com
3. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
Located about a two-hour drive from Dubai, Six Senses Zighy Bay is nestled in the Musandam Peninsula, Oman. The hotel offers guests the chance to make an unforgettable entrance, by paragliding through the air before landing in the luxury resort. The all-villa escape ensures guests are guaranteed sumptuous views, with rooms overlooking the Hajar peaks and the untouched beach. There’s something quite magical about having a mountain backdrop on one side and the beautiful Arabian Gulf on the other — making it easy to see why Six Senses Zighy Bay remains an ever-popular getaway.
Stays from Dh3,302 ($898); www.sixsenses.com
4. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Spellbinding vistas await at Alila Jabal Akhdar resort on the top of the Green Mountain, Oman. With an infinity pool overlooking deep canyons, an Asian-inspired spa and cliff-side dining, the hotel was the first luxury resort to open on this peak nearly a decade ago. Constructed from rock and stone, its design was inspired by ancient forts and uses traditional Omani design to fit seamlessly with its surroundings. Even better, all of the rooms come with fantastic vistas thanks to the hotel's location 2,000 metres above sea level.
Stays from Dh1,200 ($326); www.alilahotels.com
5. Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
The Garden City in Al Ain is home to one of the best mountaintop resorts in the country. The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain has been welcoming guests at the top of Jebel Hafeet for nearly 20 years and promises cooler climes, minigolf and a family-friendly swimming pool 900 metres above the city. While some parts of the resort are a little tired, the newly revamped pool and the sunset views alone make a stay here worthwhile.
Stays from Dh200 ($54); all.accor.com
6. DusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, Oman
For a quirky stay on Jebel Akhdar in Oman, DusitD2 Naseem Resort has you covered. Designed for the modern traveller, this hotel embraces its unique location in the mountains. There are 252 rooms and suites to choose from, a modern fitness centre for high-altitude workouts and a sprawling outdoor swimming pool. The family-friendly resort also boasts a spa where travellers can enjoy Thai-inspired therapies and treatments. And, if you prefer to get out and make the most of the mountains, there are running trails, outdoor yoga and open-air guided meditation on offer.
Stays from Dh520 ($141); www.dusit.com
7. The View, Oman
Another Oman mountaintop resort worth the drive from the UAE is The View, located between Al Hamra and Hail Al Shas. This quaint getaway sits 1,400 metres above sea level, with views over the scenic valley below. You’ll need a four-wheel drive to reach it, but once you get there you can expect traditional Omani hospitality, a stunning infinity pool and excellent dining options. With easy access to Jebel Shams, this is a great spot for anyone keen on trekking or hiking on the Sultanate's highest mountain.
Stays from Dh563 ($153); www.theviewoman.com
Mountaintop hotels opening soon
For those travellers who like to keep their finger on the pulse of new arrivals, the following trio are opening soon.
And, like the magnificent seven mentioned above, they are merely a short drive away from Dubai and deliver plenty of mountaintop magic.
Earth Altitude, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Earth Altitude is an eco-based pop-up hotel set to open permanently on the highest mountain in the UAE before the end of 2022.
The boutique-style resort will offer amazing views over the surrounding landscape and be home to an activity centre where guests will be able to book hiking, trekking, cycling and more. A fitness suite, home-grown food concepts and an infinity swimming pool with views over Jebel Jais will make this the perfect rugged getaway.
Cloud7 Camp AlSawan Ras Al Khaimah
Cloud7 Camp AlSawan aims to put the local community at the core of its operations, while working with a ground-up policy when it comes to being more environmentally aware.
It is the latest from Kerten Hospitality and is scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah next year. It will offer glamping with 60 accommodation units, each crafted from sustainable materials. Mountain surroundings will give travellers access to trekking, hiking and amazing Ras Al Khaimah vistas while Arabian falcons, camels and horses can be seen at a nearby farm.
Hotel Indigo Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman
Hotel Indigo Jabal Al Akhdar will open its doors in the Hajar Mountains next year. The 176-room hotel is being built in Nizwa, 2,000 metres above sea level, and promises a more affordable option for travellers looking to book a mountaintop stay.
The property draws inspiration from its surroundings to give guests local experiences, blended with modern design. There are also indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus a wide range of activities including biking, hiking and caving on the cards.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
Brief scores:
Day 1
Toss: India, chose to bat
India (1st innings): 215-2 (89 ov)
Agarwal 76, Pujara 68 not out; Cummins 2-40
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.
As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
Crops that could be introduced to the UAE
1: Quinoa
2. Bathua
3. Amaranth
4. Pearl and finger millet
5. Sorghum
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Closing the loophole on sugary drinks
As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.
The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed:
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
The specs: 2018 Kia Picanto
Price: From Dh39,500
Engine: 1.2L inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Four-speed auto
Power: 86hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 122Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0L / 100km
Mica
Director: Ismael Ferroukhi
Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
3 stars
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
U19 World Cup in South Africa
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
UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon
