When the city is abuzz and the bright lights dazzle, the Middle East of yesteryear quietly beckons at the Empty Quarter’s Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.
For almost 15 years, it has helped guests roll back the sands of time with total rest and relaxation; and it recently recorded its busiest night of bookings.
As its popularity goes from strength to strength, The National answered its gentle call.
The welcome
From the first encounter with security at the gates to the last interaction with the concierge, there are huge smiles on faces.
All staff live on-site, meaning there is a genuine sense of camaraderie within the team and it hums throughout the property.
The neighbourhood
A word of advice: fill up with petrol before getting on the E65 connecting Abu Dhabi and the hotel as there is only one fuel station on the way — it's located somewhere between the signpost marking the exact spot of the Tropic of Cancer and my wits' end. Luckily, we trundle into it before breaking down in — literally — the middle of nowhere, having watched the last bar on the fuel gauge blink thirstily for the past 38 minutes.
Approaching the resort, which sits close to the Saudi Arabian border, we turn on to a private road leading us to the 1.8km-long resort which folds into the rolling red and gold dunes of the world’s second-largest sand desert.
It’s about a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi and three hours from Dubai.
The room
The 207 rooms, as well as the suites, villas and the lobby itself, offer a grand smorgasbord of Bedouin heritage and Emirati opulence, earthy hues and rich embroidery, sun-beaten antiques and vibrant abstract art.
The rooms sprawl out across the low-rise property like sun-kissed cubes in the otherworldly landscape — the Oscar-winning dystopian sci-fi hit Dune and its upcoming sequel were shot nearby, and cast members stayed in the Anantara property.
The standard rooms (if there is such a thing here), family villas and royal villas are linked by quiet pathways that zigzag throughout the resort, with only the occasional electric cart trundling along with guests in tow to break the silence.
Pool villas are surrounded by palm trees and fences, with dining areas and kitchenettes, lounges, vast bedrooms with super-king-sized beds and generous bathrooms.
French doors lead outside, where seating areas, with plunge pools, comfy sun loungers and a double cabana await.
The scene
Complementing its considerable natural charm, the area is also a conservation project operated by the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, with breeding programmes for wildlife, including extending the one that successfully saved the oryx from extinction.
There is a growing animal centre on-site, operated by a specialised team and where gazelles have recently moved in alongside camels. It is also home to falcons and salukis, with several greenhouses using recycled water to produce crops and more on the way. It's a springboard where guests can learn about the animals that have mastered the art of desert survival. None more so than camels, or the “ships of the desert”. Guests can set sail on one as part of morning or evening walks, where retired racers or former stars of beauty pageants shuffle riders back in time.
My journeyman Boba may have called it a day on his track career, but there’s still life in the old boy as he breaks rank and overtakes the line of camels (all muzzled, “because they’ll literally stop and chew everything,” our guide reveals) as we learn about them. They can smell water up to 75km away, produce faeces dry enough to be used as fire starters, rarely sweat and use those long, lavish eyelashes to keep out sand and dust. They’re basically the Swiss Army knife of desert survival, with a hump, which itself stores fat to keep the camels going during particularly arduous treks.
Elsewhere, the hotel offers a meditation and wellness centre as well as an extensive spa. I leave my wife to the latter (“The massage was so relaxing, I woke myself up snoring on the table … twice,” she confesses) and take advantage of being in serene landscapes by making a beeline back to the surrounding dunes.
The best way to soak it all in is at the top of the biggest, which stands at 250 metres. I grab a sandboard and some water before charging to the top for sunset — then sliding back down.
The food
Breakfast at Al Waha, needless to say, is a royal banquet of live cooking stations, fresh fruits and cereals, vegan and gluten-free corners, pastries and noodles, eggs and manakish, juices and smoothies. Suhail is an upscale steakhouse with its own dry-ageing room and rooftop sunset terrace facing the dunes. Ghadeer is a relaxed restaurant next to the family pool serving Mediterranean cuisine.
In the cooler months, the outdoor Bedouin-style dinner Al Falaj by Dina Macki (Dh400 per adult, Dh200 for those aged four to 11) is a must. It's hosted under the stars and celebrates traditional Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary twist from the charming British-Omani chef. Do not leave without trying the hummus with roasted peaches and 24-hour marinated lamb shuwa.
Highs and lows
The resort’s biggest success story is undoubtedly its staff. “We’re like one big family,” one member reveals. And, as cheesy as it sounds, it appears to be abundantly true.
The only low is leaving, if only I had my trusty steed Boba for the journey back to Dubai. At least he wouldn’t run out of petrol.
The insider tip
Sunrises and sunsets to savour reign supreme here — grab a picnic, head for the tallest dune and breathe it all in.
The verdict
For those looking to lose themselves in the desert or visit one of the UAE’s great wildlife experiences, this blockbuster hotel with a golden history has myriad opportunities to do so.
The bottom line
Stays from Dh2,300 including breakfast, excluding taxes. Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is by noon; www.anantara.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel. It reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change in the future
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Indian origin executives leading top technology firms
Sundar Pichai
Chief executive, Google and Alphabet
Satya Nadella
Chief executive, Microsoft
Ajaypal Singh Banga
President and chief executive, Mastercard
Shantanu Narayen
Chief executive, chairman, and president, Adobe
Indra Nooyi
Board of directors, Amazon and former chief executive, PepsiCo
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4-litre%20flat-six%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E525hp%20(GT3)%2C%20500hp%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E465Nm%20(GT3)%2C%20450Nm%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh944%2C000%20(GT3)%2C%20Dh581%2C700%20(GT4)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
HAJJAN
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ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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.
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Company profile
Name: The Concept
Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 7
Sector: Aviation and space industry
Funding: $250,000
Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products
Founder: Ayman Badawi
Date started: Test product September 2016, paid launch January 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software
Size: Seven employees
Funding: $170,000 in angel investment
Funders: friends
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
RESULTS
6.30pm: Meydan Sprint Group 2 US$175,000 1,000m
Winner: Ertijaal, Jim Crowley (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap $60,000 1,400m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.40pm: Handicap $160,000 1,400m
Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.15pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group 3 $200,000 2,000m
Winner: Folkswood, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile Group 2 $250,000 1,600m
Winner: Janoobi, Jim Crowley, Mike de Kock
9.25pm: Handicap $125,000 1,600m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
