After several weeks closed, many hotels in the UAE have already reopened to travellers, and others are getting set to do so very soon. While their doors have been closed, some hotels have been busy upgrading hygiene standards, implementing new social-distancing measures and training staff to adhere to enhanced safety protocols so that when travellers do come back, they can be confident that they'll be as safe as possible. From Dubai's long-standing Jumeirah Beach Hotel to the original all-inclusive Rixos Bab al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah, here are five hotels reopening in July. The family-friendly Jumeirah Beach Hotel reopened to guests from Friday, July 10. To celebrate, the hotel is launching an Ultimate Staycation package that includes reduced rates, early check-in, late checkout, daily breakfast and 15 per cent discount on beverages, plus dining deals. All guests at Jumeirah Beach Hotel get free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and children can head to the Kids Club, which has a three-floor jungle gym, trampolines and an interactive game zone. The J Club has three swimming pools, fitness facilities and a wellness centre and the hotel also has a two-kilometre stretch of private beach with fantastic views of the Burj Al Arab. Dining options include Pearl Lounge, Al Marsa, Kitchen Connection and Dhow and Anchor. The hotel is working towards getting its Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas, one of the world's leaders in testing, inspection and certification, and has already secured the label for The J Club, Al Marsa Beach and its secluded Beit Al Bahar Villas. The original UAE all-inclusive resort, Rixos Bab Al Bahr is reopening to travellers on Monday, July 20. The pyramid-shaped resort in Ras Al Khaimah has introduced social-distancing measures and new safety regulations. It's part of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority's Safeguard Assurance programme, which has been certified as a safe destination by Bureau Veritas. The resort is reopening with all-inclusive rates starting at Dh750, plus taxes. Guests checking-in have access to a private shoreline, eight swimming pools – including an adults-only option and a children's splash park, as well as beachfront water sports. For dining, there are 14 restaurants and bars to choose from, and guests who book three nights or more will get free tickets to either the Jebel Jais ziplines and sky maze or the nearby Suwaidi Pearls Farm. A classic desert escape on the outskirts of Dubai, Bab Al Shams will reopen to guests on Sunday, July 12, and has already secured the Bureau Veritas Safeguard label so guests can expect enhanced hygiene and safety standards through the hotel. There are plexi-glass barriers at check-in and increased cleaning and disinfection in all public spaces. All rooms will be equipped with hygiene packs for guests and room service will be delivered in a contactless manner. The hotel is reopening with reduced staycation rates and is a good pick for those craving the serenity of the desert. Drink in the natural landscape and cool off in two temperature-controlled swimming pools. When it comes to dining, there are international and Arabic options, as well as Italian and Indian restaurants. Desert activities such as dune bashing, fat biking and falconry are all on the menu and there's an award-winning spa to retreat to. Right now the hotel is playing host to some of the world's best athlete's who are in town for Yas Island's Ultimate Fighting Championship. Come Thursday, July 30, W Abu Dhabi Yas Island will reopen to visitors. The hotel has implemented several enhanced hygiene and safety standards as part of Marriott's Commitment to Clean policy. These include hand-sanitising stations throughout the hotel, social-distancing markers and an app that allows guests to use their phone to do everything from accessing their room to ordering room service. Waiting for travellers on Thursday, July 30, are two rooftop swimming pools – set to open in accordance with Abu Dhabi regulations – a fully equipped fitness centre and colourful guest rooms, each with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and awesome views of the racetrack or Yas Marina. There are also seven restaurants and bars so guests can dine in a different place for every meal during a staycation at this glass-fronted abode. This family-friendly resort in Fujairah reopened its doors on July 1 and is running a "Welcome Back" staycation offer until September. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman's marine-thriving waters and under the gaze of the Hajar mountains, this is a good coastal choice for anyone who is craving an escape from city life. The beachfront resort is also home to the largest swimming pool on the east coast and has a fantastic swim-up pool bar. The staycation offer gives Marriott Bonvoy members 25 per cent off regular room rates as well as free breakfast. Non-members can get 15 per cent off room rates and travellers who want to stay a bit longer, can get a special long-stay rate that starts from Dh450 per night, when booking five nights or more. During its closure, the hotel upgraded its hygiene and safety standards to ensure it follows all new government restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Expect social-distancing policies and make sure you pack your face mask.
