Eid Al Adha is just around the corner and residents of the UAE will get six days off to celebrate the occasion.
Many people are getting ready to jet off for the holiday with more than 80 per cent of travellers surveyed by Skyscanner keen to travel during the Eid Al Adha holidays. And with many UAE schools starting their summer holidays around the same date, families are also looking forward to an early start to vacations.
However, if current sky-high flight prices to many destinations mean you're not travelling overseas, worry not – there are lots of local getaways on offer, where travellers can escape with an Eid staycation.
From a family beach break in Ras Al Khaimah to an action-packed stay with theme park access in Abu Dhabi, here are six last-minute Eid staycation options, still bookable today.
1. Unlimited Yas Island theme park access at Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi
Families looking to get away for two nights or longer might want to consider booking at the Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. Children under 12 stay, dine and play free of charge at this property. Stay in a standard room with a balcony overlooking the surrounding golf course or the Arabian Gulf and book the The Kids go Free package, which includes daily breakfast and 20 per cent off on other food and drinks.
There’s also complimentary access to Cyan Beach on Yas Island, as well as free unlimited entry to the island’s theme parks, including Warner Bros World, Sea World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. Getting around is easy, as complimentary transfers go between Yas Plaza Hotels, Cyan Beach, Yas Mall and the island’s leisure attractions.
Rates from Dh2,600 including taxes for a two-night stay; www.radissonhotels.com
2. Stay three nights, pay for two at Address Grand Creek Harbour, Dubai
Nestled on the waterfront, the Address Grand Creek Harbour in Dubai is an Art Deco-inspired escape in one of the city’s up and coming districts. With an impressive cantilever observation deck and a glistening Burj Khalifa skyline, the recently opened hotel is offering guests one night free this Eid Al Adha, when booking at least a three-night stay.
Booking a Club room or suite will give guests access to the Club Lounge that offers a breakfast buffet, afternoon snacks, evening canapes and a daily happy hour. There’s also late check out until 4pm, and guests can enjoy complimentary shoe polishing and shirt and suit pressing.
From Dh2,942, including taxes for a three-night stay; www.addresshotels.com
3. All-inclusive desert escapes at Tilal Liwa Desert Retreat, Abu Dhabi
Get out of the city this Eid with a getaway at Tilal Liwa Desert Retreat. This rustic resort on the edge of the Rub Al Khali desert – about a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi – offers a taste of Arabia with rooms featuring traditional-style decor and sweeping dune dusted views.
The hotel’s all-inclusive deal covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and unlimited selected house drinks. There are three restaurants and bars on the property, as well a temperature-controlled swimming pool and palm-lined courtyard gardens.
Dh999 per night, including taxes; www.danathotels.com
4. A seaside holiday at Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort
Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort offers a beachside getaway with five-star service. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is set on a pristine shoreline with rooms offering waterfront views.
There’s a choice of six restaurants and bars, including the newly renovated Bab Al Bahr Bar and Grill. An infinity-style outdoor swimming pool is perfect for escaping the summer sun and there’s also a separate children’s pool and a club for youngsters. Unwind at Zihn Spa Ajman, where therapists offer a host of treatments designed to restore balance and energy. The half-board offer applicable over Eid includes daily breakfast and a choice of dinner at Vista or Mejhana restaurants.
Dh1,350 per night, including taxes; www.marriott.com
5. An alpine escape at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
If you’re craving a break from the UAE’s hot summer sun, then a getaway at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is a good option. Check into an Aspen Ski Chalet, which can comfortably accommodate up to three guests and is designed as a cosy alpine lodge. Each chalet comes with views of Ski Dubai’s snow-covered slopes and offers a cosy vibe with its imitation fireplace, stonework walls and welcoming faux fur soft furnishings. Each suite also comes with private butler service.
The Eid staycation package is open to UAE residents only and includes two snow park tickets to Ski Dubai, early check-in from noon and late checkout until 3pm. There’s also 20 per cent off dining at the hotel’s restaurants and children under 12 stay and dine for free.
Dh3,167 per night; excluding taxes; www.kempinski.com
6. Family fun at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
In the UAE’s northern tip, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the country’s most action-packed destinations, home to the world’s longest zip-line and the country’s tallest mountain. This Eid Al Adha, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort is welcoming the entire family to celebrate, and that includes four-legged guests as the property is also pet-friendly.
With 1.5km of private coastline, nine restaurants, eight swimming pools and a luxury spa, there’s something for everyone at this coastal gem. Little ones staying at the resort have complimentary access to the Tree House children's club, while the older ones will be entertained at The Hide teenagers' club.
Rates start from Dh941 per night, including taxes; www.hilton.com
