Winter is the best time of the year to explore the UAE, but if your bank account isn’t able to stretch to a trip abroad, we’ve rounded up some of the best staycation deals going on across the UAE, with a couple of Abu Dhabi places included in case you don’t want to travel too far. We’ve thrown in a few new places to check out (or, in), as well. Don’t forget your toothbrunsh.
TOP DEALS TO TRY
ABU DHABI
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi
If you want all the benefits of being in the city centre but also want to explore nature on your holiday, this hotel is the one for you. The Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi looks on to the Mangrove National Park while still being in a perfect location to explore the UAE’s capital. If you book and stay between now and March 31, you’ll get 30 percent off food and drinks, a Dhs200 spa credit, a free room upgrade and late check out.
Prices vary. Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi, Salam Street (02 656 1000).
DUBAI
JA The Resort
Fancy dining around 25 various venues with the family without having to worry about the paycheck? JA The Resort has just the staycation offer, and it includes unlimited food and drinks, 30 percent off all treatments at the Calm Spa and the mini bar is ncluded.
From Dhs895. Until Thu Apr 30. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, www.jaresortshotels.com (04 814 5555).
Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection
This hotel has revealed that it’s offering staycationers completely free access to one of the world’s largest theme parks. Guests at the Polynesian family resort will now get complete access to all of Dubai Parks and Resort’s Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Waterpark and Riverland Dubai. The deal is for all future stays, and applies to any room types.
Prices vary. Ongoing. Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection (04 810 9999).
Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers
This brand-new hotel, which offers up views over Dubai Marina and the Emirates Golf Club, opened in December 2019. It’s the first spot in JLT to have a rooftop pool bar and restaurant, and it has a Shamiana from the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, too. For the whole of 2020 you can get 20 percent off the usual room rate, too, which sounds good.
Prices vary. Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, JLT (04 574 1111).
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for in your staycation, you should head to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai Media City because it has pretty much everything. For Dhs499, you’ll get a one-night stay and nibbles on Friday night, breakfast, a five-course lunch on Saturday, and free-flowing house drinks at Icon, Tamanya Terrace and Certo from check in till check out (AND you can check out late). Plus, you’ll get 50 percent off spa treatments if you need to relax.
Dhs499. Fri. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City (04 366 9119).
Rixos The Palm Dubai
This beachside resort has a top all-inclusive deal. With a minimum three-night stay, staycationers can also get complete access to selected non-motorised water sports activities, complete access to the minibar (that refreshes daily), while little ones will get limitless access to the Rixy Kids’ Club.
Minimum stay of three nights. Until Fri May 15. Palm Jumeirah, www.thepalmdubai.rixos.com.
AJMAN
Fairmont Ajman
Fairmont Ajman has recently launched an all-inclusive deal which boasts a ten-hour drink deal. But that’s not all, as staycationers can expect breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at Spectrum. Looking for more of an à la carte? Guests can exchange the buffet for dining credit at Italian restaurant Gioia, at the pool bar Salt & Sea, Turkish restaurant Kiyi or at The Cave Sports Bar & Kitchen. As for drinks, expect free flowing selected soft drinks and house beverages from 11am until 11pm. Don’t forget the 20 percent discount at Willow Stream Spa, too.
Weekdays: From Dhs1,500. Dates may vary. Weekends: From Dhs1,600. Dates may vary. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Ajman, www.fairmont.com/ajman (06 701 5757).
FUJAIRAH
Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort
Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort has launched an identical all-inclusive deal to its Ajman sister. Expect to have breakfast, lunch and dinner at Canvas, or in exchange of that, staycationers can also get in on an à la carte menu Lava Beach Club, seafood restaurant The Copper Lobster or at the Arena Sports Bar and Kitchen. And again you’ll get unlimited drinks from 10am until 11pm. Oh, and a 20 percent discount at Willow Stream Spa.
Weekdays: From Dhs1,500. Dates may vary. Weekends: From Dhs1,600. Dates may vary. Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort, Fujairah, www.fairmont.com/fujairah (09 204 1111).
Le Méridien Al Aqah
Fancy a family holiday filled with activities? Le Meridien Al Aqah has you covered. Room rates start from Dhs498 per night, and for that price you’ll get 20 percent off all activities in the hotel. These include the Al Aqah rope course challenge, snorkeling, lots of water sports and deep-sea fishing. All of which are perfect for keeping the littles ones entertained the whole weekend.
From Dhs498. Le Méridien Al Aqah, Dibba (09 244 9000).
SHARJAH
Al Bait Sharjah
This luxurious hotel, which is a collection of five heritage houses previously owned by local families, is located in the Heart of Sharjah, meaning it’s perfect to explore all the museums and art galleries on offer. But if you stay at the hotel you can lounge in the sun or treat yourself to a spa day. UAE residents can get 40 percent off rooms, or, if you’re staying for more than one night, you can get 75 percent off a second night. It’s also a sister of the famously excellent The Chedi Muscat.
Prices vary. Al Bait Sharjah, Heart of Sharjah (06 502 5555).
Ras Al Khaimah
Rixos Bal Al Bahr
There are few places in the UAE more idyllic than the sands of Marjan Island, and this hotel is in the perfect spot to enjoy them. Not only that, but this hotel is all-inclusive so you can dine at any one of the seven restaurants at no extra cost. GCC residents can get 20 percent off stays that are three nights or more. A top deal to try.
Prices vary. Rixos Bal Al Bahr, Marjan Island (07 202 0000).
NEW OPENINGS
ABU DHABI
Emirates Palace
Well, it’s not new, obviously, but it is newly operated by Mandarin Oriental. It’s undoubtedly one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings and offers up some seriously luxurious stays. So this is less new, more revamped. The hotel will be renovated according to the new operators, with work complete by 2022. We can’t wait.
Prices vary. Emirates Palace West Corniche (02 690 9000).
Millennium Central Mafraq
This veteran Abu Dhabi property is another on this list thats not techinically new, but inder new management. The four-star hotel is just ten minutes away from the airport, and lies close to top attractions, too.
Prices vary. Millennium Central Mafraq, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Rd (02 659 6666).
W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island
Abu Dhabi’s first W Hotel launched for the F1 weekend back in November 2019. The newly-converted hotel on Yas Island offers floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the F1 track or marina, making this the best spot in town for anyone who has a need for speed. There are also new food and beverage outlets including Garage, W Lounge and WET Deck.
Prices vary. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island (02 656 0000).
DUBAI
Address Sky View
There are plenty of fantastic pools dotted about Dubai, but the one at Address Sky View has one big difference: it’s in the middle of the sky bridge connecting the two towers that make up the hotel. There are 169 rooms and suites to choose from for your stay, and many offer up incredible views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. Plus, if you book a room in advance you’ll get free tickets to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and VR Park.
Prices vary. Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai (04 873 8888).
Andaz Dubai The Palm
This five-star hotel opened in December and it’s already made quite the buzz. The rooms are inspired by Emirati culture and the hotel features local art and there will be pop-up exhibitions in the future, too. And if you’re a shopping fan, you’re in luck – this spot is right next to the newly-opened Nakheel Mall, so you can window shop or spend your hard earned dirhams without having to travel far. Plus, once the The View at The Palm opens, you’ll be able to access the observatory 230 m in the sky from Nakheel Mall, too.
Prices vary. Palm Jumeirah (04 581 1234).
Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina
There’s a brand-new hotel opening in Dubai Marina in January 2020, and if you book now you can get a special launch deal. Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina is set to open in January, ideally located right next door to Dubai Marina Mall, so if you fancy a quick shopping trip it’s an easy stroll. The new hotel will have six restaurants, from an all-day dining spot Lo+Cale to Aqua Marina, an infinity pool bar. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Charm Thai, promises authentic Thai street food. There are also meeting rooms, ballrooms and a 24-7 spa and health club. And if you stay before March 31, 2020, you can get between 15 and 25 percent off your stay – as well as breakfast thrown in too.
Dubai Marina (04 378 0000).
FIVE Jumeirah Village
This highly-anticipated hotel opened back in September 2019, and it’s already one of the hottest spots in towns. When the weather heats up, the only place you’ll want to be is one of the hotels 269 pools (yes, you read that right) spread across the nearly 250 rooms. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a beach day, you’ll also get free access to Beach by FIVE at the brand’s other hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. If that’s not enough to convince you, there are incredible floor-to-ceiling views over the city or the desert from the bathrooms of every room, too. For food, you have Soul Street, which offers up street food from across the globe and the all-day dining restaurant Turn Up, and for drinks there’s a pool bar or One For The Road which serves pastries and mixed drinks.
Prices vary. Jumeirah Village Circle (04 248 9999).
Paramount Hotel Dubai
For movie buffs, this hotel is a must-visit. Each of the 69 floors has never-before-seen photos from behind the scenes of classic Paramount films, and suites orientated around movies and stars such as the Don Corleone (The Godfather), the Charleston (The Great Gatsby) and the Carole (after Hollywood starlet Carole Lombard). There’s a screening room that shows movies including Grease, Indiana Jones and Top Gun every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, plus a pool deck, and there are five food and beverage outlets open so far. This five-star hotel only opened in November so you’ll be one of the first to experience it, too.
Prices vary. Off Marasi Drive, Business Bay (04 246 6666).
SHARJAH
Al Badayer Oasis
This hotel in the middle of the desert puts the glamorous in glamping, with 21 rooms and ten tents set across the site which opened back in August. From here you’ll be able to stargaze without light pollution at night, and during the day you can go quad biking or on a camel tour, giving you a proper experience of the UAE. Plus, if you want to experience Emirati cuisine, the hotel has a restaurant dedicated to it.
Prices vary. Al Badayer Oasis, Sharjah (06 556 0777).
TWO TO LOOK FORWARD TO
ABU DHABI
Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi
This arch-shaped hotel, set to open later this year, looks spectacular and we’ve been itching to find out what it’s like inside. Once complete the hotel, which offers up views of the Abu Dhabi skyline and Arabian Gulf, will have 563 guest rooms, a private beach, five swimming pools, a Willow Stream Spa and a number of restaurants. We can’t wait.
Due to open in 2020. Corniche Breakwater.
DUBAI
Ciel Tower
The world’s tallest hotel is currently under construction in Dubai Marina. The Ciel Tower will stand at 360.4 m once complete and have 1,209 luxury suites and serviced residences. Plus, there’ll be a glass observation deck at the top with a 360-view of the marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. 2023 can’t come soon enough.
Due to open early 2023. Dubai Marina.
Further afield
If you’ve exhausted all your options in the UAE and just want to get away, both Bahrain and Oman are just a short flight away. Read on for two new hotels you’ll have to check out.
BAHRAIN
Nuzul Al Salam
The Bahrain Pearling Path is one of the top attractions in Bahrain, and a heritage hotel opened on the route in Muharraq in October 2019. The hotel puts you in a prime position to explore the former capital of Bahrain, and it will be a really unique experience, too.
Prices vary. Nuzul Al Salam, Muharraq (1732 2549).
OMAN
W Muscat
The first W Hotel opened in Oman in Muscat in August 2019, bringing with it a whole host of food and beverage outlets and a 1,800 sq m swimming pool. The hotel is located in the ever-popular Shatti Al-Qurum part of the city and gives you beautiful waterfront views. Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, which opened just before Christmas, also features a rooftop infinity pool that’s perfect for relaxing in.
Prices vary. W Muscat, Al Kharjiya Street, Shatti Al-Qurum (2212 0000).
