Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche has National Day stays for under Dh400 with Dh200 credit to spend on food and beverages. Courtesy Radisson
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche has National Day stays for under Dh400 with Dh200 credit to spend on food and beverages. Courtesy Radisson
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche has National Day stays for under Dh400 with Dh200 credit to spend on food and beverages. Courtesy Radisson
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche has National Day stays for under Dh400 with Dh200 credit to spend on food and beverages. Courtesy Radisson

10 great hotel deals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Sharjah


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

In a year where the coronavirus has forced many people to cut back on costs, you might be wondering if finances can stretch to a staycation this National Day.

With the long weekend rapidly approaching, many of the best deals are already booked up, but that's not to say there are none to be found.

From a brunch-and-stay package in the heart of Dubai to an east coast escape in Khor Fakkan, these budget-friendly staycations across the UAE are all bookable for less than Dh600 per night, so you won't have to break the bank to enjoy some downtime.

Staycations up to Dh300 

Rove Dubai Marina

Stay at Rove Dubai Marina for less than Dh300 and you'll be 10 minutes from one of Dubai's most popular beaches. Rove Hotels
Stay at Rove Dubai Marina for less than Dh300 and you'll be 10 minutes from one of Dubai's most popular beaches. Rove Hotels

Several of Dubai's Rove hotels have already sold out on National Day weekend, but there’s still availability at some properties – including the Rove Dubai Marina. Located opposite the top end of JBR, guests are walking distance from the beach and Marina Mall, making it a good place to base yourself over the coming long weekend. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site gym, and rooms have interactive televisions, tea and coffee-making facilities and pull-out sofa beds, which are handy if you’re travelling with children.

Rates including breakfast start from Dh266 over the National Day weekend; Rove Hotel Dubai Marina, Dubai; rovehotels.com

Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai

Check in at Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai from Dh300 this National Day weekend. Courtesy Zabeel House
Check in at Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai from Dh300 this National Day weekend. Courtesy Zabeel House

Guests checking into Zabeel House by Jumeirah will enjoy a weekend of pool time, as well as 20 per cent off dining at pan-Asian eatery Lah Lah or at Social Company, the chilled-out bar. There's also 30 per cent off spa treatments so you can really relax into your weekend.

Room rates including breakfast start from Dh300 per night. Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai; zabeelhouse.com

Bargain breaks up to Dh400

Aloft City Centre Deira, Dubai

The Splash pad at Aloft Deira City Centre. Courtesy Aloft Hotels
The Splash pad at Aloft Deira City Centre. Courtesy Aloft Hotels

The Stay, Shop and Dine offer at Aloft City Centre Deira is aimed at those looking for some entertainment over the National Day holiday. Directly connected to City Centre Deira, the hotel is offering guests the chance to enjoy retail therapy for less with a 25 per cent discount at selected stores throughout the mall. Children will also have plenty to do with a 25 per cent discount at Magic Planet, and discounted tickets to Outdoor by Vox Cinemas on the hotel's rooftop.

Unwinding after a busy day of shopping can be done by the hotel's outdoor pool, which has amazing city views, or at Dreamworks Spa, where guests get Dh75 credit. With Dh150 per day to use on food and beverages, as well as late checkout until 4pm, your weekend is sorted.

Rates start from Dh305; Aloft City Centre Deira, Dubai; marriott.com

Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dog-friendly National Day staycations await at Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis. Courtesy Radisson
Dog-friendly National Day staycations await at Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis. Courtesy Radisson

Located in Dubai Digital Park, Radisson Red Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis has a laid-back vibe where everyone is welcome, including dogs. And this National Day, there's no additional charge to bring your four-legged friend along.

All the rooms and suites are spacious and colourful, with locally inspired art as well as mod-cons such as USB chargers, flat-screen smart televisions and super-fast free Wi-Fi. Pet owners will also find a dog bed and food and water bowls in their rooms. The tap water in all rooms is filtered, so you can top yourself and Fido up for free.

The hotel's rooftop swimming pool is a good spot for sundowners with a view over the city and the diner-like Oui terrace and bar offers tasty dishes for humans, as well as dog-friendly treats for pups.

Rates start from Dh309 for two adults and one dog booking the pet staycation package; Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai; radissonhotels.com

Western Hotel Gayathi, Abu Dhabi

Western Hotel Gayathi is offering a half-board National Day Funcation for a family of four for less than Dh400. Courtesy Western Hotels
Western Hotel Gayathi is offering a half-board National Day Funcation for a family of four for less than Dh400. Courtesy Western Hotels

If you want to get away from it all, the Western Hotel Gayathi near Ruwais is offering a Funcation National Day stay for two adults and up to two children. Surrounded by sand dunes, it's a bit of a drive to get here – 230 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city, to be precise – but it's a great pick if you're after a desert staycation and a dose of tranquility on a budget. It's also a nice place to spend a night after a day or two of camping in the desert.

Accommodation in this Arabic-style hotel is basic but spacious, and outside you can take a walk in the landscaped gardens or go swimming in the sizeable pool which also has a separate section for children. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style and all guests booking the National Day offer will be given a 20 per cent discount on any other food and beverage spends during their stay.

Rooms from Dh349 for two adults and two children, including breakfast and dinner; Western Hotel Gayathi, Ruwais, Abu Dhabi; western-hotels.com

Park Inn by Radisson, Dubai Motor City

The Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City is offering a National Day package set to appeal to golfers. Courtesy Radisson
The Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City is offering a National Day package set to appeal to golfers. Courtesy Radisson

Sports fans can indulge with a stay at the Park Inn in Dubai's Motor City for a motor-racing themed staycation with a side of golf. The hotel has partnered with the Els Golf Club for a special staycation offer that includes early check-in and free breakfast, as well as a tee time at the nearby club. The Ernie Els-designed course has long rolling fairways, steep greenside bunkers, grassy swales and imaginatively designed greens perfect for hitting a few rounds. After a spot of golf, the rooftop pool at the Park Inn overlooking the Dubai Autodrome is the ideal place to unwind.

Rates start from Dh399; Park Inn by Radisson, Dubai Motor City, Dubai; radissonhotels.com

Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche

Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche offers ocean views from every room as well as access to a private beach. Courtesy Wyndham
Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche offers ocean views from every room as well as access to a private beach. Courtesy Wyndham

For a bargain National Day staycation, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche might be one to consider. Located on Ajman's corniche, all rooms come with sea views; book one with a balcony to see the sun set. The elevated swimming pool also overlooks the ocean and there's a decent fitness centre and spa with sauna, steam rooms and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Guests also have access to the private beach resort across the road.

Rates start from Dh352 in a standard king room with sea views; Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, Ajman; wyndhamhotels.com

Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche

Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche has National Day stays for less than Dh400 with Dh200 credit to spend on food and beverages. Courtesy Radisson
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche has National Day stays for less than Dh400 with Dh200 credit to spend on food and beverages. Courtesy Radisson

Located on Abu Dhabi's Corniche, this family-friendly resort is perfect for a staycation in the capital. The location means guests are within easy reach of Marina Mall, Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan, and rooms come with great views of the Arabian Gulf. There are several restaurants on-site and three outdoor pools to choose from, as well as a private beach that stretches along the tip of the capital's 8km corniche. For National Day, guests checking in get Dh200 back in credit to spend on food and beverages throughout the stay.

Rates start from Dh397; Radisson Blu Hotel, Corniche, Abu Dhabi; radissonhotels.com

Wallet-friendly escapes for less than Dh600

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown

One of Dubai’s newest hotels is celebrating National Day with an offer that combines bed, breakfast and dinner with a special welcome gift. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown lies on Marasi Drive, overlooking the Dubai Canal and within easy walking distance of Downtown.

The colourful hotel has an art-led design ethos with eclectic interiors, unique installations and travel-inspired rooms. Hit the pool deck where Instagram-worthy Balinese swings and comfy loungers cluster around the 25-metre infinity pool and tuck into refreshments and bites at the adjacent Orange Feels bar. A three-course dinner at the hotel's main restaurant Open Sesame is included in the rate, as is daily breakfast where coffee by Cafe Rider is a spot-on way to start your day.

Rates start from Dh499; Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, Marasi Drive, Dubai; hotelindigodubai.com

Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort, Khor Fakkan

The Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa, Khor Fakkan.
The Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa, Khor Fakkan.

Hotels in Fujairah and Dibba are typically the first to fill up on public holidays so finding a bargain stay this close to National Day is tricky. However, if you’re set on hitting the east coast and are looking for a stay that won’t cost the earth, you might want to consider visiting Khor Fakkan.

This little city is an exclave of Sharjah and has some stunning coastlines and cute little cafes to offer. The Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort is located about 20 minutes from Fujairah in the direction of Dibba. Framed by a stunning mountain backdrop, the four-star resort has a private beach, outdoor pool, tennis courts and an on-site scuba diving centre. Rooms and suites come with either mountain or ocean views and there are also chalets that offer direct access to the beach. When it comes to dining, try Al Murjan for dinner overlooking the water or Bab Al Bahr which serves freshly caught fish.

Stays are available from Dh596 at booking.com, Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort, Khor Fakkan; sharjahnationalhotel.com

Prices and availability were correct at the time of publishing

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Brief scores:

Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first

Kerala Knights 103-7 (10 ov)

Parnell 59 not out; Tambe 5-15

Sindhis 104-1 (7.4 ov)

Watson 50 not out, Devcich 49

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

SERIE A FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
Roma v Udinese (5pm) 
SPAL v Napoli (8pm)
Juventus v Torino (10.45pm)

Sunday
Sampdoria v AC Milan (2.30pm)
Inter Milan v Genoa (5pm)
Crotone v Benevento (5pm)
Verona v Lazio (5pm)
Cagliari v Chievo (5pm)
Sassuolo v Bologna (8pm)
Fiorentina v Atalanta (10.45pm)

SQUADS

Bangladesh (from): Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Mosaddek Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain, Abu Jayed

Afghanistan (from): Rashid Khan (capt), Ihsanullah Janat, Javid Ahmadi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Qais Ahmad, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Afsar Zazai, Shapoor Zadran

Remaining fixtures
  • August 29 – UAE v Saudi Arabia, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
  • September 5 – Iraq v UAE, Amman, Jordan (venue TBC)
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

While you're here
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

Result

2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,950m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).

2.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m; Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

3.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Adam McLean, Doug Watson.

3.45pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,950m; Winner: Conclusion, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.

4.15pm: Handicap Dh100,000 1,400m; Winner: Pilgrim’s Treasure, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

4.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m; Winner: Sanad Libya, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

5.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,000m; Winner: Midlander, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar