An Eid staycation for every emirate: from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah

These Eid Al Adha offers are perfect for a last-minute getaway to any of the emirates

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The closer we get to Eid Al Adha, the higher flight prices seem to rise. If you've not yet booked a getaway, chances are you'll be paying over the odds if you try to book an overseas trip now. With both public and private sector employees gearing up for a long weekend, it's a good time to take a break. Ditch the flight costs and consider a staycation instead, after all they say a change is as good as a rest.

Deals in Dubai: QE2, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Pullman JLT

Spend Eid aboard the monumental QE2. Dubai's first floating historic hotel is set to welcome the entire family this Eid where two adults and two children can check-in to a deluxe room complete with nautical porthole-style windows. Guests will also get breakfast and dinner included in Eid rates, plus free children's meals throughout the stay. Little ones will have access to the kids' club while adults can enjoy 40 per cent off any spa experience on board. The whole family can also embark on a complimentary QE2 heritage tour where you'll discover more about the ship's fascinating history. You'll also get early check-in and late check so you can really make the most of your staycation. Family rates over Eid start from Dh599, excluding tax and valid between August 8 and 17; www.qe2.com

Dubai's QE2 has Eid offers this summer. Courtesy QE2 
Dubai's QE2 has Eid offers this summer. Courtesy QE2 

For something a bit more up to date, check-in at Zabeel House by Jumeirah — The Greens. An urban hotel with funky interiors, book a stay in one of The Apartment rooms and you'll get a 54 square-metre haven complete with a smart tv, free wifi, all organic toilitries and fantastic city views. This Eid, you can save 25 per cent on the best available rate. You'll also get complimentary breakfast, 25 per cent discount at the organic-centric Native Club Spa and 25 per cent off food and beverages at Social Company and Lah Lah. Guests also get free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark or if that seems a bit high energy, can opt to spend days lounging on a cabana beside the 18-metre rooftop swimming pool.

Starting rates for The Apartment over Eid start from Dh680 per night; www.zabeelhouse.com/thegreens

Need a staycation on a budget? The five-star Pullman JLT hotel is offering an Eid stay for just Dh260 (plus tax) inclusive of daily breakfast. To get this rate, you'll need to book before Tuesday August 6, then get set to enjoy the city location complete with outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, five restaurants and bars and an on-site spa. On Tuesday, August 13, the hotel will also host an Eid brunch where chefs will serve a wide range of Middle Eastern and International dishes. Kids can enjoy their own Eid child-friendly buffet and entertainment.

Rates for two people in a superior room start from Dh260 when booked before August 6. Email h6305-re@accor.com to book a stay. Eid brunch costs Dh169 per person with soft beverages and can be booked via pullmanjlt.dining@accor.com

Authentically Abu Dhabi: Dusit Thani, Emirates Palace, Danat Al Ain 

Check-in at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, not too far from the capital's mangroves and take advantage of the Dusit Smart Experience, valid throughout Eid. As well as complimentary breakfast at Urban Kitchen, guests will get lunch and dinner, round-trip transfers to and from Abu Dhabi airport (if required) and a local experience to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, guided by an Abu Dhabi expert with transportation included. Guests can also request late check-out until 4pm and can avail of a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments at the hotel.

Prices start at $354 (Dh1,300) plus taxes; www.dusit.com.

For an extra special staycation, how about checking in to a palace? Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi has slashed summer prices by 25 per cent and is offering all guests booking two-nights or longer during Eid Al Adha a complimentary upgrade to the next room level category. Stays also include daily breakfast and 15 per cent discount at any of the hotel-managed restaurants (so excluding Hakkasan, Marbataan and Mawal).

Rates start from Dh990 per room and the Eid upgrade is eligible for stays between August 8 and 15; www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace

Technically part of the Abu Dhabi emirate, Al Ain is another good pick for a staycation. While it can get hotter inland, the lack of humidity often makes the Garden City more bearable than the coastal regions. Danat Al Ain Resort is offering all UAE and GCC resident an Eid offer for families of up to two adults and two children. The deal includes complimentary buffet breakfast in Arabesque restaurant, free WiFi and access to the hotel's Body & Soul Health club. Rates start at Dh499 and are valid from August 9 to 16; www.alain.danathotels.com

Ras Al Khaimah: Hilton Garden Inn, The Ritz-Carlton

Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah is a good pick for a budget staycation. Courtesy Hilton Garden Inn 
Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah is a good pick for a budget staycation. Courtesy Hilton Garden Inn 

Head to the Hilton Garden Inn Ras al Khaimah this Eid where room rates for mini-breaks start at just Dh400. Lounge poolside and enjoy unlimited sundowners from 5pm to 8pm for just Dh80. Throughout the Eid Al Adha holiday there will also be live music every day. Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, it could be the change of scenery you need.

Room rates over Eid start from Dh400; hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

Embrace your inner Bedouin with a staycation at The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. Bed-down in a luxury villa where you'll also have your own private pool. Two adults and two children can enjoy free breakfast buffet, Eid lunch and a thrilling falcon and owl show. A rain-forest experience is also included for two adults. You'll also have use of complimentary transfers and access to the beach at The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.

Eid rates start from Dh3,800 per night, plus taxes and there is a minimum two-night stay. Valid from August 8 to 16; www.ritzcarlton.com

Explore tiny Ajman: The Fairmont

The Fairmont Ajman. Courtesy Faimont Hotels
The Fairmont Ajman. Courtesy Faimont Hotels

UAE and GCC residents can get a great deal at the Fairmont Ajman this Eid Al Adha. As well as discounted room rates, the Residents offer includes daily buffet breakfast and a 20 per discount on dining at Spectrum and Gioia restaurants. Children will be entertained with free access to the kids' club and the whole family can enjoy complimentary access at Aqua Bounce Ajman, the emirate's largest inflatable water-park.

Rates over Eid start from Dh602 per night. Guests must present valid resident ID to avail the offer; www.fairmont.com/ajman

Book an Emirati-inspired stay in Sharjah: Bait Sharjah

AL BAIT SHARJAH GHM HOTEL
Al Bait Sharjah offers authentically Arabian escapes

This Eid, step back in time at Bait Sharjah. Choose from a cosy, traditional room or book an opulent sprawling suite, all of which come with antique-style decor and a sense of true Arabian hospitality. Book two nights or more and you'll get a complimentary tour that takes you back through the ages of the properties' colourful 100-year history complete with poetry, stories and anecdotes about the UAE and its people. Complimentary breakfast, local snacks, ice cream tasting and a three-course daily lunch or dinner, plus 20 per cent of all treatments at The Spa will keep everyone happy.

Rates start from Dh2,664 for two guests for two nights, excluding taxes; email reservations@albaitsharjah.com

Hit the beach in Fujairah: The Radisson Blu Resort

Book an eid staycations at the Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah. Courtesy Radddison Blu
Book an eid staycations at the Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah. Courtesy Radddison Blu

There's nothing quite like a seaside family holiday, and with slightly cooler temperatures than the rest of the country, Fujairah is an ideal place to do exactly that. The Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah is offering a family staycay that includes daily breakfast and an upgrade to a Deluxe Room. Kids can enjoy their own menus, dedicated kids' corner and play arcade. Adults can take advantage of 25 per cent off on spa treatments and watersports. There's also 25 per cent off dining at the hotel restaurants and you can request late check-out to 2pm, so that you can soak up as much beach time as possible.

Rates start at Dh780 per night, www.radissonhotels.com

Undiscovered Umm Al Quwain: The Pearl Hotel and Spa

The Pearl Hotel and Spa is a laid-back little beach resort where you can enjoy a change of pace this Eid. With its own private beach and towering palm trees, sun lounger-lined swimming pools and plenty of watersports on offer, it's a good place to soak up some sun. If you want to relax further, the spa offers a wide-range of treatments including Balinese, Indonesian, Thai and Indian therapies. From August 9 to 16 August, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and dinner for two adults with every stay.

Rates start from Dh699 for two adults and are valid on Eid bookings (August 9 to 16), www.pearlhotel.ae