Thinking of treating yourself to a staycation? A night at a hotel doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet.
As travel restrictions begin to ease, a number of hotels have launched budget offers for as little as Dh199 per night, and many come with credit to spend and other perks.
It is worth remembering, though, that only people who work in Abu Dhabi are currently permitted to enter the emirate, and must show a recent negative Covid-19 test.
With no further ado, here are some of the best deals for a weekend away that won't break the bank.
Rove Hotels
Rove Hotels has an offer that encourages UAE residents to give back. Its “Pass it On” package lets guests book an overnight stay at any Rove hotel in Dubai and receive another free stay, free of charge, that can either be given to someone else or used by them again.
Paul Bridger, corporate director of operations at Rove Hotels, says it's all about sharing positivity and generosity during challenging times. "We decided to create a package that allows residents to enjoy themselves and relax, and, at the same time, show appreciation to someone around them in a thoughtful and fuss-free manner."
To secure the offer, UAE residents have to book their stay online and they will receive a voucher for another stay upon check-in. Bookings are valid for stays up to Wednesday, September 30, and subject to availability. Rove operates three hotels in Dubai, in the Marina, Downtown and Deira.
The Pass it On package needs to be booked before Saturday, July 18; Dh199 per room per night; all Rove Hotels; multiple locations; www.rovehotels.com
Ramada By Wyndham Jumeirah Hotel
Those who fancy a quick getaway on a budget can head over to this Jumeirah property.
The hotel has launched a staycation package with a classic room available for Dh199 with breakfast, and Dh299 with breakfast and dinner. A one-bedroom suite, meanwhile, comes with breakfast and costs Dh299. With double occupancy, one child below 12 years is entitled to free accommodation. This deal also includes a 30 per cent discount on all restaurants and outlets in the hotel.
The offer is valid until Wednesday, September 30; prices start at Dh199 for a classic room for a night; Ramada by Wyndham Jumeirah Hotel; Al Mina Road to Al Hudaiba Awards Building, Dubai; 04 702 7000.
Studio One Hotel
The boutique hotel located in Dubai Studio City has launched a summer staycation offer for Dh10 per hour, with the condition that guests stay a minimum of 24 hours.
The package includes 24-hour check-in and Dh150 in hotel credit that can be spent in its restaurants including Larte, The Maine Street Eatery, The Irish Village (food only), Mr Miyagi’s and El Chapo’s Tacos. It has also set up a screening room on the second floor, which will be playing movies every weekend (from Thursday to Saturday) from 4pm onwards.
The offer is valid until Monday, August 31; Dh240 for a room for a night; Studio One Hotel; Dubai Studio City, Dubai; 800 788346; www.studioonehotel.com
Taj Dubai
The hotel, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, is offering staycations complete with Burj Khalifa views. Guests can check into a Burj View Room or Burj View Suite and enjoy early check-in at 10am, late checkout until 6pm and daily breakfast ,while one child below the age of 12 can stay for free.
The offer is valid until Wednesday, July 29; Dh299 per night on double occupancy; Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay, Dubai; 04 438 3100; www.tajhotels.com/
The H Dubai
The five-star property located on Sheikh Zayed Road is offering residents an affordable staycation with a range of benefits. An overnight stay for two will include complimentary breakfast, a room upgrade, early check-in, late checkout, 25 per cent off at all hotel-managed food and beverage outlets, while children under 12 can dine for free.
The hotel’s booking policy includes no pre-payment and free cancellation before 6pm on the day of arrival. Wondering what to do once you're there? Guests can spend the day by the outdoor swimming pool, or work up a sweat at Quantum Health Club and Peloton Bike Studio.
The offer is valid until Wednesday, September 30; prices start at Dh299 for a room for a night; The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, Dubai; 04 501 8888; www.hhoteldubai.com
Grand Millennium Hotel
This hotel, located in Barsha Heights, has a summer staycation offer that gives back the price of a room in food and drink. Until the end of September, guests will get the full amount of the hotel's Dh300 rooms back in vouchers to spend on food and beverages. Locations in the hotel where you can spend the vouchers include Toshi and Lucky Voice, with the latter recently relaunching its Brunch In Loud every Friday, for those wanting to make it a brunch and staycation weekend.
The deal also includes a complimentary room upgrade, early check-in at 10am and late check-out at 6pm; while children under the age of 12 dine for free. Guests can also access free transport to Zero Gravity.
This offer is valid until Wednesday, September 30; Dh300 per room per night; Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai; 04 429 9999; www.millenniumhotels.com
Media One Hotel
The boutique hotel has launched a staycation offer allowing guests to get more bang for their buck. Those booking can check in early at 9am and check out the following day at 9pm – that's 36 hours that can be spent at the property. The package also includes hotel credit of Dh200, which can be spent on a visit to Garden on 8, CafeM or dishes ordered to the room.
The offer is valid until Monday, August 31; Dh300 (excluding service charge, municipality fee, VAT and Dh15 tourism fee per room per night); Media One Hotel, Al Falak Street, Dubai Media City, Dubai; 04 427 1000; www.mediaonehotel.com
Mövenpick Hotel JLT
The hotel reopened to the public on Wednesday, July 1, with stringent new security measures and a brand new staycation package. Those who fancy a quick getaway in the highrise can book a night stay in a suite and get Dh200 credit redeemable in its food and beverage outlets. Guests can spend the day at Riva Beach Club, or head to Soul restaurant, Soul fitness or Crema Coffee Lounge, all of which are open and compliant to social distancing guidelines.
The offer is valid until Friday, July 31; Dh300+ for a suite for one night; Movenpick Hotel JLT, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai; 04438000; www.movenpick.com
Hilton Dubai The Walk
UAE residents can access Hilton Dubai The Walk’s studio rooms for two guests, inclusive of a set breakfast menu, while children under the age of 6 can stay for free (children between 6 and 12 are charged Dh50 per night). Guests can enjoy basking in the sun at the private beach or head to the pool club, and end the day at one of the hotel's numerous food and beverage outlets including Mango Tree Thai Bistro and Trader Vic's.
Offer valid until Monday, August 31; Dh350 for a studio room inclusive of all taxes; Hilton Dubai The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Dubai; 04 374 7999.
In Abu Dhabi
Dusit Thani
The five-star hotel is known for its hospitality and Thai-inspired design. And those looking for a stay don't have to shell out too much either; the cost of a deluxe room, for two, is pretty reasonable.
Dh285 upwards per night for a deluxe room; Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi; 02 698 8888; www.dusit.com
Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche
Located on the Corniche, this upscale family-friendly resort is perfect for a spot of pampering. Guests are sure to enjoy the water views from their rooms, and the property's private beach is also now open for hotel guests and beach club members.
Prices start at Dh325 per night for a standard room; Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche Road, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi; 02 681 1900; www.radissonhotels.com
In Sharjah
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
The five-star resort in Sharjah is not currently open, but it does plan to restart operations mid-July, with bookings currently available from Friday, July 17, onwards – all at a nominal rate.
Prices starting at Dh203 per night for a deluxe room; Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa, Al Muntazah St, Al Heerah Suburb, Sharjah; 06 563 0000.
The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights
Ultra processed foods
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Read more about the coronavirus
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
Spec%20sheet
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Brief scoreline:
Liverpool 5
Keita 1', Mane 23', 66', Salah 45' 1, 83'
Huddersfield 0
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
So what is Spicy Chickenjoy?
Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group C
Liverpool v Napoli, midnight
RESULTS
%3Cp%3E3.30pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%203%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20%2475%2C000%20(Dirt)%202%2C000m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Jugurtha%20De%20Monlau%2C%20Pat%20Dobbs%20(jockey)%2C%20Jean-Claude%20Pecout%20(trainer)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E4.05pm%3A%20Dubai%20City%20Of%20Gold%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C410m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Global%20Storm%2C%20William%20Buick%2C%20Charlie%20Appleby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E4.40pm%3A%20Burj%20Nahaar%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Discovery%20Island%2C%20James%20Doyle%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.15pm%3A%20Nad%20Al%20Sheba%20Turf%20Sprint%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(T)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Al%20Dasim%2C%20Mickael%20Barzalona%2C%20George%20Boughey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.50pm%3A%20Al%20Bastakiya%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20%24170%2C000%20(D)%201%2C900m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Go%20Soldier%20Go%2C%20Adrie%20de%20Vries%2C%20Fawzi%20Nass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6.25pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%203%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(TB)%20%24450%2C000%20(D)%202%2C000m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Salute%20The%20Soldier%2C%20Adrie%20de%20Vries%2C%20Fawzi%20Nass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7.10pm%3A%20Ras%20Al%20Khor%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20%24300%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Al%20Suhail%2C%20William%20Buick%2C%20Charlie%20Appleby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7.45pm%3A%20Jebel%20Hatta%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(TB)%20%24350%2C000%20(T)%201%2C800m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Alfareeq%2C%20Dane%20O%E2%80%99Neill%2C%20Charlie%20Appleby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E8.20pm%3A%20Mahab%20Al%20Shimaal%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Sound%20Money%2C%20Mickael%20Barzalona%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
THE BIO
Ambition: To create awareness among young about people with disabilities and make the world a more inclusive place
Job Title: Human resources administrator, Expo 2020 Dubai
First jobs: Co-ordinator with Magrudy Enterprises; HR coordinator at Jumeirah Group
Entrepreneur: Started his own graphic design business
Favourite singer: Avril Lavigne
Favourite travel destination: Germany and Saudi Arabia
Family: Six sisters
MATCH INFO
South Africa 66 (Tries: De Allende, Nkosi, Reinach (3), Gelant, Steyn, Brits, Willemse; Cons: Jantjies 8)
Canada 7 (Tries: Heaton; Cons: Nelson)
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
