Dog-friendly Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain has opened to travellers

Staycationers take note, there's a new beach resort in Umm Al Quwain that's worth adding to your visit list.

Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain has opened its doors in the UAE's least populated emirate. Nine minutes from the emirate's thriving coastal mangroves, the beachfront hotel is family-friendly, pet-friendly and has a host of water sports on offer.

Travellers can soak in the sunshine at the hotel's private beach or refresh at the large infinity pool at the first resort under the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand.

By the shore, there's a wide range of water sports are available and there are tennis courts on-site for those who want to work up a sweat.

The family-friendly resort has a children's club with an outdoor playground and a children's pool, as well as plenty of child-friendly water sports available to book.

Four-legged friends welcome

Animal lovers can also bring their pets along. Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain has designated pet-friendly rooms and specific areas throughout the resort where dogs are welcome.

When it comes to dining, guests can check out the second Origins outlet in the country, the first is at Vida Emirates Hills. This all-day restaurant serves wholesome, organic dishes and has a large al fresco dining area, as well as a beautifully designed interior. Stage2 is a low-key lounge serving hot and cold beverages while Social is the resort's rooftop bar which comes with amazing views of Umm Al Quwain.

The 135 rooms at Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain have views of the water, so guests can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves. All rooms are stylishly designed with complimentary Wi-Fi and there's also 24-hour concierge services available.

Private chalets on the beach

The inifinity pool at Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain. Courtesy Vida Hotels

If you want to truly feel like you've escaped the big city, the eight chalets located on the beach offer uninterrupted views of the sea and amazing sunset vistas.

The two-bedroom villas have a large living room and private outdoor terrace so there's plenty of space for the whole family to unwind.

Less than an hour from Dubai, Umm Al Quwain is stretched across a narrow peninsula and is best-known for its rich coastal mangroves which are home to various birds and marine life, including pink flamingos.

To celebrate the opening of Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain, the hotel has 40 per cent off its all-inclusive packages which start from Dh548 per person. This includes meals and house drinks from noon until 11pm.

Vida Beach Resort , Al Khor Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Moalla, Umm Al Quwain; vidahotels.com

No_One Ever Really Dies

N*E*R*D

(I Am Other/Columbia)

Our commentary on Brexit

Con Coughlin: Choice of the British people will be vindicated
Sam Williams: Departure is influenced by its sense of place

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo

Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm

Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km

On sale: December

Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.