As coronavirus restrictions in Dubai have eased off in recent weeks, most hotels have reopened facilities, with many swimming pools, beaches and restaurants now welcoming guests.
With flights in and out of the country currently suspended, UAE residents have been quick to book a staycation or a pool day. Yet, while many hotels across the country have reopened with enhanced hygiene policies and social distancing measures in place, several of the country’s most renowned hotels remain closed to guests.
From the world-famous Burj Al Arab to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, you can count these hotels out when it comes to booking your next local getaway.
1. Burj Al Arab
One of the world's most famous hotels is temporarily closed for reservations. The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is not open to guests, and neither are the restaurants and leisure facilities. The National has reached out to the Jumeirah group for more information on when the hotel will reopen, but online bookings are unavailable throughout June. The first available date guests can book a stay is Wednesday, July 1.
According to a pop-up notice on the Jumeirah website, only a selection of the hotel group’s “most popular restaurants, beaches and pools are operational, in strict accordance with health and safety regulations from the Ministry of Health and Prevention”.
If you’re keen for a Jumeriah hotel stay, you can still check-in at Jumeirah Al Naseem, Al Qasr, Zabeel Saray or the Creekside Hotel.
2. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Dubai’s Bab Al Shams has closed its doors to guests in what it is calling a precautionary measure. Those looking to escape to the sand dunes on the outskirts of the city, are currently unable to do so as bookings at this classic resort are suspended until further notice. The hotel – which is a sister property with The Meydan Hotel – has also closed its restaurants, spa and swimming pool.
"We have chosen to use this time to carry out essential works and maintenance at both properties, so that when we reopen, we will continue to provide seamless five-star experiences to higher standards for all of our guests," says Ziad Sleiman, hotel manager at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. The hotel will reopen in July, but the exact date is not yet known.
3. Armani Hotel Dubai
The only hotel in the world's tallest building has temporarily paused all guest reservations. That means that sleek interiors designed by Giorgio Armani at the Armani Hotel are currently off-limits to travellers. Bookings on rooms are suspended until at least September, and only residents can access the hotel. Popular restaurants, including Armani Hashi and Ristorante, in the Burj Khalifa hotel are also temporarily closed. Online reservations are unavailable for stays before Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
4. The Meydan Hotel, Dubai
Every year, the eyes of the world are on the Meydan Hotel as it steps up to host spectators at the world’s richest horse race during the Dubai World Cup.
While we are temporarily closing our doors with a heavy heart, we know that this is the right decision
This year, the sporting event was postponed in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Since then, The Meydan Hotel has closed its doors to guests.
The hotel's manager explains: "These are incredibly difficult times for us all. While we are temporarily closing our doors with a heavy heart, we know that this is the right decision to ensure the health and safety of our community." The hotel is set to reopen soon, with reservations being accepted for stays in July, and the Qube Sports Bar inside the hotel having already reopened on Monday, June 15.
5. Park Hyatt Dubai
This sprawling hotel inside Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club has closed its doors stating that “the safety and well-being of our guests and colleagues is always a top priority.”
No bookings can be made for stays at the hotel, which has long been a favourite with UAE residents thanks to its beautiful design and secluded location near the Dubai Creek. All restaurants, bars and recreational facilities are also closed during this time. According to the Park Hyatt Dubai’s website, room reservations can be booked for stays from Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
6. W Dubai – The Palm
The achingly cool W Dubai The Palm is temporarily closed. Home to stunning palm views, the party-vibe hotel is temporarily not accepting in-house or day guests. Popular restaurants Akira Back and Massimo Botura’s Torno Subito are also closed as is the hotel’s Wet Deck and Away spa.
Judging by the hotel's "camera deckchair", it's all quiet at W Dubai for the moment. But with its Facebook page boasting "Fabulous views are always on the cards, watch this space for a reopening date," it doesn't look like the new-found quiet will last too much longer and there is talk of an end of July reopening.
7. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort (villa bookings still available)
This popular seafront destination on Saadiyat Island is closed to almost all guests until further notice. All guest rooms, restaurants, the spa and the 440 metre-long beach and swimming pools are shut. However, reservations can be made for stays in the resort's private luxury three or four-bedroom villas, but only for bookings longer than two nights and with the understanding that the resort and its facilities remain closed. There is no confirmed reopening date for the hotel yet, but bookings for regular rooms reopen on the website for stays from Saturday, August 1, 2020.
8. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
If an escape to the remote Empty Quarter deep in the Abu Dhabi desert was on your mind, you’ll have to hold that thought for a little longer. That’s because Anantara's Qasr Al Sarab – perhaps the most renowned desert escape in Abu Dhabi – is currently closed. According to Anantara, the move is “part of our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our guests and team members.”
However, the wait isn’t going to be too long as the hotel is planning to reopen to guests in late July, in time for Eid Al Adha.
9. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Shortly after it opened, the W Yas Island closed again after staff on the UAE Tour that were in contact with guests at the hotel tested positive for Covid-19. That was in February, and the hotel was shut down for a 14-day quarantine period. For now, the 499-room hotel remains temporarily closed with no confirmed reopening date, but bookings are being accepted for stays from Thursday, July 30.
10. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts
One of the UAE's most unique locations, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to some of the country's most fascinating wildlife and three resorts. For the moment, the wildlife have the island all to themselves as Anantara's resorts are closed to visitors. There's no confirmed date for when bookings will reopen at Al Yamm Villa Resort, Al Sahel Villa Resort or the Desert Islands Resort and Spa, but a spokesperson advised The National that island stays will be possible in time for Eid Al Adha, expected to start at the end of July.
What is a calorie?
A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.
One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.
A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.
Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.
Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
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
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.
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
