Public and private sector workers in the UAE are set to get a five-day long weekend to mark the country's 49th National Day.
With overseas travel largely on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, most getaway plans will be happening locally. If you're still undecided on whether to book a staycation and where to go, The National is here to help. We've rounded up staycations across every emirate – 16 in total – and each is offering something interesting to see or do or a special rate for the public holiday.
From a golfcation in Ajman to a designer staycation in Dubai, each of these hotels is offering National Day stays that will cost you no more than Dh1,500 a night.
Ajman
Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman
There's plenty to discover in the UAE's smallest emirate, including Al Zorah Golf Club, a world-class course set among the emirate's natural mangroves. Book a weekday stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman, 10 minutes from the course, and you can enjoy daily breakfast and an 18-hole round of golf. The hotel also has a 25-metre temperature-controlled pool and access to a private beach, 15 minutes away with free transfers provided. There are six restaurants and bars on site, including the quirky Great Gatsby-themed Jazz Lounge.
A one-night weeknight stay including breakfast and one 18-hole round of golf starts from Dh1,043 over the National Day holiday. Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman; radissonhotels.com
Dubai
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Take in the UAE's 49th National Day in style at Palazzo Versace Dubai. Live the high life with a stay that includes breakfast, lunch or dinner and complimentary tickets to Laguna Waterpark. As well as bedding down in a stylish Deluxe Versace Room with City View, where all furniture and fabric has been designed by Versace, you'll also get Dh100 credit to spend on food and drinks and Dh150 towards a massage at The Spa. There are three outdoor pools to enjoy, plus a well-equipped fitness centre and landscaped gardens with views of Dubai Creek and the city skyline.
Rates start from Dh900, plus taxes; Palazzo Versace Dubai, Al Jaddaf; palazzoversace.ae
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
A brand-new family beach staycation package has launched at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai just in time for UAE National Day. The package has been designed to keep the entire family happy, with all-day access to the Ritz Kids club for children. Nestled among three acres of private land at a tip of Dubai's JBR, the hotel has nine restaurants and bars, a huge private shoreline, six swimming pools and an award-winning spa. The staycation package includes daily breakfast, buy-one-get-one-free offers on beverages and 60-minute massages, and a 20 per cent discount on dining bills. Children up to the age of 12 stay and dine for free.
Rates start from Dh1,175 per night plus taxes; The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, The Walk at JBR, Dubai; ritzcarlton.com
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
If you have your eye on spending National Day weekend at JBR, do yourself a favour and book an overnight stay. Not only will you avoid the traffic and parking charges, you can enjoy a great staycation offer at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR. The 35-storey hotel has direct private beach access and rooms that come with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Unwind at Azure Beach or relax at the Natureland Spa. When it comes to eating, you're spoiled for choice with favourites such as Ammos, Luigia and Black Tap. After dark, head to Lock, Stock & Barrel for music and nightlife.
Room-only rates start from Dh900; Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, The Walk, JBR, Dubai; rixos.com
W Dubai – The Palm
Head to Palm Jumeirah this National Day for W Dubai – The Palm's "Stellar Staycation" package. The funky hotel is offering promotional rates including buffet breakfast for two at Liv – which has one of the best spreads in Dubai – as well as 25 per cent off meals across the hotel. With big name restaurants such as Massimo Bottura's Torno Subito and Akira Back's self-named eatery, you're guaranteed a fantastic culinary evening. Guests also get 50 per cent off massages at the Away Spa and happy hour prices at Wet Deck and the rooftop SoBe. Kids under 12 eat and stay for free and can head to the Escape games room for entertainment.
Rates start from Dh1,355, excluding taxes; W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; marriott.com
Abu Dhabi
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Abu Dhabi’s newest hotel is gearing up for the long weekend with an offer exclusively for UAE residents. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers’ National Day offer gives guests early check-in, late check-out and a daily buffet breakfast.
It also includes Dh200 of food and beverage credit to spend at the hotel's restaurants, which include the newly opened Sole, Li Beirut and Tori No Su. There's a 20 per cent discount for guests in the hotel's luxurious spa, too. Children under 5 stay and dine for free, and children aged 6 to 12 get Dh50 credit to spend on lunch or dinner. The hotel's private beach and three swimming pools are the ideal place to while away the long weekend.
Rates start from Dh899 in a superior room; Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers; Bookings via Etihadtowers.Reservations@ConradHotels.com; hilton.com
The Abu Dhabi Edition
The swanky Abu Dhabi Edition is running two staycation offers this National Day. The first starts from Dh999 and includes an overnight stay in a deluxe room, breakfast at the delightful Alba Terrace and brunch for two at the Oak Room, where culinary happenings are overseen by celebrity chef Tom Aikens.
Families are also welcome at the Ian Schrager-designed hotel which has two outdoor swimming pools and a tranquil spa. There's 50 per cent off on adjoining rooms, so that the whole family can spend the holiday together. And while you're there, you can check out the pop-up art exhibition running to celebrate the UAE's 49th National Day. Emirati artist Budour Al Ameri will be live-painting a bespoke, one-of-a-kind piece and five other local artists will also display their work.
Rates from Dh999; The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi; editionhotels.com
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Tucked away from the buzz of the city and surrounded by rolling fairways, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa is offering a Stay & Refresh package this UAE National Day. Guests booking the offer will get daily breakfast at Fairways restaurant for two adults and two children, plus afternoon tea for two adults. There's also Dh150 credit per night to spend at restaurants and bars across the resort. Rooms are spacious and come with views over the greens, making you feel like you've escaped the desert for a bit. There is a large swimming pool for the whole family, as well as a Zen pool that's for adults-only. The offer also comes with 30 per cent off treatments at the Heavenly Spa by Westin and late checkout until 4pm.
Rates start from Dh725; The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi; marriott.com
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel
Connect with nature at Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel this National Day. Surrounded by waterways and natural scenery, it's easy to slow down the pace at this tranquil hotel with a two-night stay inclusive of breakfast and daily lunch or dinner at Ingredients restaurant. The hotel's infinity pool overlooks the mangroves and there are watersports, a promenade and plenty of outdoor eateries nearby. The hotel will also be putting on some UAE-themed activities to coincide with the public holiday, including Emirati Fusion Night at Ingredients on Wednesday, December 2.
Rates start from Dh749 per night with a minimum two-night stay; Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel; anantara.com
Fujairah
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
For an east coast escape, the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in Al Aqah offers a five-star stay with a gorgeous Al Hajar mountain backdrop. Making the most of its location, rooms come with balconies or terraces that overlook the ocean or the garden. There's a private beach and a temperature-controlled swimming pool, as well as a separate pool for children with a water slide. Daily breakfast is served at Mozaique, which also offers all-day international dining and Bar Muda is a good spot to unwind at sundown.
Rates including breakfast start from Dh1,219 over the National Day holiday. Note that the hotel is carrying out daytime renovation work in its left wing, so try to request a room at the other side of the hotel. Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, Al Aqah, Fujairah; rotana.com
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
With limited availability remaining, you'll have to be quick to bag a room at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah. Ideal for families who want to be by the seaside, the hotel is running a "Welcome Back" promotion that includes complimentary breakfast and up to 25 per cent off room rates. Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is well positioned with a mountain backdrop on one side and the ocean on the other; it's also in a good spot to reach several of the best diving sites in the Gulf of Oman. The vibe here is super laid-back, with rooms guaranteeing ocean views and one of the best swim-up bars in the emirate. There's also a children's club and a spa to help you unwind. When it comes to dining, there are eight options so you can eat somewhere different each night.
Rates start from Dh1,425, excluding taxes; Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah; marriott.com
Sharjah
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
One of the biggest beach resorts in the emirate, the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa is a good pick for a family-friendly seaside escape on a budget. The hotel is running a '49' promotion to coincide with the UAE's 49th National Day. This means that guests get Dh49 off the best available room rates, buffet breakfast for Dh49 and a 49 per cent discount on food and beverage spends. As well as its extensive private shoreline, the hotel has two swimming pools, a kids' club, spa and fitness centre. All rooms are spacious and can easily sleep two adults and two children. Top tip: ask for a sea-facing view.
Rates from Dh494.50 including taxes; Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Al Muntazah St, Sharjah; marriott.com
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
Escape to Sharjah for a stay in one of the emirate's most upscale resorts. The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah offers a quiet locale, away from the bustle of the emirate where traditionally crafted, spacious rooms boast local Emirati designs. For relaxation, the spa spans 500 square metres and has a plethora of treatments to choose from. This National Day, UAE and GCC residents can take advantage of a promotional rate that includes daily breakfast, healthy in-room beverages and complimentary Wi-Fi. There's also late check-out available until 2pm, so you can turn the alarm off and truly unwind.
Rates start from Dh880 per night, excluding tax. The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah; ghmhotels.com
Umm Al Quwain
Barracuda Beach Resort
A long-time favourite among holiday weekenders, Barracuda Beach Resort on the edge of the Umm Al Quwain lagoon still has some availability over the National Day holiday. Located about 60 kilometres from Dubai, it's far enough to feel like you've escaped the hustle, but only takes an hour to reach from the city. Book a superior water villa and you'll have your own little slice of privacy right on the lake side. A spacious living room and bedroom with king-size bed, private garden and terrace area makes it a good pick for families. You can bring your own food and drinks, or head over to Biryani Junction for Indian dishes or Thunder Road Pizza & Grill for Italian eats. Days can be spent by the lagoon-side infinity pool and children have their own paddling pool and play area. It's also right beside Dreamland Aqua Park, ideal for a day out.
Rates for two adults and up to four children in a superior waterfront villa start from Dh1,400; Barracuda Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain; barracuda.ae
Ras Al Khaimah
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
An action-packed family-friendly stay awaits at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. Geared towards those travelling with a family, the resort offers an excellent children’s club that has a climbing wall, arcade games and a huge outdoor playground. Water babies will love the Pirate Boat Aqua Zone, the water trampoline and the inflatable bouncy castles. The Tarzan Boat adults waterpark gives mum and dad a place to have fun, too, with two slides, high dive boards and a rope swing. And when it’s time to turn down the activity level, there’s a spa, 650-metre private beach and seven swimming pools.
Rates start from Dh999 plus taxes for a family of four. DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island; Marjan Island Boulevard, Ras al Khaimah; hilton.com
The Dunes Camping & Safari
Craving more of an adventure this National Day? Head to Ras Al Khaimah for a night at The Dunes Camping & Safari. Located in the Al Jazeera desert, this place has everything you need for a stay under the stars. Breakfast and dinner is included and there are bathroom and shower facilities, a majlis area and a stage where live Arabic entertainment takes place. There are several types of accommodation, from deluxe domed tents to stilted tree houses – however, most have already been reserved ahead of the long weekend. If you’re quick, you can still book into one of the remaining igloo tents, which will give you a more authentic camping experience. The tents are set up for your arrival and have air mattresses inside, plus access to bathrooms and showers. You’ll also get welcome drinks, a barbecue dinner and a packed breakfast for the next morning.
Rates start from Dh450; The Dunes Camping & Safari, Ras Al Khaimah; thedunesuae.com
All prices and availability were correct at the time of publishing but could change according to demand
