There's no shortage of staycation deals available to book across the UAE this National Day. From Fujairah on the east coast to Ras Al Khaimah in the north, hotels are rolling out the red carpets to welcome staycationers over the upcoming public holiday.
There are bargain deals to be found – with budget staycations from only Dh266 in Dubai – but depending on what you do when you get to your hotel, the rate you pay might only be the starting price. A few days of breakfasts, dinners, snacks by the pool and sundowners can easily add up. And that's where all-inclusive stays come into their own.
All-inclusive options in the UAE have been steadily on the up over the past few years, allowing travellers to know exactly what they'll pay before they go – which also means you don’t have to say no when the children ask for yet another ice cream.
From truly all-inclusive concepts such as the Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai hotels that are offering inclusive packages, here's a shortlist of staycation deals around the UAE where you can get unlimited drinks, food, activities and more this National Day.
An all-inclusive stay in Ras Al Khaimah at Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Ras Al Khaimah's first all-inclusive hotel, the Rixos Bab Al Bahr on Al Marjan Island, has had several years to fine-tune its offerings. The sprawling pyramid-shaped resort has a 450-metre private beach and eight swimming pools, including an adults-only pool and a child-friendly aqua park. The concept is very inclusive, with food and drinksavailable in the resort 24 hours a day. There are seven restaurants, including Fishbone which serves delicious seafood, and Aja for Asian eats. Be sure to reserve your table upon check-in as the most popular restaurants tend to fill up quickly. There's also a children's club and teens hangout, as well as a spa, watersports and on-site entertainment.
Rates start from Dh1,200; Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Street #11, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah; babalbahr.rixos.com
A Dubai desert escape at Bab Al Shams
Treat the family to a desert staycation at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa on the outskirts of Dubai, this National Day. The infinity pool here is like an oasis in the middle of the vast desert – the water is temperature controlled and there are Jacuzzi spots dotted around it. Authentic Arabian architecture and desert-inspired treatments pay homage to the location.
The 'Magic Eleven Escape' offers an almost all-inclusive stay. We say almost as you'll have to choose between lunch and dinner. Other than that, you'll get breakfast, two hours of complimentary free-flowing drinks at Al Sarab Lounge, and access to a falcon show. Try your hand at tennis in the desert or let the children enjoy a camel ride – each stay also comes with one complimentary desert experience.
Weekend rates start from Dh1,444 via BAS.Reservations@meydanhotels.com; Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Road, Dubai; babalshams.com
Winter camping at Longbeach Campground in Ras Al Khaimah
Craving something a bit more adventurous? Why not consider a stay at Longbeach Campground in Ras Al Khaimah. This beachfront space at the BM Beach Hotel offers a choice of accommodation from deluxe tents to safari suites, dome tents and container tents that come with their own hot tubs. If camping isn't your thing, you can also book a room in the adjacent BM Beach Hotel and get access to the camp.
Well-equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay, Longbeach has showers and bathrooms, restaurants, bonfires and plenty of activities for the whole family. Even better is that everything is included in the rate. From sunrise yoga and kayaking, to beach volleyball and a waterpark obstacle course, you certainly will not be bored. When it comes to eating, there's a live barbecue dinner served on the beach and drinksfrom 7pm to 10pm are also included in the package. Afterwards, gather around the bonfire until the small hours. Breakfast is served by the beach next morning.
All-inclusive rates start from Dh1,439 in an authentic deluxe tent. Children under 6 stay and eat for free; Longbeach Campground, King Faisal Street, Ras Al Khaimah; binmajid.com
Jumeirah Beach vibes at Amwaj Rotana – JBR
The Rotana has a brand-new all-inclusive offer that's running over National Day. It's available at select hotels such as the Amwaj Rotana –JBR. Check-in here and you'll be in a great location for all the festivities taking place at The Walk and JBR. Rooms feature balconies that have views over Jumeirah Beach, the Arabian Gulf or Palm Jumeirah.
There are seven restaurants including Benihana, with its renowned American-Japanese teppanyaki offerings. JB’s gastropub on the ground floor is also worth a visit. Stay for two nights all-inclusive to get complimentary dining at selected restaurants in the hotel. The premium package also includes house beverages. Children under 12 dine for free and there’s 20 per cent off spa treatments if you want to spoil yourself.
Rates start from Dh819 per night; Amwaj Rotana – JBR, The Walk, Al Sayorah Street, Dubai; rotana.com
Abu Dhabi island bliss at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi's most famous all-inclusive resort is in high demand over the public holidays with some dates having sold out – so you'll have to be quick in booking a stay. Located in one of the capital's most scenic spots, the hotel has its own waterpark, several swimming pools and premium shoreline with access to Saadiyat Island's crystal clear waters.
There's eight restaurants and bars to choose from – be sure to book in advance if you want to dine at Aja Asian & Teppanyaki or L'Olivio, as they fill up quickly. Activities are also included in the rate, with paddle boarding, tennis and bicycle hire on offer. Relax by the beach – there's a bar where you can get complimentary refreshments all day long – and have your pick of the swimming pools, from a chill-out infinity spot or a fun-filled aqua park.
Limited availability with rates starting from Dh1,320, excluding taxes; Al Sa'Diyat, Abu Dhabi; rixos.com
Hollywood glamour at Paramount Hotel Dubai
Oozing with quintessential Hollywood glamour, the Paramount Hotel Dubai is a must-visit for film lovers. Located in Business Bay, it offers a staycation filled with movie fun and all-inclusive indulgence. Available on any room category above the entry level Scene Room, the ‘Spoil You’ offer includes daily breakfast for two, lunch, and dinner from a set menu at several of the hotel’s eateries.
Take your pick from the Santa Monica-inspired Pacific Groove, Malibu pool deck, or all-day eatery The Stage. House drinks are also included – although this does not apply to your in-room minibar. The pool deck is the place to unwind, with views over Downtown Dubai, towering palm trees and private cabanas. The Pause Spa offers some respite from the action. Rooms and suites come with the latest in-room theatre systems – ideal for bingeing on blockbusters. If you really want to feel like a Hollywood A-lister, the Producer Suite is the hotel's swankiest accommodation and boasts a private screening room.
Rates from Dh1,711 excluding taxes in a Premier Suite; Paramount Hotel Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai; paramounthotelsdubai.com
Family-friendly fun at the Occidental Sharjah Grand
For a family-friendly all-inclusive stay, check out the Occidental Sharjah Grand. This four-star hotel has a private beach, large swimming pool complete with a water slide and a sandy children's playground. Included in your all-inclusive rate are all meals with daily breakfast, a buffet lunch and dinner with a selection of local and international cuisines. Hot and cold drinks at the lobby bar and in-room dining are also included, as is a daily minibar refill – this is for soft drinks only. By the pool, you can order drinks and snacks from 10am until 7pm. Top tip: upgrade to a sea-facing view for as little as Dh50 to make the most of the water vistas. All-inclusive guests also get 10 per cent off spa services and there's a free shuttle service to and from The Dubai Mall if you fancy some retail therapy.
Rates from Dh712; Occidental Sharjah Grand, Al Meena Street, Al Khan Beach, Al Khaledia Suburb, Sharjah; barcelo.com
