After several weeks closed, many hotels in the UAE have already reopened to travellers, and others are getting set to do so very soon.
While their doors have been closed, some hotels have been busy upgrading hygiene standards, implementing new social-distancing measures and training staff to adhere to enhanced safety protocols so that when travellers do come back, they can be confident that they'll be as safe as possible.
From Dubai's long-standing Jumeirah Beach Hotel to the original all-inclusive Rixos Bab al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah, here are five hotels reopening in July.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
The family-friendly Jumeirah Beach Hotel reopened to guests from Friday, July 10. To celebrate, the hotel is launching an Ultimate Staycation package that includes reduced rates, early check-in, late checkout, daily breakfast and 15 per cent discount on beverages, plus dining deals.
All guests at Jumeirah Beach Hotel get free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and children can head to the Kids Club, which has a three-floor jungle gym, trampolines and an interactive game zone.
The J Club has three swimming pools, fitness facilities and a wellness centre and the hotel also has a two-kilometre stretch of private beach with fantastic views of the Burj Al Arab. Dining options include Pearl Lounge, Al Marsa, Kitchen Connection and Dhow and Anchor.
The hotel is working towards getting its Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas, one of the world's leaders in testing, inspection and certification, and has already secured the label for The J Club, Al Marsa Beach and its secluded Beit Al Bahar Villas.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah
The original UAE all-inclusive resort, Rixos Bab Al Bahr is reopening to travellers on Monday, July 20. The pyramid-shaped resort in Ras Al Khaimah has introduced social-distancing measures and new safety regulations.
It's part of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority's Safeguard Assurance programme, which has been certified as a safe destination by Bureau Veritas.
The resort is reopening with all-inclusive rates starting at Dh750, plus taxes. Guests checking-in have access to a private shoreline, eight swimming pools – including an adults-only option and a children's splash park, as well as beachfront water sports.
For dining, there are 14 restaurants and bars to choose from, and guests who book three nights or more will get free tickets to either the Jebel Jais ziplines and sky maze or the nearby Suwaidi Pearls Farm.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
A classic desert escape on the outskirts of Dubai, Bab Al Shams will reopen to guests on Sunday, July 12, and has already secured the Bureau Veritas Safeguard label so guests can expect enhanced hygiene and safety standards through the hotel.
There are plexi-glass barriers at check-in and increased cleaning and disinfection in all public spaces. All rooms will be equipped with hygiene packs for guests and room service will be delivered in a contactless manner.
The hotel is reopening with reduced staycation rates and is a good pick for those craving the serenity of the desert. Drink in the natural landscape and cool off in two temperature-controlled swimming pools.
When it comes to dining, there are international and Arabic options, as well as Italian and Indian restaurants.
Desert activities such as dune bashing, fat biking and falconry are all on the menu and there's an award-winning spa to retreat to.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Right now the hotel is playing host to some of the world's best athlete's who are in town for Yas Island's Ultimate Fighting Championship. Come Thursday, July 30, W Abu Dhabi Yas Island will reopen to visitors.
The hotel has implemented several enhanced hygiene and safety standards as part of Marriott's Commitment to Clean policy. These include hand-sanitising stations throughout the hotel, social-distancing markers and an app that allows guests to use their phone to do everything from accessing their room to ordering room service.
Waiting for travellers on Thursday, July 30, are two rooftop swimming pools – set to open in accordance with Abu Dhabi regulations – a fully equipped fitness centre and colourful guest rooms, each with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and awesome views of the racetrack or Yas Marina.
There are also seven restaurants and bars so guests can dine in a different place for every meal during a staycation at this glass-fronted abode.
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort & Spa, Fujairah
This family-friendly resort in Fujairah reopened its doors on July 1 and is running a "Welcome Back" staycation offer until September.
Overlooking the Gulf of Oman's marine-thriving waters and under the gaze of the Hajar mountains, this is a good coastal choice for anyone who is craving an escape from city life.
The beachfront resort is also home to the largest swimming pool on the east coast and has a fantastic swim-up pool bar. The staycation offer gives Marriott Bonvoy members 25 per cent off regular room rates as well as free breakfast.
Non-members can get 15 per cent off room rates and travellers who want to stay a bit longer, can get a special long-stay rate that starts from Dh450 per night, when booking five nights or more.
During its closure, the hotel upgraded its hygiene and safety standards to ensure it follows all new government restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Expect social-distancing policies and make sure you pack your face mask.
The Gentlemen
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant
Three out of five stars
Sour%20Grapes
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 2 (Mahrez 04', Ake 84')
Leicester City 5 (Vardy 37' pen, 54', 58' pen, Maddison 77', Tielemans 88' pen)
Man of the match: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
FIGHT%20CARD
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Afro%20salons
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Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US' most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was first created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out projectiles, namely ballistic missiles, as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 93 miles above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then deployed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
World Cup warm-up fixtures
Friday, May 24:
- Pakistan v Afghanistan (Bristol)
- Sri Lanka v South Africa (Cardiff)
Saturday, May 25
- England v Australia (Southampton)
- India v New Zealand (The Oval, London)
Sunday, May 26
- South Africa v West Indies (Bristol)
- Pakistan v Bangladesh (Cardiff)
Monday, May 27
- Australia v Sri Lanka (Southampton)
- England v Afghanistan (The Oval, London)
Tuesday, May 28
- West Indies v New Zealand (Bristol)
- Bangladesh v India (Cardiff)
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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.
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
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
Honeymoonish
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.