We're right in the middle of the UAE summer - which means the temperatures are peaking, but so are the summer deals. So, at the moment you can spend the whole day by a five-star pool (often with gym facilities, food and more included) for about the same price as a lunch out.
Here are 10 deals to try - there are under Dh100 options, as well as ultra-luxe ones too...
ABU DHABI
1. The Bayshore Beach Club, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Spend the day by this infinity pool that overlooks the Arabian Gulf for Dh80 per person, Dh140 per couple, or Dh250 for a family of two adults and two children. There are two pools in fact, one on the third floor and one right by the beach. There's also 160 metres of private beach, a gym that you can use, a play area for kids as well as a shaded children's pool.
8am to 8pm, daily (beach closes at sunset). Call 02 697 2316 or visit website for more.
2. Rosewood Abu Dhabi
You can access this 25-metre pool, which boasts gorgeous skyline views, for Dh150 during weekdays, and Dh250 during weekends. You will then get Dh100 credit back to spend on food and drinks while there.
6am to 9pm, daily. Call 02 813 5550 or visit website for more.
3. Saadiyat Beach Club
This beach club feels truly away from it all: buy a day pass here and you will get access to the beach, pool, loungers, workout room and the spa, steam and Jacuzzi from 8am onwards. You can opt for the brunch and pool access deal on Fridays for Dh399 per person, or pay Dh320 for a single weekend pass, Dh445 for a couple weekend pass, Dh125 for children aged 7 to 17 (those under 7 are free). On weekdays, it's Dh210 for a single pass, and Dh295 for couple access. You'll also get a Dh50 voucher back for food and beverage.
8am to 9pm (unless there's a special event on), daily. Call 02 656 3500 or visit website for more.
4. Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi
For a truly luxury option, opt to spend the day at one of Abu Dhabi's largest swimming pools at a rate of Dh320 for adults on weekends, and Dh210 on weekdays. The mammoth beachside pool is 57 metres long, and the rate also includes access to the healthclub and sauna facilities.
7am to 7pm, daily. Call 02 818 8888 or visit website for more.
5. Aloft Abu Dhabi
This large pool costs just Dh76 for adults on weekdays, while on weekends it's Dh55 for ladies and Dh109 for men. The package includes access to both the pool and the gym.
7am to 11pm, daily. Call 02 654 5147 or visit website for more.
DUBAI
1. Club Mina Dubai
There are five pools to choose from across the 500-metre stretch of beach from Le Meridien Mina Seyahi to the Westin, and day passes are Dh220 for adults on weekdays, and Dh310 on weekends. Children are Dh110 on weekdays, and Dh160 on weekends.
8.30am to sunset, daily. Call 04 318 1420 or visit website for more.
2. Media One Hotel
This 8th floor pool right in the middle of Dubai Media City costs Dh80 to access, with that entry fee fully redeemable against food and beverages. So, it's essentially free. Expect a lively, young atmosphere later in the day.
12pm to 7pm, daily. Call 04 427 1000 or visit website for more.
3. Summersalt, Jumeirah Al Naseem
This pool isn't ginormous, but it is an infinity pool with unrivaled views of the Burj Al Arab, and the service at the club has a very luxury, VIP feel. Go early and you will discover a laid back vibe, while later in the day, a DJ brings a Cote D'Azur energy. A day pass is Dh242 per person, daily, and you will receive a welcome drink, fruit plate, water, and access to the pool, beach and changing rooms.
9am to 6pm, daily. Call 04 432 3232 or visit website for more.
4. Address Boulevard
This relatively new hotel in Downtown Dubai has a deal for pool access at the moment that means if you pay Dh250 for a day pass, you will get Dh150 back in F&B credit. So, pool and lunch then? The infinity pool is on the third floor, and has a view of the Burj Khalifa.
9am to 8pm, daily. Call 04 561 8888 or visit website for more.
5. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
If you fancy spotting an oryx during your pool day, then you can't beat Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, which is inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It's a more luxury, and pricier option, but the Dh550 per person day pass to the main pool at the spa does include lunch, as well as unlimited tea and coffee and a selection of soft drinks. Also, considering the rooms at the hotel all have their own private pools, the main pool is likely to remain delightfully quiet throughout the day.
8am to 8pm, daily. Call 04 832 9900 or visit website for more.
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Read more:
14 fantastic summer staycation deals in hotels across the UAE
Your essential guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Your definitive list of things to do in Dubai
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