The best summer daycation deals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

We’re deep into summer and hotels across the country have plenty of daycation deals for those looking to relax poolside, beachside or in a hotel day room, perhaps.

Whether you're in the capital or keen to soak up some Dubai sunshine, this round-up details what's on offer.

Additionally, if you want to turn those days into nights, check out our guide to the season's best hotel stays .

Abu Dhabi

W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island

Known for its rooftop pool with amazing views over the island, W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island's daily Daydream at Wet Deck package is perfect for whiling away summer days. As well as being able to dip into the temperature-controlled swimming pool, you’ll get sun lounger access at Wet Deck and your Dh150 entry fee back to spend on food and beverages.

Monday-Saturday, Dh150; www.wabudhabidining.com

Emirates Palace Beach Club

Emirates Palace has it’s own private shoreline plus two swimming pools to enjoy. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi

Want to spend a long summer day at one of the most regal hotel’s in Abu Dhabi? The Emirates Palace Beach Club has it’s own 1.3 kilometres of private shoreline plus two swimming pools, one with a lazy river that’s ideal for chilled-out summer days. Even better, you can beat the heat with 10-hour access to your own deluxe garden terrace room, ideal for a post-swim nap, a spot of lunch or a place to escape to the shade between sunbathing sessions. You’ll also get half your fee back to spend in resort credit.

Daily, Dh600 per adult, Dh300 for children under 12; www.mandarinoriental.com

WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

The WB Abu Dhabi has a huge pool, complete with a dive-in movie theatre. Photo: Hilton

The first Warner Bros hotel in the Middle East is open this summer for day visits alongside all your favourite film and TV characters. Relax at the family-friendly pool, where there’s a splash zone and dive-in movie screen for children to enjoy, and get access to the hotel’s first-class gym, to help keep your fitness goals on track. Children can also head to the Kids' Club for daily entertainment and you’ll receive credit to spend on dining experiences at any of the hotel’s restaurants.

Daily, Dh250 per adult or Dh500 for a family of four on weekends, Dh150 per adult or Dh300 for family passes on weekdays; reservations via spa.thewbabudhabi@hilton.com; www.hilton.com

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

For five-star service coupled with amazing views, head to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr where you’ll get a comfy sunbed plus Dh100 resort credit per person to spend during your visit. Even better, children under 12 enter free of charge so you can bring the whole family along.

Daily, Dh149 on weekdays, Dh199 on weekends; www.fairmont.com

Anantara Eastern Mangroves

Nestled by Abu Dhabi’s natural waterways, Anantara Eastern Mangroves offers a poolside daycation with a difference. As well as being able to dip into the chilled infinity pool and lounge on luxury sunbeds, you’ll also get to enjoy views of the mangroves and take part in some leisurely bird spotting with several species calling this stretch of land home. Day guests also get their entire entry fee back to spend on food and drinks.

Daily, Dh150 per adult; reservations via emlifestyle@anantara.com; anantara.com

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Shangri-La is giving guests credit back to spend in the resort this summer. Photo: Shangri-La Qaryat, Al Beri

With a one kilometre-long private beach and lush gardens, Shangri-La Qaryat, Al Beri comes with views of the Khor Al Maqta creek and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This summer you can bring the whole family to spend the day at the hotel’s infinity pool. There are two options to choose from, depending how much credit you want back to spend on food and beverage at the resort, and best of all — children under 6 swim for free.

Daily, Dh195 (with Dh170 credit), Dh295 (with Dh250 credit), www.shangrila.com

Dubai

Caesars Palace at Bluewaters Dubai

The Neptune Pool and Bar at Caesars Palace at Bluewaters Dubai comes with views of Ain Dubai, comfortable sun loungers, a private beach and all-day access to the sprawling swimming pool. As you relax, peruse the food and beverage menu as you’ll have your full entry fee back to spend on eats and drinks.

Daily, Dh280 weekdays, Dh380 on weekends; www.caesars.com

Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort

Make like an A-lister this summer and head to a private island for a day of beachside lounging, ocean breezes and excellent food and drinks. Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort is the first to have opened at the ambitious project off the coast and is welcoming day guests. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city and the ocean, before unwinding in the palm tree-surrounded infinity pool.

It’s not the cheapest daycation package, but this is a private island we’re talking about and your fee includes speedboat transfers plus Dh350 in credit to spend on spa treatments or dining. Children can enter for half-price and enjoy unlimited dining and drinks throughout their visit.

Daily, Dh750 for adults, Dh325 for children aged 5-11, free for children under 5; www.anatrara.com

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

Spend a summer day lounging in the heart of the DIFC. Photo: Four Seasons

If a day lounging in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre appeals, then Four Seasons is the place to go to. Head straight to the rooftop for sun-seeking sessions with a view, or get comfortable beside the hotel’s glass-walled pool surrounded by some of the city's most-loved skyscrapers. And, technically, it won’t cost you a dirham, as you’ll get your full entry fee back to spend on the poolside menu.

Daily, Dh300; www.fourseasons.com

Address Beach Resort

Grab your friends for a luxury daycation at the world's highest infinity swimming pool in Dubai. Photo: Zeta Seventy Seven

For the ultimate Dubai-style pool day, and plenty of bragging rights on the 'Gram, gather six friends and head to Zeta Seventy Seven, at the Address Beach Resort. The highest outdoor infinity pool in the world, as verified by Guinness World Records, welcomes guests over the age of 21 to take a dip nearly 300 metres above the city. As well as having access to this sweet spot with awe-inspiring vistas, you’ll also get a fully air-conditioned cabana complete with a TV, Bluetooth speakers, a coffee machine and a private bathroom and shower. Food and signature beverages are also part of the deal, so get ready to settle in for the duration.

Daily, Dh7,777 for up to seven people; www.addresshotels.com

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

The Centara Mirage Beach Resort in Dubai has a family daycation deal including lunch and a hotel room. Photo: Centara

Families should make a beeline for the Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai this summer where daycation passes are available until the end of September. Get access to the hotel’s expansive swimming pools and water parks including the lazy river, water slides and cliff jumping points. There’s also a rope climbing course for budding adventurers. Adults can unwind by the pool while children head to the Camp Safari Kids' Club, while teenagers can enjoy the Ezone. Lunch is included, served at Thai restaurant Suan Bua, and you’ll also have access to a superior room for post-swim naps and showers.

Weekdays only, Dh350 excluding taxes for two adults and two children, additional guests from Dh100 per person; www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Rixos The Palm Hotel and Suites

All-inclusive staycations are popular, but why not give an all-inclusive daycation a try? Rixos The Palm Hotel and Suites is offering exactly that this summer with visitors having access to the resort’s temperature-controlled swimming pool and private beach, as well as the Jungle Gym and fitness activities in the outdoor wellness area. Little ones can go to the Rixy Kids' Club, where they’ll have their own mini pool. All food and drinks are taken care of with access to the breakfast and lunch buffets (non-alcoholic package) at A La Turca, plus unlimited soft and house beverages at I-Chill Beach Lounge for those seeking afternoon poolside drinks.

Daily, Dh399 per person on weekdays, Dh499 on weekends; www.accor.com

Vida Emirates Hills

Residential favourite Vida Emirates Hills is offering pool passes this summer at cut-price rates and all of your fee back to spend on food and beverages. Grab a lounger or a cabana and soak up those rays beside the sparkling infinity pool with views over the lush green neighbourhood, plus all of your entry fee back as credit to spend on food and drinks.

Daily, Dh120, Saturdays have a limited F&B menu; www.vidahotels.com

10 summer hotel deals in the UAE worth checking out - in pictures

While you're here

Hussein Ibish: There are reasons for Democrats and Republicans to be happy

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021

Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.

Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.

Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.

Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.

Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.

Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.

Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”

Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.

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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Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

The biog

Profession: Senior sports presenter and producer

Marital status: Single

Favourite book: Al Nabi by Jibran Khalil Jibran

Favourite food: Italian and Lebanese food

Favourite football player: Cristiano Ronaldo

Languages: Arabic, French, English, Portuguese and some Spanish

Website: www.liliane-tannoury.com

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI

National Editorial: Suleimani has been killed, now we must de-escalate

Mina Al Oraibi: Air strike casts a long shadow over the decade ahead

Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble

Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks

Hussein Ibish: Trump's order on solid constitutional ground

Simon Waldman: Cautious Israel keeping a low profile

Rashmee Roshan Lall: Sound of silence in South Asia

Fanar Haddad: The Iranian response will be gradual

Richard Olson: Why Afghanistan will be very wary

Sholto Byrnes: Multilateralism needs a reboot

The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 640hp
Torque: 760nm
On sale: 2026
Price: Not announced yet

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

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ARGENTINA SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Agustin Marchesin, Esteban Andrada
Defenders: Juan Foyth, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico, Ramiro Funes Mori, Renzo Saravia, Marcos Acuna, Milton Casco
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Roberto Pereyra, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Di Maria
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Matias Suarez

Results

Stage Two:

1. Mark Cavendish (GBR) QuickStep-AlphaVinyl 04:20:45

2. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin-Fenix

3. Pascal Ackermann (GER) UAE Team Emirates

4. Olav Kooij (NED) Jumbo-Visma

5. Arnaud Demare (FRA) Groupama-FDJ

General Classification:

1. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin-Fenix 09:03:03

2. Dmitry Strakhov (RUS) Gazprom-Rusvelo 00:00:04

3. Mark Cavendish (GBR) QuickStep-AlphaVinyl 00:00:06

4. Sam Bennett (IRL) Bora-Hansgrohe 00:00:10

5. Pascal Ackermann (GER) UAE Team Emirates 00:00:12