Some of the UAE’s best and most famous properties are marking the country's 52nd National Day with promotional staycation offers, special Emirati-themed dining experiences and fun activities for the children.
From world-famous properties such as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi and Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, to lesser-known gems in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, there's plenty for residents to choose from.
Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
To mark National Day, Abu Dhabi’s most famous hotel is offering a special staycation package that includes breakfast for two at Vendome, National Day brunch or dinner at Vendome for two, plus two themed coffees at Episodes. There’s also a guided tour of the property thrown in.
The five-star hotel on Abu Dhabi Corniche will host a pyrotechnics and light show on the beachfront from 9pm, which will be visible to both guests and the public.
Additionally, the National Day Air Show can be viewed from the palace gardens, which will host a family picnic-style set-up from 3pm to 6pm.
Valid only on December 2; Dh5,200 per night, excluding taxes; Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road; 02 690 9000; mandarinoriental.com
Tilal Liwa Hotel
This four-star resort in Zayed City offers panoramic views over the Rub Al Khali Desert and a special UAE National Day Staycation deal where rates are better the longer you stay. All-inclusive packages for one, two and three-night stays include meals at Al Badiya Restaurant for two adults and two children below six, plus snacks at selected venues between 3.30pm and 6.30pm, unlimited selected house beverages between noon and 10pm, plus a free pass to UAE National Day brunch if you stay on December 2. Guests also get free access to some recreational desert experiences.
Valid from November 30-December 3; Dh1,299 for one night, Dh1,199 per night for two nights and Dh1,099 per night for three nights; Tilal Liwa Hotel, Zayed City; 02 894 611; danathotels.com
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island
While this property doesn’t have an exclusive National Day offer, it does have discounted rates for UAE residents in its Exceptional Staycation deal over the celebratory weekend. This includes up to 40 per cent off on flexible rates, a daily breakfast and Dh100 of food and beverage resort credit. A half-board package includes 30 per cent off, plus daily breakfast and lunch or dinner, and Dh100 credit.
December 1 and 2; from 2,094 per night, excluding taxes; Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island; 02 811 4555; jumeirah.com
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
This beachfront property is offering anyone staying for National Day and throughout the festive season its Holiday Park Pass & Stay deal. This includes daily breakfast at Sofra Bld, plus free tickets for two adults and one child to Abu Dhabi’s theme parks, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros and Yas Waterworld.
Valid until January 6; from Dh1,150 per night; Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Khor Al Maqta; 02 509 888; shangri-la.com
Yas Island
Book a staycation at any of the Yas Hotels and avail the Stay and Play offer. This includes free breakfast at selected hotels and access to Yas Island attractions (one or three, depending on the package booked), including Ferrari World, Yas Water World, Warner Bros World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Free access to Yas Beach and Cyan Beach is also included, as well as a free shuttle bus. Guests can catch the fireworks display at Yas Bay Waterfront on December 2 at 9pm.
From Dh1,981 for two nights for two people, excluding taxes, prices vary between hotels; various locations, Yas Island; 600 511115; yasisland.com
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
A UAE residents offer is available over National Day weekend at this beachfront resort, with 15 per cent off best rates. This includes breakfast and a 15 per cent discount in selected restaurants. The hotel’s Grandest 36-hour weekend package is also available, which includes early check-in, a Saturday brunch, breakfast, poolside lunch and 6pm check-out.
December 1-3; prices vary; Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta; 02 654 3333; fairmont.com
Dubai
Atlantis The Royal
Dubai’s most famous new hotel is celebrating its first National Day and for the occasion the team at the Royal Tearoom is putting on a special Emirati afternoon tea. Priced at Dh440 for two people, pastry chef Christophe Devoille has crafted a selection of treats, including luqaimat topped with gold leaf, khanfaroosh drizzled with local mountain honey and halawet el jibn served tableside.
Pair the experience with a stay at the hotel by availing the UAE residents’ deal, which gives 20 per cent off on rates, plus dining discounts. To stay December 1 to 3 it will cost Dh21,411 per night for the Sky Pool Villa, with daily breakfast and access to the Royal Club Lounge, Nobu by the Beach pool, Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers aquarium.
December 1-3; from Dh21,411 per night for two in a Sky Pool Villa; Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah; 04 426 3000; atlantis.com
Vida Creek Beach
Another new Dubai hotel is marking its first UAE National Day with a special opening offer that gives guests 15 per cent off room rates, plus a free breakfast. Vida Creek Beach, which is on the shores of Dubai Creek Harbour, opened in October. Guests need to book their stay before November 30, for stays up until December 27.
Valid until December 27; from Dh935 per night over National Day weekend; Vida Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour; 04 542 8888; vidahotels.com
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Avail this family-friendly beachfront property’s Me & Also Me deal for National Day, offering up to 20 per cent off room rates with a complimentary breakfast. The hotel, on Dubai Islands waterfront, has plenty for children to enjoy, including a lazy river, splash park, water slides and lagoon pools. If you book directly through the website, you also get 10 per cent off food and beverages.
December 1-3; from Dh1,300 per night over National Day weekend; Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, Dubai Islands; 04 522 9999; centarahotelsresorts.com
Legoland Dubai Resort
The UAE National Day Playcation deal at Legoland Dubai Resort allows guests to stay in a Lego-themed room, have a free breakfast and get access to the theme park or water park where special activities are going on all weekend, including a scavenger hunt and character parades. Children aged two to 12 can also join sustainability-themed creative workshops for all stays between November 24 and December 3.
There’s also a National Day brunch on December 2 at Bricks Family Restaurant in the hotel from 1pm to 4pm, starting from Dh195 per adult and Dh99 per child aged three to 12.
Valid November 24-December 3; from Dh1,500 per night on December 1-2; Legoland Dubai Resort, Dubai Parks & Resorts; 04 825 1650; legoland.com/dubai
Fujairah
Palace Beach Resort Fujairah
This seaside resort in the north has a range of activities and deals on offer throughout National Day weekend. This includes a special afternoon tea for Dh98 per person at Al Bayt from December 1 to 3, as well as a themed dinner buffet at Ewaan on December 2 from 6.30pm to 10pm for Dh168 per person. An exclusive spa deal also offers 25 per cent off all services. There are no discounted room rates specially for the weekend, but if you book in advance directly through the website you can avail early-bird offers from Dh1,105 per night as opposed to Dh1,700.
December 1-3; Dh1,105 per night; Palace Beach Resort Fujairah, Corniche Road; 09 203 8899; addresshotels.com
Ras Al Khaimah
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
Guests checking in on December 2 will be given a locally sourced chocolate bonbon stuffed with Emirati dates, saffron and Jebel Jais dwarf bees’ honey. Saffar Kitchen Collective will add special Emirati breakfast and dinner dishes to the buffet options on December 2 and 3, while Ramsa Lounge is also hosting an Emirati-themed afternoon tea for Dh150 for two.
December 2 and 3; from Dh1,099 for stays, excluding taxes; InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, Hayat Island; 07 202 6666; icrasalkhaimah.com
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Results
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
SPECS
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Brief scoreline:
Liverpool 2
Mane 51', Salah 53'
Chelsea 0
Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Brief scores:
Arsenal 4
Xhaka 25', Lacazette 55', Ramsey 79', Aubameyang 83'
Fulham 1
Kamara 69'
The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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TOURNAMENT INFO
Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier
Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi
It
Director: Andres Muschietti
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor
Three stars
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
