With Eid Al Fitr just around the corner, if you're not heading overseas for the holidays, it might be a good time to take a staycation for a change of scenery and some much-needed rest and recreation.
The first day of the Eid holiday is predicted to fall on April 10 with most people enjoying either a four or five-day holiday.
Hotels across the country have plenty of Eid offers available to book, whether you fancy a beachfront stay on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, a scenic escape in Fujairah or an adventure in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Here are 13 of the best deals available this Eid Al Fitr, with something to suit everyone.
1. Hatta is calling at Terra Cabins by JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Eid Al Fitr marks the perfect time to make a break for the mountains, with a stay in the Terra Cabins at JA Hatta Fort Hotel. With pinewood facades and peak views of the Hajar Mountain range, these cabins come with all the amenities you need for a comfortable getaway including walk-in rain showers, multimedia projectors, minibars and comfortable beds.
Guests can use all of the facilities at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel including swimming pools, in-room dining, restaurants and leisure activities. There’s a two-night minimum stay over Eid to avail of the JA Moments offer which includes discounted rates and daily breakfast. And there are pet-friendly cabins too if you want to bring your pet along.
From Dh4,171 excluding taxes for two nights, two adults and two children under six; JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta; www.jaresortshotels.com
2. Waterfront views at Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain
Rolling waves and a pristine shoreline are on offer at Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain this Eid Al Fitr. Less than an hour from Dubai, the compact emirate has gorgeous natural surrounding and interesting historical sites as well as being home to Dreamland Aqua Park – a brilliant day out for families, and a lot cheaper than many alternatives across the UAE.
The Vida Beach Resort is set along the beautiful coastline, with chic decor inside as well as being both family and pet-friendly. Even better, over Eid they have 20 per cent off on staycation rates for UAE residents.
Rates from Dh1,253 over Eid; Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain; www.vidahotels.com
Read The National's first-hand hotel review of the property here.
3. Serenity and scenic views at Banyan Tree Dubai
You can be among the first to stay at Banyan Tree Dubai on Bluewaters Island. A world of serenity awaits at this tranquil escape right on the waterfront.
Hip Chinese dining at Demon Duck, impressive international cuisine at Alizee and lazy days around one of the city’s biggest swimming pool complexes are all on the menu for your stay. Children will love the splash park and children's club, and you’ll also have front-row seats to Dubai’s Eid fireworks from the spacious balcony.
This Eid, there's up to 20 per cent off room rates, plus daily breakfast, early check-in and late check-out. Guests can also enjoy 20 per cent discount on dining and spa services.
Rates from Dh2,200, including breakfast; Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island; www.banyantree.com
4. Kid-tastic fun at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is a family-friendly playground inspired by Thailand and Arabia. Over Eid, you can book an all-inclusive packages at the resort that allows children to eat ice cream, take part in fun activities and have yet another apple juice without parents having to worry about being hit with a huge bill at the end of the stay.
With nine restaurants, a children’s spa and an action-packed water park with cliff-diving platforms, rope-climbing course and small splash pad, the whole family will have plenty to do over the holidays.
Rates from Dh2,000; Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, Dubai Islands; www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Read The National's review of the hotel here
5. A desert embrace at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
The desert is waiting this Eid Al Fitr at the truly stunning Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Set in Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter, it’s around two and a half hours from Dubai and well worth the drive.
Burnt orange dunes and serenity abound at this Arabian-style resort where you can unwind by the lagoon-like swimming pool, head out on a nature walk, try some desert activities or indulge at the spa, where there's a multitude of treatments on offer. There’s also several dining options including a stunning rooftop bar which is the perfect spot for sundowners.
Half board stays in a Deluxe Garden Room start from Dh2,700 over Eid; Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi; www.anantara.com
6. A city stay at Address Sky View in Dubai
You can grab front row seats to Eid fireworks as well as a stunning city staycation in Downtown Dubai at Address Sky View. The skyscraper hotel has an infinity pool for adults on level 54 where in-water loungers and a huge decking area make the most of the city skyline views.
Qix Kids Club is open to little ones aged four to 12, and the family pool at the lobby level is for everyone. The Sky Retreat package this Eid will get you daily breakfast, 20 per cent off food and beverages and 20 per cent off spa treatments.
Rates from Dh2,349; Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai; www.addresshotels.com
7. Outdoor adventures at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah
For something a bit different over the coming holidays, Ras Al Khaimah is offering a stay on the UAE’s tallest mountain – at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp.
Special packages include an overnight stay for two people and three activities per person. Take your pick from high rope courses, abseiling, rock-climbing, hiking, archery or air-rifle shooting. Accommodation comes in the form a shipping container with bunk beds, a picnic table and barbecue facilities.
From Dh449 for two people; Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah; reservations@beargryllscamp.ae
8. Waterside living on Dubai's Queen Elizabeth 2
Dubai’s only floating hotel is welcoming guests on board over the Eid holidays. The QE2 is the place to discover maritime history and enjoy a drink in the city’s oldest pub.
Rooms come with uninterrupted sea views, and if you want to find out more about the fascinating story of the royal ship, a heritage tour shows what life was like on-board the ship during her sailing days.
This Eid, packages include complimentary upgrades to sea-view rooms, daily breakfast, late check-out and a special Eid dinner at Lido Restaurant.
From Dh549 for a classic room; Queen Elizabeth 2, Dubai; www.qe2.com
Read The National's review of the hotel here.
9. Fields of dreams at Al Habtoor Polo Resort in Dubai
Surrounded by expansive polo fields, the Al Habtoor Polo Resort is just 20 minutes from the heart of Dubai but feels a world away. The equestrian-inspired retreat has a beautiful Andalusian design and a gorgeous palm-lined infinity pool with a swim-up bar.
Active types can enjoy the tennis courts, archery and driving range and there are also equestrian activities on site. Over Eid, guests staying two nights in a deluxe room can enjoy complimentary breakfast at Andalusia restaurant and indulge in afternoon tea at the Equestrian Lounge.
From Dh1,840 per couple; Al Habtoor Polo Resort, Dubai; www.habtoorpoloresort.com
10. East coast vibes at the Address Beach Resort Fujairah
On the UAE’s east coast, Fujairah is a stalwart destination when it comes to staycations and one of its most recent additions is offering great deals over the Eid holidays. The Address Beach Resort Fujairah is set on the popular coastline of Al Aqah, and its three swimming pools and spa overlook the ocean.
Backed by the Hajar Mountain range, the temperatures here tend to be a little cooler and the ocean is thriving – with turtles, colourful fish and rays. The hotel’s Adventure Package makes the most of the marine magic, including a stay in a deluxe room with pool view, daily breakfast and a snorkelling trip for two.
From Dh1,700 per night; Address Beach Resort Fujairah, Al Aqah; www.addresshotels.com
11. Go glamping at Pura Eco Retreat Al Ain
A glamping experience awaits at Garden City, at the foot of Jebel Hafeet Mountain. Pura Eco Retreat offers two types of accommodation – a luxury safari-style lodge that's perfect for privacy or fully-equipped bubble dome tents that come with private plunge pools and epic stargazing windows.
The Unesco-listed surroundings are best explored via a nature walk or hiring a bike and you can enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the camp, under the star-filled night sky.
From Dh1,900 including breakfast; Pura Eco Retreat, Al Ain; visitabudhabi.ae
12. Creekside serenity at the Park Hyatt Dubai
The serene Park Hyatt Dubai is the place to escape to this Eid for something special. With a Riviera vibe along the Dubai Creek, this resort feels as though it's been transplanted directly from the Mediterranean.
The Amara Spa is the place to go for pampering while the Lagoon Beach by Twiggy, with its 100m infinity pool and private beach, is the perfect place for adults to unwind. Children can enjoy the family pool and children's club.
Over Eid, guests can enjoy early check-in and late check-out, plus complimentary breakfast and Dh200 towards dining at Brasseries Du Park, Noepe, The Lounge, The Thai Kitchen and Boardwalk.
From Dh2,287; Park Hyatt Dubai; www.hyatt.com
13. A palatial stay at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Opulent and elegant, the sweeping Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on the West Crescent of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah coastline is one for those looking for an elevated Eid escape.
Inspired by the Ottoman Empire, it is lined with glistening chandeliers and features 30,000 square metres of marble stone. Bragging rights with a stay here come from the fact that the decadent lobby was the setting for a scene in Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
Action films aside, it's home to a stunning private beach, temperature-controlled infinity pool, fantastic children's club and the country's largest spa. This Eid, UAE residents can enjoy up to 40 per cent off room rates, complimentary breakfast and spa treatment upgrades. An Eid-themed buffet will also be served over the holidays, from Dh260 per person.
From Dh1,504; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai; www.jumeirah.com
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch
Power: 710bhp
Torque: 770Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h
Price: Dh1,000,885
On sale: now
SPEC SHEET
Display: 10.9" Liquid Retina IPS, 2360 x 1640, 264ppi, wide colour, True Tone, Apple Pencil support
Chip: Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory: 64/256GB storage; 8GB RAM
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, Smart HDR
Video: 4K @ 25/25/30/60fps, full HD @ 25/30/60fps, slo-mo @ 120/240fps
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR, Centre Stage; full HD @ 25/30/60fps
Audio: Stereo speakers
Biometrics: Touch ID
I/O: USB-C, smart connector (for folio/keyboard)
Battery: Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours on cellular
Finish: Space grey, starlight, pink, purple, blue
Price: Wi-Fi – Dh2,499 (64GB) / Dh3,099 (256GB); cellular – Dh3,099 (64GB) / Dh3,699 (256GB)
Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Uefa Nations League: How it works
The Uefa Nations League, introduced last year, has reached its final stage, to be played over five days in northern Portugal. The format of its closing tournament is compact, spread over two semi-finals, with the first, Portugal versus Switzerland in Porto on Wednesday evening, and the second, England against the Netherlands, in Guimaraes, on Thursday.
The winners of each semi will then meet at Porto’s Dragao stadium on Sunday, with the losing semi-finalists contesting a third-place play-off in Guimaraes earlier that day.
Qualifying for the final stage was via League A of the inaugural Nations League, in which the top 12 European countries according to Uefa's co-efficient seeding system were divided into four groups, the teams playing each other twice between September and November. Portugal, who finished above Italy and Poland, successfully bid to host the finals.
Common OCD symptoms and how they manifest
Checking: the obsession or thoughts focus on some harm coming from things not being as they should, which usually centre around the theme of safety. For example, the obsession is “the building will burn down”, therefore the compulsion is checking that the oven is switched off.
Contamination: the obsession is focused on the presence of germs, dirt or harmful bacteria and how this will impact the person and/or their loved ones. For example, the obsession is “the floor is dirty; me and my family will get sick and die”, the compulsion is repetitive cleaning.
Orderliness: the obsession is a fear of sitting with uncomfortable feelings, or to prevent harm coming to oneself or others. Objectively there appears to be no logical link between the obsession and compulsion. For example,” I won’t feel right if the jars aren’t lined up” or “harm will come to my family if I don’t line up all the jars”, so the compulsion is therefore lining up the jars.
Intrusive thoughts: the intrusive thought is usually highly distressing and repetitive. Common examples may include thoughts of perpetrating violence towards others, harming others, or questions over one’s character or deeds, usually in conflict with the person’s true values. An example would be: “I think I might hurt my family”, which in turn leads to the compulsion of avoiding social gatherings.
Hoarding: the intrusive thought is the overvaluing of objects or possessions, while the compulsion is stashing or hoarding these items and refusing to let them go. For example, “this newspaper may come in useful one day”, therefore, the compulsion is hoarding newspapers instead of discarding them the next day.
Source: Dr Robert Chandler, clinical psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Khaldoon%20Bushnaq%20and%20Tariq%20Seksek%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Global%20Market%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20100%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20to%20date%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2415%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Kandahar%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ric%20Roman%20Waugh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EGerard%20Butler%2C%20Navid%20Negahban%2C%20Ali%20Fazal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
All the Money in the World
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Charlie Plummer, Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer
Four stars
EU Russia
The EU imports 90 per cent of the natural gas used to generate electricity, heat homes and supply industry, with Russia supplying almost 40 per cent of EU gas and a quarter of its oil.
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.
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Paris%20Agreement
%3Cp%3EArticle%2014%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E1.%20%5BThe%20Cop%5D%20shall%20periodically%20take%20stock%20of%20the%20implementation%20of%20this%20Agreement%20to%20assess%20the%20collective%20progress%20towards%20achieving%20the%20purpose%20of%20this%20Agreement%20and%20its%20long-term%20goals%20(referred%20to%20as%20the%20%22global%20stocktake%22)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E2.%20%5BThe%20Cop%5D%20shall%20undertake%20its%20first%20global%20stocktake%20in%202023%20and%20every%20five%20years%20thereafter%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Bridgerton%20season%20three%20-%20part%20one
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nicola%20Coughlan%2C%20Luke%20Newton%2C%20Jonathan%20Bailey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dresos%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20September%202020%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vladimir%20Radojevic%20and%20Aleksandar%20Jankovic%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fashion%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24285%2C000%3B%20%24500%2C000%20currently%20being%20raised%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Crowdfunding%2C%20family%2C%20friends%20and%20self-funding%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EShaffra%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDIFC%20Innovation%20Hub%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Emetaverse-as-a-Service%20(MaaS)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Ecurrently%20closing%20%241.5%20million%20seed%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%20Abu%20Dhabi%20and%20different%20PCs%20and%20angel%20investors%20from%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness'
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams
Rating: 3/5
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
How to increase your savings
- Have a plan for your savings.
- Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
- Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
- It's important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings.
- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels
Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
