Lounging next to the pool is one of the best ways to cool down in the summer.
For those staying back in or travelling to the UAE, plenty of hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah offer day passes throughout August and September.
From a day at the newly opened adults-only Anantara Santorini to an infinity pool with stunning skyline views of Dubai, here are some of the best daycation deals available this summer.
Day passes in Abu Dhabi
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi has an all-inclusive daycation pass that comes with pool and beach access, as well as a buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch. There are four swimming pools on-site – two for families, one for children and one for adults. The latter also has a swim-up bar.
Dh399 for adults, Dh199 for children aged three to six on weekdays, or Dh499 per adult, Dh249 for children on weekends and public holidays, children below three are free; Al Marina; 02 498 0000
The Abu Dhabi Edition
The hotel in Al Bateen offers a day pass that includes access to the pool, a 30-minute massage and Dh100 worth of redeemable credit on food and drinks. The secluded pool is set against the marina skyline and has private cabanas and sun loungers.
Dh400 per adult; Al Bateen; 02 208 0000
Anantara Santorini
The newly opened adults-only hotel on the shores of Ghantoot has a day pass that comes with pool and beach access, as well as Dh200 credit to use on food and drinks. To replicate Santorini’s famed white and sugary soft feeling, sand on the beach was brought in from Algeria.
Until August 31; Dh500 per person; Ghantoot; 02 817 0000
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
About a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi and a little over two hours from Dubai, the resort in the Empty Quarter of the Liwa desert offers a day pass. It includes access to amenities such as the main pool – which has stunning views of the dunes – and dining at poolside bar Ghadeer or rooftop lounge Suhail. Treatments at the Anantara Spa are available for an additional cost. Adults get Dh100 back in dining credit, while children get Dh65.
Until September 30; Dh260 per adult, Dh130 per child aged 11 or below; Al Mirayr; 02 886 2088
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
The Palace Pass gives access to the hotel's pools and private beach facilities. There are two sprawling swimming pools on-site, one on the east and one on the west side of the hotel. They come with sun loungers, Jacuzzi jets and poolside bar service. For children, there are two water slides as well as the AquaFun Park, an inflatable obstacle course on the 1.3km stretch of private beach. Guests will also get also Dh100 back in dining credit.
Dh300 per adult on weekdays, or Dh350 per adult on weekends; Corniche; 02 690 9000
Day passes in Dubai
Address Beach Resort
The hotel's Swim & Dine offer includes the option of a breakfast buffer or a bento box lunch at The Restaurant, or a two-course set menu at Beach Grill in addition to pool and beach access. There are three ground pools including a family pool and two adult-only pools that all offer oceanfront views.
Until August 31; 9am to sunset; Dh238 per adult; The Walk, JBR; 04 879 8888
Voco Monaco Dubai
The adults-only resort in the Heart of Europe development on The World Islands is a 35-minute boat ride across the Arabian Gulf. For those seeking a day escape, the pass offers access to the hotel’s massive swimming pool and Lagoon Pool Bar, in which there are daily DJ sets. There is also a 700-metre private beach. The offer includes Dh150 credit that is redeemable on food and drinks.
Dh200 per adult; The Heart of Europe; 04 549 0800
NH Collection the Palm
The first NH Collection in the Middle East has a pool day pass at View 180, which calls itself the “most Instagrammable rooftop infinity pool” with 360º views of Dubai Marina and Dubai Eye. Sunbeds and cabanas are available.
From Dh150 per adult; 10am to 6pm; Palm Jumeirah; 04 549 7777
Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites
Rixos on the Palm has an all-inclusive daycation package that includes buffet breakfast and lunch at A La Turca, unlimited drinks at Bodrum Lounge or Bar1 and complimentary pool and beach access. Little ones can also explore Rixy Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool. Use the code Social15 to get a 15 per cent discount, while two children between the ages of one and 12 go free with a paying adult.
Dh399 per weekday, or Dh499 on weekends; Palm Jumeirah; 04 457 5555
Banyan Tree Dubai
The hotel has a pool and beach day pass that comes with Dh300 redeemable food and drink credit at either Alizee restaurant or Alizee Pool & Beach. There are three chilled pools and a private beach that spans 500 metres and overlooks the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai.
Dh300 per adult from Mondays to Thursdays, Dh400 from Fridays to Sundays, children under 12 are free; Bluewaters Island; 04 556 6666
Day pass in Sharjah
The Chedi Al Bait
The Chedi Al Bait has two summer day pass and dining options. The first is a 60-minute massage with full access to the oasis-style pool for Dh450 per person, while the second is lunch at The Restaurant along with pool access at Dh220 per person. These are on until September 30.
Until September 30; Heart of Sharjah; 06 502 555
Day pass in Fujairah
Fairmont Fujairah
Fairmont Fujairah has a pass that offers all-day access to its chalet at Lava Beach Club that comes with beach and pool facilities. Little ones will also get access to the hotel's children's club, play area and games. There are two options – Dh350 per chalet with Dh200 credit in food and beverage for two adults and two children, or Dh500 per chalet with unlimited drinks from the selected menu.
9am to 5pm; Suwayfah; 09 204 1111
Day passes in Ras Al Khaimah
BM Beach Resort
The animal-friendly resort has a day pass that comes with pool and beach, unlimited drinks and a buffet lunch at Oasis restaurant. There’s also access to the hotel’s dog-friendly facilities (including a stretch of beach for furry friends) and dining.
Dh160 per person; Al Nadiyah; 07 203 4000
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
The popular hotel reopened at the end of last year after an extensive renovation. It currently has a Vitamin Sea and Sun pass that includes beach and pool access, as well as dining credit back in the form of Dh150 per adult. There are several pools to choose from, including the main pool, adults-only sunset pool and a water park area with slides.
Dh200 per adult on weekdays, Dh250 per adult on weekends; Al Hamra Village; 07 203 5555
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
The daycation pass from the InterContinental offers access to the hotel’s infinity pool, private beach and health club that has a sauna and whirlpool. There’s also Dh100 redeemable credit per adult on food and drinks from noon to 4pm.
8am to 7pm; Dh200 per adult from Monday to Thursday, Dh350 per adult from Friday to Sunday, Dh100 for children aged five to 12; Mina Al Arab; 07 202 6666
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
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
RESULT
Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Manchester United 5
Galaxy: Dos Santos (79', 88')
United: Rashford (2', 20'), Fellaini (26'), Mkhitaryan (67'), Martial (72')
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Our House, Louise Candlish,
Simon & Schuster
Takreem Awards winners 2021
Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)
Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
Excellence in Education: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) (Qatar)
Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)
Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)
Young Entrepreneur: Omar Itani (Lebanon)
Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
WRESTLING HIGHLIGHTS
Match info
Australia 580
Pakistan 240 and 335
Result: Australia win by an innings and five runs
SQUAD
Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Adel Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Bandar Al Ahbabi, Mohammed Barghash, Salem Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Hassan Al Mahrami, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Yousef Jaber, Saeed Ahmed, Majed Sorour, Majed Hassan, Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Khalil Al Hammadi, Fabio De Lima, Khalfan Mubarak, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Ali Saleh, Caio Canedo, Muhammed Jumah, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue, Zayed Al Ameri
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
'The Sky is Everywhere'
Director:Josephine Decker
Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon
Rating:2/5
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Barbie
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Greta%20Gerwig%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Margot%20Robbie%2C%20Ryan%20Gosling%2C%20Will%20Ferrell%2C%20America%20Ferrera%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Zayed Sustainability Prize
