One thing the UAE isn't short of is sand. Each of the emirates has vast deserts where the colour of the grains are unique, from the rust-coloured dunes in the iron-rich sands of Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter to the pristine white mounds that pepper Dubai's sodium-filled sandscapes. If it's sand that you seek, then sand you can very much have.
And while there's something magical about camping under a starlit sky in the middle of the desert, sometimes you want all the beauty of the dunes coupled with a few more home comforts. That's where the country's best desert resorts come in.
As well as offering captivating sunsets and endless sandy vistas, these hotels dotted across the country also have fantastic dining options, luxury spas and a very comfortable place to lay your head when night falls.
And for those who want to do more than drink in the views, there are activities on offer to make the most of the desert playgrounds – whether that's through a spot of archery, sandboarding down a dune or getting to know more about falcons, salukis and camels.
From The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert resort to Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah and the hidden Telal resort in Al Ain, here are the best desert resorts in the UAE for staycation inspiration the next time you want to escape to the dunes.
1. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
When a resort has its own private road that drifts over uninterrupted orange dunes then through a fortress-like entrance, you can almost guarantee it's going to be something special.
And that's exactly what Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Sarab is. This destination resort has played host to all manner of celebrities, most recently the cast of Dune. Located deep in the Rub Al Khali desert, expect breathtaking landscapes: every room, suite and villa comes with sunset views. A sunrise camel trek is a wonderful way to welcome the next morning or find out more about salukis and falcons – the long-time friends of desert dwellers. Wind down at the newly renovated swimming pool, zoned to ensure families, couples and groups all get the type of pool day they want. The children's club and teens club will keep youngsters happy and adults can enjoy the luxury spa located in this desert mirage.
Summer special rates including breakfast start from Dh999; www.anantara.com
2. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Located in the midst of 500 acres of desert in the northern part of the emirate, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert has 101 villas spread generously across the protected Al Wadi Nature reserve. Part of the Wadi Khadeja valley, the property's sand dunes, free-roaming wildlife and polished interiors inspired by local materials make it a great choice for those seeking an Arabian-styled retreat.
The tented villas are spacious and each comes with a huge private swimming pool and sundeck cabana. There are plenty of desert activities on offer, including horse riding and wildlife walks, and there's a fully-equipped children's club too.
Rooms start from Dh2,000; www.ritzcarlton.com
3. Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai
Despite the competition, Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai is perhaps one of the emirate's best retreats. Part of the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this place guarantees privacy and the chance to reconnect with nature.
As well as desert dunes, the reserve has beautiful oases filled with lush palm trees where gazelle, sand cats and Arabian red foxes can be spotted. There are plenty of desert activities on offer, including falconry displays and night-time wildlife drives. All villas come with their own private pool and terrace areas and the options for in-suite dining are as varied as the hotel's restaurants.
Until the end of October, the resort is running its Welcome Back promotion, which includes all meals, two activities and Dh400 back in resort credit. Rates start from Dh3,674; www.al-maha.com
4. Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah
About an hour from Sharjah, the Mysk Al Badayer Retreat is set against the dunes close to the emirate's southern border in the desert area of Margham. Inspired by an Arabian castle, rooms are filled with traditional artefacts and design touches and there's a real sense of Emirati hospitality.
There are two restaurants to choose from or you can opt to dine in-suite and there's also an indoor pool for when you need to cool off from the midday sun. Outside, there are lots of activities on offer to make the most of the dune-filled playground, including sand boarding, desert safaris and dune bashing. At night, the stargazing opportunities here are something truly special.
Rooms start from Dh390; www.myskhotels.com
5. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai
Bab Al Shams, on the outskirts of Dubai, is a great family-friendly option if you want to enjoy the dunes without having to travel too far into the desert. It's about 45 minutes from Dubai, but once you get checked in you'll feel like you're much further away. Rooms fuse traditional design with modern amenities and each comes with its own majlis area.
There are several swimming pools and beautifully -kept gardens where you can reconnect with nature – gazelles, birds and more call this section of the desert home. At night, the resort is peppered with the light of candles, lanterns and flame-torches, and you'll feel as if you're wandering around an Arabian palace. There is also lots to keep children entertained, including horse riding, fat biking and camel treks.
Rates from Dh638; www.babalshams.com
6. Tilal Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi
If you want desert seclusion without too big of a price tag then the Tilal Liwa Hotel is a good option. Getting here involves a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, but upon arrival you'll be rewarded with the endless dunes of the Empty Quarter as your playground.
The resort is built in keeping with traditional Arabian architecture, and rooms either look out to the desert sands or over the swimming pool and gardens. Making the most of its location, the hotel's activity team are on hand to sign guests up for quad biking, dune bashing or sand boarding antics. At night, gather around the bonfire to stare at the starlit sky, which glows bright thanks to very little light pollution in the region.
Rooms start from Dh338; www.danathotels.com
7. Telal Resort, Al Ain
Located on the outskirts of Al Ain in the Remah desert, Telal Resort is a real hidden gem. Recreating a traditional Emirati experience for guests, the property is inside a natural oasis that's also home to gazelles, oryx, houbara, swans and more. Rooms, suites or tented villas are on offer and each comes with either an outdoor terrace, garden or private pool.
There's a zip line, table tennis, archery, sand boarding and more to keep everyone entertained, or you can slow things down at the Desertology spa. Zaman Lawal Heritage Village is also part of this hideaway, and is ideal for those who want to discover more about the area's past. Shop in the traditional souq or visit the house of good fortune, which showcases the importance of date palms in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. There's also an interesting exhibition detailing the history of pearl diving, which includes the Jalibut – an old boat that was used for diving trips in days gone by.
Summer rates are valid until the end of September and start from Dh600 at weekdays, including breakfast; www.telalresort.ae
8. Mysk Al Faya Retreat, Sharjah
Part of Sharjah's Mleiha region, Mysk Al Faya is in a great location for anyone who wants to explore this history-steeped area. This eco-friendly boutique hotel lies at the foothills of the region's sandy mountains and has only five suites to offer, so you can expect personal service every time you stay.
The design is minimilast modern, while managing to remain very much in keeping with the landscape. Rooms all have a skylight so you can drink in the star-filled skies from the comfort of your bed and there are fire pits to gather around when the sun goes down.
The highlight is a 118-square-kilometre spa with a salt inhalation room, shower walk, herbal sauna and outdoor saltwater pool.
Rooms start from Dh999; www.myskhotels.com
9. Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
The Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa is part of Marriott's Luxury Collection and the focus here is firmly on tranquility. It's nestled about 45 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi among the dunes and not too far from Al Wathba Wetland Reserve where you can see hundreds of greater flamingos.
The resort's design is in keeping with the desert surrounds – rooms and suites are minimal but filled with local details and traditional artwork. In keeping with tradition, there are various activities on offer that reveal more about Bedouin life, including a session with a skilled falconer and his birds and the discovery of camel-racing heritage at Al Wathba camel racetrack.
The resort has a large swimming pool and a children's paddling area as well as a huge spa. Guaranteeing serenity, it has indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, salt rooms, snow caves, a hammam and even an Icelab Cryo experience.
Rooms start from Dh637, including breakfast; www.marriott.com
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Six pitfalls to avoid when trading company stocks
Following fashion
Investing is cyclical, buying last year's winners often means holding this year's losers.
Losing your balance
You end up with too much exposure to an individual company or sector that has taken your fancy.
Being over active
If you chop and change your portfolio too often, dealing charges will eat up your gains.
Running your losers
Investors hate admitting mistakes and hold onto bad stocks hoping they will come good.
Selling in a panic
If you sell up when the market drops, you have locked yourself out of the recovery.
Timing the market
Even the best investor in the world cannot consistently call market movements.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
PFA Team of the Year: David de Gea, Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Alonso, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Spain drain
CONVICTED
Lionel Messi Found guilty in 2016 of of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying €4.1m in taxes on income earned from image rights. Sentenced to 21 months in jail and fined more than €2m. But prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of €252,000.
Javier Mascherano Accepted one-year suspended sentence in January 2016 for tax fraud after found guilty of failing to pay €1.5m in taxes for 2011 and 2012. Unlike Messi he avoided trial by admitting to tax evasion.
Angel di Maria Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Angel di Maria was fined and given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud during his time at Real Madrid. But he is unlikely to go to prison as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying sentence of less than two years.
SUSPECTED
Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid's star striker, accused of evading €14.7m in taxes, appears in court on Monday. Portuguese star faces four charges of fraud through offshore companies.
Jose Mourinho Manchester United manager accused of evading €3.3m in tax in 2011 and 2012, during time in charge at Real Madrid. But Gestifute, which represents him, says he has already settled matter with Spanish tax authorities.
Samuel Eto'o In November 2016, Spanish prosecutors sought jail sentence of 10 years and fines totalling €18m for Cameroonian, accused of failing to pay €3.9m in taxes during time at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.
Radamel Falcao Colombian striker Falcao suspected of failing to correctly declare €7.4m of income earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 while at Atletico Madrid. He has since paid €8.2m to Spanish tax authorities, a sum that includes interest on the original amount.
Jorge Mendes Portuguese super-agent put under official investigation last month by Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Falcao, a client of his. He defended himself, telling closed-door hearing he "never" advised players in tax matters.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 1
Alonso (62')
Huddersfield Town 1
Depoitre (50')
How England have scored their set-piece goals in Russia
Three Penalties
v Panama, Group Stage (Harry Kane)
v Panama, Group Stage (Kane)
v Colombia, Last 16 (Kane)
Four Corners
v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via John Stones header, from Ashley Young corner)
v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via Harry Maguire header, from Kieran Trippier corner)
v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, header, from Trippier corner)
v Sweden, Quarter-Final (Maguire, header, from Young corner)
One Free-Kick
v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, via Jordan Henderson, Kane header, and Raheem Sterling, from Tripper free-kick)
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
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.”
Brief scoreline:
Crystal Palace 2
Milivojevic 76' (pen), Van Aanholt 88'
Huddersfield Town 0
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
Pakistan World Cup squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez(subject to fitness), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain
Two additions for England ODIs: Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali
