Ramadan is right around the corner and with that comes shorter working hours and a renewed focus on spending quality time with loved ones.
Grab your friend and family and escape the hustle and bustle of the city or simply go explore what else the UAE has to offer with one of these top staycation deals.
From indulging in a bonfire-lit suhoor in Sharjah to enjoying the coast and mountain views in Fujairah, here are nine Ramadan stays to consider booking in April.
1. Rixos Bab Al Bahr — Ras Al Khaimah
Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah has special discounts on family stays this Ramadan. Book a minimum of two nights at the resort on Marjan Island and you'll get a 15 per cent discount on regular rates for family suites. Guests can also enjoy iftar in the resort’s all-day dining restaurant or at Turkish restaurant Lalezar, and suhoor is included for all in-house guests.
Guided sunset yoga classes and Pilates will run throughout the holy month to help guests ensure they remain active during their stay and there are discounted rates on traditional hammam and massage services.
If you’re not fasting, you can still avail of the discounted room rates and it’s business as usual at the hotel where there's also a packed entertainment schedule for little ones at Rixy Kids’ Club.
Ramadan stays from Dh3,700 in a family suite sleeping two adults and two children for two nights, all-inclusive, excluding taxes; Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah; rixos.com
2. Emirates Palace — Abu Dhabi
For a Ramadan to remember, consider a stay at the ultra-luxury Emirates Palace. Nestled opposite Abu Dhabi’s corniche, the palatial property is offering discounted room rates on stays during the holy month. Guests can get 20 per cent off rooms, and a 25 per cent discount when booking more than one room, ideal for larger families. There’s also complimentary iftar for two, and your choice of in-room suhoor or breakfast.
Early check-in and late check-out will guarantee your stay is a relaxed affair and children under 12 dine at the hotel outlets at no extra cost. You’ll also get a gift on departure as a memento of your Ramadan stay.
From Dh1,675 per night, Emirates Palace, W Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi; mandarinoriental.com
3. Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort — Fujairah
Delve into the spirit of relaxation at the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah’s Hajar mountains. With beautiful sea views and fresh mountain air, it’s the ideal place to reconnect with friends and family.
All guests get access to the hotel’s private beach and one of the largest swimming pools in the emirate as well as non-motorised water sports and beach activities. Children under 12 can stay free of charge and will also have access to the hotel's club for youngsters.
As the sun sets, enjoy iftar at Views, where a buffet-style dining experience is served accompanied by panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.
From Dh583 (weekdays), and Dh808 (weekends), excluding taxes. Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah; Marriott.com
4. Al Raha Beach Hotel — Abu Dhabi
Soak up the sunshine at Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Beach Hotel with a relaxing Ramadan staycation. Book a spacious room or ensure privacy in one of the hotel’s well-equipped villas. As well as having direct access to the resort’s pristine shoreline, guests checking in during the holy month will get 25 per cent off on food and beverages at the hotel’s restaurants.
Enjoy suhoor at the Saraya Tent and indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet at Sevilla. The newly renovated La Piscine restaurant and bar is the ultimate poolside spot if you want to take a dip and dine, and little ones can enjoy the hotel's outdoor play area, cinema and children's pool.
From Dh350 per room per night, excluding taxes; Al Raha Beach Hotel, Channel Street, Abu Dhabi; danathotels.com
5. Rove City Walk — Dubai
Within walking distance of the Coca-Cola Arena and all the shops, restaurants and cafes that this area has to offer, Rove City Walk is a good choice for a staycation this Ramadan if you want to be in the heart of Dubai.
The musical-themed hotel is also offering special room rates and each stay will include a complimentary iftar at The Daily restaurant. Even better, for every iftar consumed, you'll get a complimentary voucher valid for another iftar meal at any of Rove's The Daily restaurants, allowing you to share the love with family, friends or someone in need.
Ramadan staycation offers are available across all Rove Hotels, but rates vary depending on date and location.
From Dh542 per night, excluding taxes. Rove City Walk, Al Badaa Street, Al Wasl, Dubai; rovehotels.com
6. Mysk Moon Retreat — Sharjah
Take some time out this Ramadan to escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a trip to Mysk Moon Retreat amid the sand dunes of Sharjah's Mleiha.
While it's not a staycation of the traditional kind, the tented resort is offering guests access to private dome tents as a place to relax between enjoying a tasty iftar and a suhoor spread.
Late check-in during Ramadan starts at 5pm so that you don’t have too long to wait until breaking your fast. Feast on barbecue delights and then retreat to your tent where an outdoor terrace is a nice spot to sit and take in the night sky and a private plunge pool is a good place to cool off. Afterwards, enjoy suhoor at the communal bonfire area before heading back home.
From Dh999 per person, excluding taxes. Al Shuwaib-Umm Al Quwain Rd, Sharjah; mysk.com
7. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island — Abu Dhabi
Check in to Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi for an all-inclusive stay overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Book at least two nights to get special Ramadan room rates that come with a complimentary spa treatment at Spa Escape.
There’s also a private shoreline, several swimming pools, water sports and a wealth of restaurants to choose from, including iftar at all-day dining restaurant Turquoise. Mermaid restaurant will also be serving daily iftar and in-house guests can indulge here for a Dh50 supplement, which is worth it for the beautiful views over Saadiyat Island. Late-night suhoor is also on the menu.
Dh1,500 per room, per night, all inclusive, minimum 2-night stay; Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; Book through reservation.saadiyat@rixos.com; rixos.com
8. Dubai Edition — Dubai
Having opened in November, The Dubai Edition is offering guests a special staycation rate this Ramadan that includes suhoor and iftar during each stay. Check into the Ian Schrager-designed boutique hotel where you’ll have awesome views of Burj Khalifa and be in the vicinity of The Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera.
When the sun sets, get ready to enjoy a delicious iftar menu from the hotel’s upscale Italian restaurant Duomo where you’ll feast under an ever-changing artistic display cast on to vaulted cathedral ceilings. Later relax in your spacious room or suite and enjoy an intimate suhoor from the hotel’s in-room dining menu.
Dh1,999 per night per couple, excluding taxes. Dubai Edition, Fountain Street, Downtown Dubai, Dubai; marriott.com
9. The Chedi Al Bait - Sharjah
Escape to Sharjah for a peaceful Ramadan stay in one of the emirate's most upscale resorts. The Chedi Al Bait offers a quiet locale away from the bustle of the emirate where traditionally crafted, spacious rooms boast local Emirati designs.
Indulge in a twilight iftar at The Library, where a buffet-style spread features several Arabian dishes. The spa here spans 500 square metres and is the ideal place to unwind, with a plethora of treatments to choose from.
From Dh750 per room including breakfast or suhoor, or from Dh1,148 including breakfast or suhoor and iftar, Chedi Al Bait, Corniche Street, Sharjah; ghmhotels.com
Read more
Legoland Hotel Dubai review: where every child is a VIP - Hotel Insider
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
Company profile
Company name: Suraasa
Started: 2018
Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker
Based: India, UAE and the UK
Industry: EdTech
Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding
All Black 39-12 British & Irish Lions
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.
Did you know?
Brunch has been around, is some form or another, for more than a century. The word was first mentioned in print in an 1895 edition of Hunter’s Weekly, after making the rounds among university students in Britain. The article, entitled Brunch: A Plea, argued the case for a later, more sociable weekend meal. “By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch would make life brighter for Saturday night carousers. It would promote human happiness in other ways as well,” the piece read. “It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” More than 100 years later, author Guy Beringer’s words still ring true, especially in the UAE, where brunches are often used to mark special, sociable occasions.
HWJN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Yasir%20Alyasiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Baraa%20Alem%2C%20Nour%20Alkhadra%2C%20Alanoud%20Saud%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
More about Middle East geopolitics
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
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
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: CVT auto
Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km
On sale: now
Price: from Dh195,000
'The Sky is Everywhere'
Director:Josephine Decker
Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon
Rating:2/5
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
What is a black hole?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Kill%20Bill%20Volume%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Quentin%20Tarantino%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Uma%20Thurman%2C%20David%20Carradine%20and%20Michael%20Madsen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENetflix%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKris%20Fade%2C%20Ebraheem%20Al%20Samadi%2C%20Zeina%20Khoury%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Main%20%E2%80%93%206.7%22%20FHD%2B%20Dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%202640%20x%201080%2C%2022%3A9%2C%20425ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20up%20to%20120Hz%3B%20cover%20%E2%80%93%203%2F4%22%20Super%20Amoled%2C%20720%20x%20748%2C%20306ppi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%202%2C%204nm%2C%20octa-core%3B%20Adreno%20740%20GPU%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%2C%20One%20UI%205.1.1%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%20wide%20(f%2F1.8)%2C%20OIS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%4030%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%4060%2F240fps%2C%20HD%40960fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010MP%20(f%2F2.2)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203700mAh%2C%2025W%20fast%20charging%2C%2015W%20wireless%2C%204.5W%20reverse%20wireless%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Samsung%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nano-SIM%20%2B%20eSIM%3B%20no%20microSD%20slot%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cream%2C%20graphite%2C%20lavender%2C%20mint%3B%20Samsung.com%20exclusives%20%E2%80%93%20blue%2C%20grey%2C%20green%2C%20yellow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Flip%204%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh3%2C899%20%2F%20Dh4%2C349%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
US households add $601bn of debt in 2019
American households borrowed another $601 billion (Dh2.2bn) in 2019, the largest yearly gain since 2007, just before the global financial crisis, according to February data from the New York Federal Reserve Bank.
Fuelled by rising mortgage debt as homebuyers continued to take advantage of low interest rates, the increase last year brought total household debt to a record high, surpassing the previous peak reached in 2008 just before the market crash, according to the report.
Following the 22nd straight quarter of growth, American household debt swelled to $14.15 trillion by the end of 2019, the New York Fed said in its quarterly report.
In the final three months of the year, new home loans jumped to their highest volume since the fourth quarter of 2005, while credit cards and auto loans also added to the increase.
The bad debt load is taking its toll on some households, and the New York Fed warned that more and more credit card borrowers — particularly young people — were falling behind on their payments.
"Younger borrowers, who are disproportionately likely to have credit cards and student loans as their primary form of debt, struggle more than others with on-time repayment," New York Fed researchers said.
