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
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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
Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
Key fixtures from January 5-7
Watford v Bristol City
Liverpool v Everton
Brighton v Crystal Palace
Bournemouth v AFC Fylde or Wigan
Coventry v Stoke City
Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
Manchester United v Derby
Forest Green or Exeter v West Brom
Tottenham v AFC Wimbledon
Fleetwood or Hereford v Leicester City
Manchester City v Burnley
Shrewsbury v West Ham United
Wolves v Swansea City
Newcastle United v Luton Town
Fulham v Southampton
Norwich City v Chelsea
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
hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Ads on social media can 'normalise' drugs
A UK report on youth social media habits commissioned by advocacy group Volteface found a quarter of young people were exposed to illegal drug dealers on social media.
The poll of 2,006 people aged 16-24 assessed their exposure to drug dealers online in a nationally representative survey.
Of those admitting to seeing drugs for sale online, 56 per cent saw them advertised on Snapchat, 55 per cent on Instagram and 47 per cent on Facebook.
Cannabis was the drug most pushed by online dealers, with 63 per cent of survey respondents claiming to have seen adverts on social media for the drug, followed by cocaine (26 per cent) and MDMA/ecstasy, with 24 per cent of people.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
