With Eid Al Fitr around the corner and a potential five-day holiday on the cards for many people in the UAE, now might be the time to consider booking a staycation for some much-needed rest and recreation next month.
The holiday looks likely to begin on either Sunday, May 1 or Monday, May 2, and hotels across the country are already releasing staycation deals that coincide with the break.
From a scenic stay on Ras Al Khaimah's northern coastline to a family-friendly escape in Al Ain, if you fancy a change of scenery this Eid, there are plenty of places to choose from across the UAE.
Here are 11 staycation offers that you can book now for the coming holiday.
1. A family-friendly getaway at the Park Hyatt Dubai
Escape to Dubai Creek with Park Hyatt Dubai's Summer Surprises Staycation. Make the most of the resort’s 15 restaurants and bars with 20 per cent of your bill, plus daily breakfast included at Brasserie du Park for two adults and two children.
Enjoy the relaxing adults-only Lagoon Beach, plus two family swimming pools and let little ones enjoy The Cave Kids Club, ideal for children aged 3 to 10. Guests also have free access to mini golf and those with an interest in the sport can hit up the resort’s driving range free of charge. There's also preferential rates on golf, tennis and padel lessons for anyone who wants to improve their game. Top it all off with late check-out, subject to availability, and you have a mini getaway to remember.
From Dh1,445 including breakfast, excluding taxes; hyatt.com
2. City stays at Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Spend the holidays in the capital with a stay at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, where you’ll have perfect views over the waters of Al Maryah Island and a great location right in the heart of the city. The slick 34-storey hotel has a swimming pool, an underground spa and some fantastic dining options. Book two nights over the Eid holiday and you’ll get a third night free. Early check-in and late check-out is also included, so you can really feel like you’re taking a mini-holiday. If you’re just looking for a one-night getaway, the hotel's UAE Resident offer is also applicable over Eid, giving you 10 per cent off the daily rates as well as free breakfast at Majlis Lounge. Upgrades to the next room category (subject to availability) and late check-out is also included.
From Dh720 per night, including breakfast, excluding taxes; rosewoodhotels.com
3. Family fun at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
If you fancy a few days of family fun and laid-back relaxation this Eid, then the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort is worth considering. With a private beach, water sports, a spa and no less than seven swimming pools, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at this five-star resort. Rates include breakfast and, if you’re seeking privacy, book a beachfront villa where you’ll also get direct access to the shoreline. Unwind at The Spa, with 15 per cent discounts on massages, and a 10 per cent discount on facials. And while you unwind, the youngsters will be busy enjoying complimentary access to the newly refurbished children and teenagers Club.
From Dh1,100 in a standard room, Dh1,800 in a junior suite beach villa, including breakfast, excluding taxes; hilton.com
4. Animal magic and a stay at Al Ain Rotana
The Garden City, with its greenery, peaceful pace of life and countless decorated roundabouts is a good pick for a change of scenery this Eid. Book the Leisure package at Al Ain Rotana and you’ll get a complimentary buffet breakfast at Zest restaurant as well as free tickets to Al Ain Zoo, guaranteed to be a winner for those travelling with children. Meet lions, giraffes, gorillas and more at the zoo, which is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Al Ain Rotana is also well-placed for visiting the city's other attractions, such as Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort. With a huge swimming pool, Jacuzzi, six restaurants and bars, tennis and squash courts and beautifully manicured gardens, plus a Zen Spa, there's also plenty to enjoy without leaving the resort.
From Dh661.98 in a classic room, excluding taxes; rotana.com
5. Corniche views at The St Regis Abu Dhabi
Treat the family to an Eid staycation with style at The St Regis Abu Dhabi. Check into your spacious room with views overlooking the Arabian Gulf and get set to be pampered with the renowned St Regis service, which includes your own private butler. This Eid, you’ll also get daily breakfast for four and buffet dinner at The Terrace on The Corniche included in your rate. The St Regis Abu Dhabi is located right next to the Nation Galleria Mall, and has direct access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club, a health and fitness centre, a huge swimming pool and a 200-metre-long private beach. Adults can also unwind at Remede Spa, while children enjoy the Treasure Island Children's Club.
From Dh1,150 including taxes for stays in a Superior Room city view; marriott.com
6. Beachfront bliss at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
The recently opened InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa is set to celebrate its first Eid holiday with a special deal for in-house guests who book a stay in one of the resort villas. Stretching across two peninsulas, the northern emirate's first InterContinental hotel has a pristine shoreline, two temperature-controlled swimming pools, a fitness suite and a luxury spa with a Turkish hammam and 10 treatment rooms. Book a Seafront or Beachfront Private Pool villa this Eid, and as well as having your own private pool and complimentary breakfast, you'll get Dh250 back in resort credit to spend at the hotel's six restaurants and bars. Children will love Planet Trekkers, IHG's signature club that specialises in creating adventures for youngsters, while older children will be happy at the teenagers Club.
From Dh3,000 in a seafront or beachfront villa, excluding taxes; ihg.com
7. A 36-hour hideaway at Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Book the 36-hour escape at Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers. The sleek skyscraper hotel is ready to welcome staycationers from 6am over the Eid holidays, with a super-early check-in time. Settle into one of the hotel's superior suites where you'll have views over Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Marina and onto the Arabian Gulf. JLT’s highest rooftop pool is also to be found here and is the perfect place to cool off. When it comes to dining, take your pick from Paros, Shamian or the laid-back TJ’s sports bar. The next morning, you can tuck into a delicious breakfast then head back to the pool — as you won’t need to check out until 6pm.
From Dh600, excluding taxes; tajhotels.com
8. Waterfront stays at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
Holidays are best spent by the water which is why The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach is offering the Ultimate Beach Experience package this Eid. Located on a private strip of white sand backed by the Arabian Gulf, this island-inspired, all-villa resort is a great pick for a tropical getaway. The full-board package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner — the fresh seafood served at dinner is one of the highlights. You’ll also get 60 minutes of complimentary kayaking and archery as well as a 15-minute foot massage at the beachfront spa to help you unwind.
From Dh4,000, excluding taxes; ritzcarlton.com
9. A budget-friendly break at Studio One Hotel, Dubai
Weekend escapes to Dubai don’t have to be expensive. Book a night at Studio One hotel where rates start from Dh350 and include complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out. You can also enjoy your own cinema experience in the hotel’s Screening Room and get 20 per cent off food and drinks at The Void and Larte. If you’re travelling with youngsters, there's the option to upgrade to a family room, which comfortably sleeps two adults and two children. On site there's also a courtyard swimming pool, 24-hour fitness suite and several restaurants and bars, including The Irish Village, The Maine and Mr Miyagi's.
Dh350 per couple, excluding taxes, bookings via cu@studioonehotel.com; studioonehotel.com
10. A revved up stay at W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island
The glistening W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island is the only hotel located above an F1 racetrack and is the place to go for an action-packed Eid with a giveaway deal where guests get what they pay for their stay back in food and beverage credits. Check into your spacious room with wonderful, marvellous, spectacular and wow suites available, each of which comes with plush amenities, free Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted views of the racetrack or Yas Marina. There are two rooftop pools, a luxury spa and a wide choice of places where you can eat and drink. Take your pick from dining at Garage, where there's a funky food hall vibe, or eat Italian food at Amici, Indian cuisine at Angar or try curated drinks and bites at the W Lounge.
From Dh625, excluding taxes and with Dh625 back in dining credit; marriott.com
11. Sunset views at C Central Resort The Palm, Dubai
Take the family to Palm Jumeirah this Eid for some of the best views of the city's fireworks. Even better, you don't have to blow the budget if you book a stay at C Central Resort The Palm where The Ultimate Staycation deal is available for UAE residents. With 25 per cent off the best available room rates, you can take your pick from a premium room, a skyline suite or go for a palm suite, which comes with spacious balconies perfect for enjoying the sunset. Dining options include C Grill Restaurant and Bar, the hotel's modern steakhouse or Waves, the all-day dining restaurants. If you're lounging by the outdoor pool, you can enjoy refreshments and light bites at the pool bar and there's 15 per cent off all food and beverages for in-house guests.
From Dh695, excluding taxes; central-hotels.com
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test Thursday-Monday at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
Episode list:
Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery
Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges
Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic
Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks
Ep5: Travel and tourism
Who is Allegra Stratton?
- Previously worked at The Guardian, BBC’s Newsnight programme and ITV News
- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
- Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
- She has strong connections to the Conservative establishment
- Mr Sunak served as best man at her 2011 wedding to Mr Forsyth
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
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Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
