Along with New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, the arrival of a new burger chain and actually being able to find a taxi at 8pm on a Friday, the prospect of a long Eid weekend is one of the highlights of every hard-working Dubaian’s calendar.
TimeOut Dubai has put together a guide to help you make the most of your time off, whether it is weekends on the water or ice parks in the desert. And if you’re planning a longer break, here are a few overseas packages that will deliver you back to the city feeling refreshed and re-energised.
Visit the capital Abu Dhabi
How far from Dubai: From Dubai Marina to the centre of Abu Dhabi, the drive is around 90 minutes, while Dubai Marina to Yas Island will take you around an hour.
What’s worth doing?
Check out theme and waterparks: Even CEOs like to shriek their way down a waterslide sometimes. Banish the Blackberry and hit the flumes at the UAE’s newest waterpark on Yas Island. Yas Waterworld boasts a thrilling tornado slide, the Middle East’s longest suspended rollercoaster, a surf pool, the terrifying ‘Jebel Drop’ and many more to lodge your heart firmly in your throat. Better yet, the current offer means if you book four tickets online, you’ll only pay for three. Also located on Yas Island is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, currently the world’s largest theme park and home to the fastest rollercoaster on the planet – use this weekend to tick that one off your bucket list. Yas Waterworld: AED240 (adults), AED195 (kids), www.yaswaterworld.com (02 414 2000). Ferrari World: AED240 (adults), AED195 (kids), www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com (02 496 8000).
Kayak in the mangroves: Explore the capital’s unique landscape. Made up of islands, the best way to discover the abundance of wildlife in the region is by boat – specifically, kayak. A relaxed, gentle pursuit, paddling around Abu Dhabi’s mangroves is an accessible activity whatever your age or fitness level, and Dive Mahara offers trips in the morning, lunchtime or afternoon. While it’s still rather warm, you can also try a picturesque sunset tour. From AED150 Eastern Mangroves, AED200 Yas Links. Dive Mahara, www.divemahara.com (02 643 7377).
Discover Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in the UAE and one of the largest in the world, this important cultural landmark is open to visitors every day (except certain hours on a Friday). With 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, the mosque’s first ceremony was the funeral of the late Sheikh Zayed, founding father of the UAE. As a religious site, there is a strict dress code – men must cover their shoulders and wear trousers, while women must cover their hair, arms, bodies and legs, though full-length black abayas are provided upon arrival. Tours are available throughout the day, but visitors are welcome to look around without a guide. Free. Sun-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri 5pm-10pm. Between Maqta and Mussafah Bridges, www.szgmc.ae (02 419 1919).
Stay at: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Stay at this inner-city hotel and get a buffet breakfast for two in Urban Kitchen, two tickets to Yas Waterworld or Ferrari World, a one-way taxi to either of the parks, 50 percent off laundry, 20 percent off spa treatments, 15 percent off food and drinks, a free baby cot or rollaway bed for kids under 12 and free use of the kids’ club. From AED700 per room per night. Until December 31. Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, www.dusit.com (02 698 8888).
Tilal Liwa: Head out into the emirate’s desert region and kick back at this serene hideaway. The Eid deal includes a buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids under the age of 12, plus a 20 percent discount on all food and drinks and free access to a range of recreational facilities. From AED530. October 3-10. Liwa, www.danathotels.com (02 894 6111).
source: arabianbusiness.com
Tags: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Eid Holidays in UAE, Eid Vacations, Eid weekends in uae, ferrari world abu dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Tilal Liwa, Top travel destinations, When & Where, yas waterworld
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