Top 10 Eid Getaways Within The UAE

With the Eid Al Fitr break just around the corner, many UAE residents are frantically making last-minute holiday plans. But with uncertainty still lingering about the exact dates, many options are on hold.

If you are craving a quick getaway, but have no plans yet, here are some escape options close to home.

Liwa, Abu Dhabi

Take a long drive through the deserts of Abu Dhabi to the Liwa Oasis, located at the northern edge of the Empty Quarter. Famed for its massive shifting dunes, the area offers great outdoor adventure opportunities and is a popular camping spot.

You can also pop into the idyllic four-star Tilal Liwa hotel for a meal or try out the hotel’s camel trek.

Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain

If you are looking to drive through a mountainous terrain rather than a sandy one, take a winding drive up to the second highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Hafeet. The 1,240 metre tall rocky peak, located in Al Ain, promises sweeping views of the UAE and Oman.

You can also slot in a leisurely stopover at the Mercure Jebel Hafeet hotel near the peak.

Khor Fakkan, Sharjah

Surrounded by Fujairah, Khor Fakkan is a picturesque town with lazy beaches and tiny shops. While sun-bathing is a popular pastime, if you are seeking more than a languid day on the beach, there’s the beautiful Wadi Wurrayah, a valley that is located 15 kms inland from the main city and is accessible by four-wheel drive.

Khor Kalba, Sharjah

The highly acclaimed mangroves of Khor Kalba, now located within a government-protected site, are unfortunately not accessible to visitors. But interested bird-watchers can explore the area, rich with the Arabian Collared Kingfisher and Sykes’s Warbler, from the entrance.

Close to Khor Kalba is also the scenic Kalba corniche, where you can relax and unwind under shady trees while listening to idle bird chatter and the soothing sounds of the sea.

Hatta, Dubai

A popular destination among UAE residents, Hatta, located in the Hajjar mountains, is a nice long rugged drive from Dubai. The heritage village in Hatta depicts the traditional Emirati way of life, and makes for an interesting visit.

Ensure that you allocate sometime to wander through the dozens of street shops on the route, that sell a wide variety of products ranging from carpets and plants to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

For a unique wild encounter, take a boast ride to Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in the region. You can choose to go on a guided walk, go kayaking on the waterways, opt for a nature and wildlife drive or even go mountain biking on the island.

The island is also home to the ultra-luxurious Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, where you can enjoy a meal or spend the night.

Ras Al Khaimah

If you want to soak up some history or the sun, head to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The emirate promises long stretches of pristine sandy beaches, with stunning sunset views. For a dose of culture, visit the site of the ruined Dhayah fort, believed to have been the palace of Balqis, the legendary queen of Sheba.

Falaj Al Mualla, Umm Al Quwain

Located in the less frequented emirate of Umm Al Quwain, Falaj Al Moalla is an inland oasis, which lies some 50 kilometres from the city. The rustic town in Wadi Batha offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the locals, who mainly depend on agriculture.

You can also visit Seneyah Island, just one kilometre away from the town of Umm Al Quwain, a natural reserve boasting a plethora of birds.

Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai

If you truly want to pamper yourself, then indulge in an overnight stay at the opulent Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa. Located in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the resort is surrounded by indigenous Arabian wildlife such as the majestic Arabian oryx and gazelles, viewable from the hotel’s infinity pool or the sun deck.

You can also go on a camel trek to enjoy some stunning desert vistas.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

If you fancy a weekend cut-off from the world, head out to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, nestled within Dubai’s desert dunes. The luxurious retreat is built in an Arabic fort setting and located around an oasis. Featuring seven restaurants and bars, the resort is a gastronomer’s delight.