Eid getaways to fit all budgets - where all can you go from UAE?

From a city break to recharge those batteries to a European family adventure.

 

 You may not be able to afford a Kochi break, but with the difficult summer month coming to a close, here’s a perfect chance to getaway this Eid Al Fitr to recharge those batteries and indulge in a little relaxation as the mercury outside continues to rise.

City break

For those looking to enjoy a city-break during Eid Al Fitr, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC is offering an indulgent three-night getaway in a Deluxe Room, including a daily breakfast buffet in French Brasserie Can Can.

Guests will receive a complimentary dinner in the hotel’s majestic Majlis, where a ‘Chef’s choice’ family sharing menu will be served, consisting of specially selected Arabic dishes, created by the hotel’s team of talented Arabic chefs.

Also included in the package is one complimentary 50-minute massage and one 25-minute facial per stay, which along with a late check-out time of 6pm, means guests will leave feeling fully revitalised and ready to begin the busy season.

Package starts Dh1,425++ per room per night (minimum of three nights). Call: 04 372 2222

Local island indulgence

A beachfront tent with live entertainment and Whirling Derwishs to mesmerise you, the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is an ideal escape for those yearning for an island indulgence without boarding a flight.

Abu Dhabi’s Mediterranean-inspired haven offers travel connoisseurs and UAE families alike a unique three-night getaway for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

In addition to the fervent performances of the Tanoura dancer and belly dancer, the guests can also enjoy the soothing compositions by the Arabic Duo on the violin, Oud and Kanoon, surrounded by the beautiful sea breeze and sounds of the Arabian Gulf at resort’s exclusive beachfront tent, which will also serve a sumptuous a la carte menu.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort’s Eid Al-Fitr package starts from Dh3,200 and includes three nights’ accommodation, daily buffet breakfast for two and one dinner for two on any selected day at Olea. Call: 02 498 8888

GCC getaway

Considering a three-day break doesn’t give you much time to plan an elaborate holiday, why not just board a flight to a weekend escape somewhere in the GCC for pampering and relaxation.

Cool down this Eid at the only Thalassa Sea and Spa in the GCC. For those wondering, thalassotherapy allows you to take care of your body, offering lasting protection through a comprehensive approach that combines therapy, sports activities and a healthy diet through the use of seawater and aquatic plants.

This Eid, make the most of the Thalassa Escape and Luxury Room Overlooking the Sea packages and be introduced to two new treatments – Pressotherapy and the Aqua bike – at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq.

Enjoy the new treatments with the Thalassa Escape, which includes a lunch buffet at Saraya (beverages not included), a 30-minute Atlantic scrub affusion shower and much more for just Dh1,000. Call: +97317636363

Asian delight

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay is already a top attraction for Gulf-based families planning Eid vacations said Dubai-based tourism officials from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Gulf families are finalising plans for Eid holidays, which fall just before the start of the academic school year,” said Mohamed Hafez Marican, Area Director for the Middle East and Africa, STB. “Singapore offers a multi-ethnic twist on Eid Al-Fitr, and Gardens by the Bay is a sight that visitors will not want to miss out on.”

Gardens by the Bay spans an impressive 101 hectares and is nestled in the heart of Singapore’s new downtown, near the Marina Bay Sands.

The super park showcases 18, massive steel ‘supertrees’ that shoot up through the foliage, illuminating Singapore’s sparkling skyline.

The billion-dollar Gardens exhibit more than 220,000 plants from every continent except Antarctica, with 163,000 plants of more than 200 species of bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and tropical climbing flowers.

Also don’t miss out on the Flower Dome, featuring flora from the Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions, allowing nature lovers to get up close and personal with plant species like baobabs, indigenous to Madagascar, bottle trees, olive trees and date palms.

After taking in the one-of-a-kind green and educational experience, Gulf families who may have already visited the Harry Potter Exhibition at lushly green Mount Faber will want return for a joyride in one of Singapore Cable Car’s Angry Birds cabins.

The city-state has already received more than 14,000 visitors from the UAE for the first quarter of 2012, an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2011. Earlier this summer, STB predicted a 20 per cent spike in the number of Gulf visitors to Singapore.

So act now before you miss out on the fun.

Spanish spectacle for the family

With Emirates launching flights to Barcelona from July, now is the time to jet away an extend your Eid break by a few extra days for a delayed summer holiday.

Dotted with the eccentric Art-Nouveau creations of famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona boasts a bohemian and eclectic vibe.

 The city’s cobbled streets are lined with spectacular gothic cathedrals, Renaissance mansions and art galleries and the famed Spanish zest for life is engrained in the everyday, allowing for a truly authentic Spanish travel experience.

Emirates Holidays have dealings starting from Dh5,385 per person based on a four-night stay in a three-star hotel, including breakfast, return Economy flights, private car transfers and room tax and service charges.

If you have extra days, extend the holiday to zip down on Seville grand tour.

Gran Meliá Colón, located in the heart of the Andalusian capital, is a five-minute walk from the main sights and shopping areas, including Sierpes, Tetuán, Avenida de la Constitución and Plaza Nueva.

From 650€ (tax included) based on a minimum of two nights in a Superior Room for two adults and one child, including a breakfast buffet, games console and children’s treats upon arrival, this a deal you shouldn’t miss. Call: 800 5252 and +349 5450 5599

Romance under the stars

Known as the land of sugar and smiles, Mauritius is a spectacular natural wonder boasting crystal clear lagoons, endless coral reefs, sandy white beaches and stretches of sugar cane plantations.

Accommodation ranges from lavish resorts to intimate and relaxed boutique hotels with various activities to suit all.

Explore the lively waterfront of Port Louis for handmade souvenirs, take in the breathtaking views from Black River Gorges National Park or get your heart pumping with a host of water sports.

Emirates Holidays has options that start from Dh6,379 per person based on a four-night stay in a three-star hotel with breakfast and dinner, return Economy flights, private car transfers and room tax and service charges. Call: 800 5252.

Cool Ramadan in the Gold Coast

With those of you looking to plan their holidays from the last week of Ramadan itself couldn’t get a better escapade than the Gold Coast, Australia.

With a long history of welcoming Middle Eastern visitors and a large resident community, facilities for Muslims in Gold Coast, Australia keep getting better every year.

Aside from shopping and nature tours in the Tamborine Mountains, those fasting will be at ease as the Gold Coast Islamic Centre in Arundel welcomes tourists during the holy month, especially for Juma’a prayers.

The Centre will run its usual Rakaat Taraaweeh Salaat in which the entire Qur’an is completed over the course of the blessed month.

Iftaar is a warm, communal affair every evening, with food from various ethnic communities being served.

For those looking to adhere to their faith during Ramadan there are many facilities: the city has a host of halal butchers and halal restaurants for Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai food – even pizzas.

Many hotels employ special chefs to cater to their guests from the Middle East and many malls and theme parks offer prayer rooms. Given sufficient notice, hotels often go out of their way to accommodate special requests and the GCC visitor is sure to feel pampered and carefully attended to.

Like last year, the government will be setting up an evening Ramadan Lounge, this time at the brand new Hilton Surfer’s Paradise.

A joint initiative of Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism and the Hilton, the lounge will be manned by Arabic speaking staff, open through the Ramadan month and serve a variety of iftar foods and shisha.

All GCC nationals can take advantage of obtaining an Australian visas online and within 48 hours. 

 

 

By Bindu Suresh Rai

 

Dubai bus shelters to get internet connectivity

RTA's pilot project seeks to set up Wi-Fi hotspots in some facilities by year-end. Dubai: 

In addition to the world’s first air-conditioned bus shelters, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will soon boast another first — Wi-Fi-enabled bus shelters.

A pilot project is being planned to have Wi-Fi connectivity at some of the 400 new AC bus shelters to come up at new locations by the end of this year.

“We are currently doing feasibility studies and working out the modalities of having Wi-Fi at new bus shelters. Several vendors have approached us with their ideas and we are looking at the best possible options,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al Ali, Director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.

Elaborating further on possible ways to access the internet at different locations he said that only people using public transport services would be able to access it.

Linked to Nol cards

“We are trying to work out the issue of accessibility, we don’t want unwanted people to come and crowd bus shelters just to access the internet. We are planning to link it to the Nol payment system and only those who are actually waiting for a bus will be able to use it after punching their Nol cards,” added Al Ali.

Initially, the project will be tried out at some of the most popular locations and a survey is being conducted to identify potential areas.

“AC bus shelters is the RTA’s pioneer project and Wi-Fi will add more value to it, I don’t think there are such services in bus shelters in any part of the world,” said Al Ali, highlighting some of the RTA’s landmark initiatives.

On Top of the World

What does the world look like from 1483 feet? From the world's tallest building in the Dubai desert, travel photographer MITHUN BASAK brings these stunning images. 

Want to visit Dubai?

A visitor needs to get a new entry permit to re-enter the country once he or she leaves the country for any destination. The new entry permit will be issued only after one month from the date the visitor leaves the UAE

Dubai: Visas for visit, transit and tourism are valid only for a single entry into the UAE, said a senior official at the Ministry of Interior, adding that visitors cannot return using the same permit even after a trip to a neighbouring country.

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of the Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, told Gulf News: "A visitor needs to get a new entry permit to re-enter the country once he or she leaves the country for any destination. The new entry permit will be issued only after one month from the date the visitor leaves the UAE."

Major General Al Merri was responding to a question about visitors who face difficulties in returning to the UAE after a short sightseeing trip to Oman or after leaving in a hurry for a meeting in Bahrain. They cannot re-enter the UAE immediately since a new visa will be issued only after a gap of at least one month.

The rule applies even if the visitors leave the country before the expiry of their entry permits, he said. "They have to wait for one month before applying for another entry permit."

Major General Al Merri said this happens to some people who arrive on tourist or visit visas to see family or friends or visit the country as tourists.

"They stay here for few days and then decide to go to Oman, Bahrain or any nearby country. These people believe they can return to the UAE using the same entry permit as they stayed here only for a few days.

"They think the entry permit is still valid since they did not use it till the expiry date," he said.

Major General Al Merri said the department, however, could take into consideration any exceptional circumstances pertaining to a particular visitor. But such a decision is taken on case-by-case basis.

"We want to make it easy and enjoyable for people who want to visit our country. But they should adhere to the rules," he said.

Multiple entry

Multiple entry visas are an option for businessmen who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company here.

This visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and costs Dh1,000. However, each visit must not exceed 30 days.

Visit, tourist and transit visas are only for single entry.