The Weekend Getaways To Book For UAE National Day

If you’re looking to feel a sense of history in every corner, Beirut is where the Middle East meets the Mediterranean. Stay at stunning Hotel Albergo in the heart of lively Gemmayzeh, which puts you steps from the city’s vibrant cafés, bars and galleries. By night, travellers can bar and restaurant hop through Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael, or grab a quick gourmet shawarma at Em Sherif Deli before heading to Burj Hammoud for unique jewellery finds. Culture lovers can explore the Sursock Museum, while a trip to Jounieh offers the chance to try fresh fish, rounding out a weekend that blends heritage, culture and the city’s infectious energy.

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Just under three hours from the UAE, Desert Rock Hotel on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast feels otherworldly from the moment you arrive. Fly into Al Wajh or Umluj and be transported to a secluded retreat carved into the desert cliffs. The hotel blends raw stone landscapes with contemporary design, offering panoramic views of the surrounding rocky terrain and expansive desert horizon. Guests can explore hiking trails, unwind in the infinity pool, indulge in amazing spa treatments or stay active in the state-of-the-art gym. Dining is also a major highlight, with three distinct and delicious restaurants on-site. 

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Compact yet captivating, Yerevan – the capital of Armenia – is only a three-hour flight from the UAE. The city blends Soviet-era architecture with European and Middle Eastern influences, and is set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Ararat. Stay at the new Marriott Courtyard on Pushkin Street, one of Yerevan’s prettiest and most vibrant areas, lined with cafés, bars and some standout restaurants. Start at the steps of Cascade, a monumental stairway dotted with contemporary sculptures and terraces offering stunning panoramic views. Art lovers will revel in the abundance of galleries and museums, while foodies can sample modern Armenian cuisine. For a memorable day trip, head to the calm waters of Lake Sevan or visit Garni Temple, a striking remnant of Armenia’s pagan heritage.

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Just a short one-hour flight from the UAE or a scenic drive through Oman’s rugged mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar is perched high in the spectacular Hajar range, offering breathtaking canyon views and a serene escape from city life. The resort’s contemporary design blends seamlessly with the dramatic natural surroundings, while guests can unwind in the infinity pool, enjoy spa treatments or explore walking trails that wind through the dramatic cliffs. For those looking to venture further, Muscat is within easy reach (it’s a two-hour drive), offering souks, forts and a vibrant culinary scene.

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Part of the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the luxurious Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas awaits. Getting there from the UAE takes only around four hours by plane, followed by a short seaplane or speedboat transfer arranged by the resort. At this island paradise, guests can choose between over-water or beachfront villas, all of which include private pools. Snorkelling and swimming in the biodiverse house reef are a must, with over 300 fish species and 130 coral varieties to explore. Families will love the kids’ club, which features a trampoline park and rock-climbing wall, as well as an open-air cinema under the stars. For stargazers, the resort’s SKY observatory boasts the Maldives’ most powerful telescope. From swimming with manta rays to exploring the cosmos, Anantara Kihavah combines adventure and tranquillity in one unforgettable escape.

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