The United Arab Emirates has long been one of the most favorite travel destinations for our travelers. A large selection of hotels of different concepts, a year-round beach season, a high level of service, simple conditions for obtaining a visa - all this makes the UAE one of the most attractive countries for recreation.
Holidays in the Emirates can be very diverse and suitable for everyone, without exception - families with children will find wonderful hotels and unique amusement parks here, divers can enjoy the colorful underwater world of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, lovers of exotic excursions will like trips to the desert to the Bedouins and, of course, everyone will be interested in making sure from their own experience that the UAE is a paradise for shopaholics.
The best resorts
Dubai
Dubai is the business capital of the Middle East and the most popular tourist destination in the UAE. Most of the budget hotels here are urban, that is, they are located far from the beach area in the Deira and Bar Dubai areas. Almost all hotels in the coastal zone are 5 * and deluxe.
The main attractions of the UAE are located in Dubai - the famous Burj Khalifa towers, which have long become a symbol of the Emirates, Dubai Mall with the world's largest aquarium, the man-made bulk island Palm Jumeirah, the Jumeirah Mosque, the Ski Dubai indoor ski resort, and singing fountains. In addition, there are 3 large water parks and several amusement parks.
Sharjah
Sharjah is a resort city located half an hour from Dubai, which allows tourists to use the entire infrastructure of the largest city in the Middle East. Conservative Sharjah is almost the exact opposite of an open and modern Dubai. There is an absolute dry law here, you can eat in restaurants and cafes, but you won't be able to drink a glass of alcohol or smoke a hookah.
But Sharjah has many theaters, exhibition halls and museums; this city is often called the capital of the arts of the Emirates. Sharjah is located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, home to the best beaches in the UAE, and great diving spots on the eastern outskirts of the city.
Fujairah
Fujairah is one of the few resorts on the Indian Ocean coast. This is a place for a quiet, secluded, family vacation. There is no bustle of Dubai and the strict pretentiousness of Sharjah. Fujairah's climate is not typical for the Emirates - it receives the most precipitation, so desert landscapes here are often replaced by green valleys of mountain rivers. Interesting historical sights, a calm atmosphere of an agricultural region and white beaches are perfect for everyone who appreciates comfort, peace and high quality service.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost resort in the UAE. Here is the only spa resort in the Emirates on thermal waters - Hutt Springs. Hajar mountains, palm groves and luxury hotels - Ras Al Khaimah attracts respectable tourists from all over the world all year round.
Ajman
Ajman is the smallest and poorest emirate of the UAE, located on the shores of the Persian Gulf. There is no prohibition here, alcoholic beverages are sold freely, but it is prohibited to export them outside the emirate. Ajman pleases tourists with low prices, calm, homely atmosphere, good hotels and beautiful nature. Dubai is only 30 minutes away from the emirate, so if a tourist gets bored with Ajman, which is not full of entertainment, you can always go to the main malls and attractions of the UAE.
Ajman is popular not only because of the free sale of alcoholic drinks - there are some of the best beaches in the Middle East, the length of which is 16 kilometers.
Benefits of an all-inclusive holiday
The UAE is not a cheap country. This is exactly the place where the benefits of an all-inclusive holiday can hardly be overestimated. The average bill in a low-class restaurant is about $ 50 for two without alcohol. In an "above average" level institution it will be possible to dine together for $ 100, in a fast food cafe the bill will be from $ 20 for two.
When buying a tour with an "all inclusive" concept, the tourist is guaranteed to save up to $ 50-100 daily on food and has a set of services that makes the rest perfect - free shuttles to the beaches, Russian-speaking nannies, children's playrooms, free access to the Internet and much other. All-inclusive vacation allows you to spend your vacation absolutely calm - the tourist does not need to worry about food, entertainment and hotel services.
This format is great for families with children - parents can be sure that the restaurant will definitely find dishes suitable for the kid, cheerful animators can entertain little guests around the clock, and attentive nannies will look after the children at any time. The all-inclusive system in hotels in the UAE has an interesting feature - the cost of accommodation often includes shuttles (buses) to the center of Dubai and the largest attractions and malls of the country.
When to go to rest
The UAE is suitable for year-round recreation. However, in the summer months (July-August), it is better for tourists with health problems to refrain from traveling - the temperature rarely drops below 50C during the day, even powerful air conditioners (and here they are everywhere) do not always save the situation. And already in October, the thermometer stops at a comfortable 30C. In winter, the night temperature can drop to 15-18C - it is in December-February that you can feel some relief from the heat and even a real coolness at night.
January and February are the coolest holiday months. At night, the air temperature can drop to 15C, and the water temperature in the Persian Gulf drops to 17-18C. During the day, the air warms up to 25C. And already in March, the water warms up to 20-22C and the beach season is gaining momentum. The hottest water in August is 32C, this month is considered the hottest and is suitable for relaxation only for true connoisseurs of the bright sun.
Vacation with children
Holidays in the UAE can be planned with children of any age. In hotels of a class higher than 4 *, there are nannies, children's rooms, whole teams of animators, playgrounds and water attractions. The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, a high level of hotel and restaurant service and service in entertainment establishments, as well as a large number of water parks, amusement parks, beaches with a shallow sandy gently sloping entrance to the water - all this attracts parents with kids of different ages to the UAE. ...
However, one should remember about the peculiarities of the climate of the Arabian Peninsula - intense heat in summer and large temperature drops in winter can be unhealthy for young tourists. Therefore, when planning a vacation in the UAE with children, it is important to choose the right time of stay - the spring months, as well as June and October, are best suited for holidays.
Best hotels
Sharjah Grand Hotel 4 *
One of the most popular hotels in the region due to its location on the first line and good value for money. On a small territory, a pool with water attractions, a tennis court, a gym, a health club, and an entertainment center are compactly located. For younger guests, there is a separate pool with a water slide and 24-hour temperature control, as well as a games room. During the day, there is a kids' club and babysitting services.
The hotel has two restaurants - one of which is a buffet and a cafe with a unique panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf. There is a free shuttle bus from the hotel to the city center, Dubai and shopping malls three times a day. For 38,200 rubles. you can relax together for 6 nights in a "standard" room.
Sharjah Grand Hotel
Sharjah
Large outdoor pool
Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah 5 *
Located directly on the Indian Ocean coast in the Emirate of Fujairah. On the territory of the hotel there are four swimming pools, two restaurants, a spa center, three café-bars, a fitness club, a complex of saunas and a hammam.There is a kid's club for children, a kid's pool and an outdoor playground. In restaurants and bars, you can order food according to the children's menu, this service is not included in the “all-inclusive” list and is paid additionally.
As with most hotels in the UAE, Radisson Blu Resort offers free transportation to the malls of Fujairah (every day) and Dubai (twice a week).
Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah
Dibba
Own gorgeous beach
Superb based on 3,773 reviews
Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort 5 *
One of the newest hotels in the emirate of Fujairah was built in 2007, the last renovation was carried out in 2013. The hotel is located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains - a large area where there is everything for guests to spend their holidays here with maximum comfort - heated swimming pools for children and adults, a large SPA center with an indoor winter pool, a conference room, several bars and restaurants, amphitheater, disco.
The private beach is located half a kilometer from the hotel - umbrellas and beach towels are provided free of charge. In the evenings, the hotel offers animation programs for adults and toddlers. There is a fitness club, tennis courts, sports grounds are always open. For convenience, shuttles to Dubai and Fujairah's shopping malls are organized.
Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort
Al-aqa
Outdoor and indoor pools
Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah 5 *
Located in Sharjah, this emirate has the strictest rules of stay, but there is always a calm atmosphere, low prices and an excellent level of service. All hotel rooms have a sea view. Guests are provided with service 24 hours a day, including room service. On the territory there are two swimming pools, restaurants, one of which is Chinese, playgrounds.
Babysitting services can be ordered. Beach - own, equipped, a couple of minutes walk from the hotel. All services on the beach (awnings, towels, umbrellas, sun loungers) are included in the price.
Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah
Sharjah
Private beach and 4 swimming pools
Al Bustan Center & Residence 4 *
Located close to downtown Dubai, while the Mamzar beach area is just a 10-minute drive away. Al Nahda Metro Station is nearby, providing mobility for hotel guests. The hotel has a record number of conference rooms - 23, Wi-Fi is paid, is available throughout the territory.
Two restaurants, cafes, plunge pool, gyms (separate for men and women), shops, foreign exchange offices and 24-hour room service.
Al Bustan Center & Residence
Dubai
Fitness center, outdoor pool
Kempinski Hotel Ajman 5 *
Part of the famous world hotel chain fully justifies its high class - located 50 meters from the beach, right on the shores of the Persian Gulf in Ajman, this hotel has everything for a carefree vacation or business meeting: conference rooms and restaurants, swimming pools and children's rooms with a nanny , beach bar, bowling alley and dance hall.
Kempinski Hotel Ajman
Ajman
On the shores of the Persian Gulf
Superb based on 1,303 reviews
Marina Byblos Hotel 4 *
Located in Dubai, two minutes walk from the Jumeirah beach area. The hotel has seven restaurants and bars - Russian, English, international cuisine, a rooftop bar, a hookah bar and a lounge bar. A SPA center, a small heated pool, a fitness room, a hairdresser, a beauty salon and free internet in the lobby make your stay at this hotel comfortable for any kind of relaxation.
Babysitting for children is available at the hotel; in all restaurants there is an opportunity to order a children's menu.
Marina Byblos Hotel
Dubai
Panoramic rooftop pool
Superb based on 2,154 reviews