There is something special about getting a break — such as the Eid weekend from October 12 to 14 — that does not eat into the annual leave allowed by the office. There can be so much to do, no matter what your budget or choice of destination.
This year, Eid-celebration getaways, from big cities, heritage sites and even island escapes, are expected to see a record numbers of travellers, going by the increased demand for rooms during the weekend. Etihad, Emirates and many other travel agencies have already been inundated with bookings to exciting destinations such as Cairo, Bangkok and the Maldives.
Flexible, affordable and of short duration, each holiday is packed with a host of complementary benefits, including room upgrades, free nights, free stay for children and complementary spa treatment and sightseeing.
So get excited, get planning and get away for Eid with Explore.
Inspirational Istanbul
At the Grand Bazaar, traders woo you in every language spoken under the sun to buy their wares. You will haggle, admire the craftsmanship, haggle again and wonder if all weekend breaks in Istanbul involve this level of commitment. The local markets are a short ferry ride away.
'Bargain' is the buzzword at the Tuesday market in Kadikoy — and there is much to bargain for: local delicacies, jewellery and clothes.
Istanbul will make you open your eyes wider, listen harder and take in the atmosphere, whether riding in a restored 1920s tram or while staring at the winged lions in the Mosaic Museum.
Escape the summer heat and follow the Istanbullus heading to the northern suburb of Kilyos. Flop on the beach during the day and party the evening away in nightclubs where famous DJs perform.
Take a boat ride on the Bosphorus at night or charter a vessel at Bebek and gaze at the reflection of the luminous city on the water. The budget option is to catch a ferry from Eminönü to Uskudar.
Save on transport with an Akbil (electronic transit pass), available at the main bus terminals (such as those at Taksim or Eminönü), and use in any public transport. If you spend more days in Istanbul, top up the pass.
Melodic Maldives
There is more to the Maldives than sun, sand and sea, a thousand 'Robinson Crusoe' islands, massive lagoons, infinite shades of blue and turquoise and underwater coral gardens.
For one, the weather there is always great. Second, the motley mix of cultures makes for an exciting holiday. Then there is the joy of fishing and sampling traditional sea food. Snorkelling, diving and whale and dolphin watching are among the most popular activities.
Male is among the smallest capitals in the world. A third of the country's population, about 75,000, lives in Male — a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads. The old bazaar area still houses the country's hub of wholesale and retail trade. The lanes there are so narrow that even one vehicle would find it difficult to go through.
There are no beaches in Male though; instead, sea walls surround it.
You do not need a visa prior to entering the republic. Based on immigration requirements at designated ports, entry permit is granted to visitors on arrival.
Comfortable Cyprus
Rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forested mountains adorn this island in the eastern Mediterranean. There is more. The 1,950m (6,400ft) Troodos Mountains in the centre of the island provide for great skiing in winter.
Nicosia (Lefkosia), the capital of Cyprus, is situated in the heart of the Messaoria Plain and the old city has many quaint shops. Nicosia District extends westwards into the vine-covered Troodos Mountains, where magnificent forests and valleys feature hill resorts, such as Kakopetria, and Byzantine churches in Galata.
Jolly Jordan
Proximity and beauty make Amman a perfect place to spend Eid. Though most of the time is spent reaching Amman, the Dead Sea is only 20 minutes away — and that is where all the action lies.
As the name suggests, this 75km long and 6 to 16km wide landlocked sea is devoid of plant and animal life. It also has an extremely high salt content — 350g of salt per kilogram of water, as compared to about 40g in the rest of the world's oceans. Which brings us to the unforgettable swimming experience it offers.
The high density of the water makes drowning impossible and that is evident from the commonly photographed pose showing visitors reclining in the water, leisurely reading a perfectly dry newspaper. The Dead Sea is also 'the lowest point on earth', lying some 400m below sea level.
Not too far from home
Check out these attractive deals and destinations close to the UAE to make the most of this festive season
Oasis of Oman
From pristine beaches to the rugged Jebel Mountains and hospitable inhabitants, Oman has a lot to offer. This picturesque country, with a nearly 1600km coastline, is always welcoming.
Oman, Middle East tourism's jewel, woos tourists with dramatic gorges, sweeping deserts, hidden villages, museums, 15th- and 16th-century forts and watchtowers spread across the country.
Muscat, Oman's capital, is the epitome of aesthetic architecture, which has been preserved amid all the modernisation. On the other hand, ancient villages still maintain their way of life.
There are several places in Oman you should not miss. Wadi Shab (near Tiwi village on the east coast) is a wonderful spot with a perennial wadi that flows on to meet the pristine beaches at the coast.
Jebel Shams and Jebel Al Akhdar are the other places worth a visit, as is the turtle-nesting beach on the eastern side of the country. But be warned: Temperature can vary vastly — from a minimum of 10C in Jebel Shams to 35C in Muscat.
When booking your stay, choose from a range of options — from budget apartments to luxurious six-star resorts. Since Oman witnesses heavy rush from across the border during Eid holidays, it is advisable to book rooms in advance.
This can be done online, too. Experts from the hospitality industry say Oman has fewer rooms than the demand, especially in the peak season. And, Eid is peak time for tourists to flock to this picturesque country.
Over the years, the Sultanate has become a favourite destination with the Emiratis and the expatriate population from the UAE, as entry for the UAE residents has been made simpler.
UAE nationals and expatriates living here for more than a year are provided visit visas on entering through the land borders and on arrival at the country's two international airports.
Married women staying in the UAE on a resident visa could be denied entry if not accompanied by their spouse. However, some officers at the immigration counter make an exception to this law. Those planning to visit Oman from Dubai can also get a visit visa in advance from the Oman consulate in Bur Dubai.
— Sunil Vaidya/Oman Bureau Chief
History & culture of Bahrain
It may be the smallest country in the Arab world, but the kingdom has so many interesting venues vying to attract residents and visitors that they might find it hard to decide where to spend the Eid holidays.
Enjoy the country by visiting the Gold souq, a shopping paradise for those keen on buying unique 22-carat items or visit the grounds of Bahrain International Circuit, where the Formula One race is now an annual event.
Or just walk into the vibrant malls where the whole family can indulge in their favourite activities.
For UAE expatriates, entering Bahrain is easy.
A valid residence permit from any of the five other countries making up the Gulf Cooperation Council enables the passport bearer to get into the country.
Beit Al Quran is a museum dedicated to the holy book and to the works of art it inspired. Many copies of the Quran displayed are works of art, including an illuminated 12th-century Persian masterpiece.
The museum features some miniature copies of the Quran that fit into the palm of the hand and also displays Quranic verses inscribed on a grain of rice.
The Gold souq is a favourite with the locals and tourists. It features old shops selling clothes, garments and spices. Its crowning glory is, undoubtedly, the dozens of shops selling the unique Bahraini 22-carat gold necklaces and bangles.
The malls, with their modern shops and restaurants, are an outstanding place to indulge in shopping and to also meet people. Seef Mall is the country's largest, but new modern complexes are now emerging at various locations.
The Bahrain International Circuit invariably attracts tourists thanks to its status as the only F1 circuit in the Middle East and due to its Arabian-inspired architecture.
In the southern part of the country, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark is Bahrain's latest theme park and it combines history and entertainment. Guests are taken back to Bahrain's ancient past through rides and attractions.
Less than an hour from the main island, Hawar Islands are a world away and offer pristine beaches and rarely seen birds.
— Habib Toumi/Bahrain Bureau Chief
Relax in Doha
People heading from the UAE to Qatar can avail of a tailored holiday programme offered by Qatar Airways this Eid.
Having joined hands with 12 hotels and local operators, the airline is offering holiday packages and programmes to tourists and passengers who wish to stop at Doha en route to other destinations.
The Qatar Stopover Programme offers stays in 12 hotels, city tours, desert safaris, excursions and recreational activities.
Tourists with more time on hand can choose the Discover Qatar Programme, which offers a variety of activities including the Inland Sea Safari on a four-wheel drive across the southern Qatar desert, the Arabian Night Safari in a Bedouin-style desert camp or the Dunes Discovery Tour.
Prices range from $65 to $150 (Dh239 to Dh551) per person and may include discounts for children under 12.
The airline, in collaboration with local tour agencies, also arranges cruise dinners and guided tours to the picturesque sea-front Corniche, the dhow harbour, the old souq and the falcon market, among others. The tours start from $25 (Dh92) per person.
Doha also offers a number of luxurious hotels, spas and resorts, such as Four Seasons Doha, The Ritz Carlton, The Grand Regency Hotel, Intercontinental Doha, Ramada Hotel, Sealine Beach Resort, Al Sadd Merweb Hotel, Liwan Suites, Movenpick Tower and Suites, Al Sharq Village Doha.
For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com or www.qnhc.com. In addition, the Ministry of Interior offers an online service, issuing visit visas to tourists and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents.
Travellers applying for a tourist visa with a confirmed booking in one of the recognised hotels in Qatar can apply online and pay QR75 (Dh76) for a two-week visa.
Qatar and Oman offer the Joint Tourist Visa. People from 33 countries can get the three-week visa for QR55 (Dh56). GCC residents can apply for a two-week visa online for QR105 (Dh106). To obtain your online visa, visit www.e.gov.qa.
— Barbara Bibbo/Correspondent
Go there...
Istanbul
Qatar Airways flies daily via Doha. Fare: Dh1,840
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh1,820
Singapore Airlines flies daily. Fare: Dh1,610
Turkish Airlines flies daily. Fare: Dh1,320
Special offers
Hilton ParkSA Istanbul: Return economy class on Singapore Airlines. 3 nights stay in a standard room with breakfast. Return airport transfers. Free room upgrade (to next available category). Valid from October 12 – 15. Offer starts from Dh3,095 per person.
Ritz Carlton Istanbul: Return economy class on Singapore Airlines. 3 nights stay in a Park View room with breakfast. Return airport transfers. Valid from October 12 – 15. Offer starts from Dh3,625 per person.
Bangkok
Emirate flies daily. Fare: Dh2,390
Qatar Airways flies daily via Doha. Fare: Dh2,060
Thai Airways flies daily. Fare: Dh1,900
Special offers
Holiday Inn Silom: Return economy class on Emirates. 3 nights stay in a superior room with breakfast. Return airport transfers. Valid from October 12 – 15. Offer starts from Dh3,290 per person.
Four Seasons Bangkok: Return economy class on Emirates. 3 nights stay in a deluxe room with breakfast. Return airport transfers. Valid from October 12 – 15. Offer starts from Dh4,490 per person.
Nairobi
Qatar Airways flies daily via Doha. Fare: Dh2,100
Kenyan Airlines flies daily. Fare: Dh1,810
Mauritius
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh3,890
Air Mauritius flies daily. Fare: Dh3,500
Zurich
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh2,660
Swiss Air flies daily. Fare: Dh2,860
Alitalia flies daily via Milan. Fare: Dh2,060
Maldives
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh3,450
Qatar Airways flies daily via Doha. Fare: Dh2,450
Special offers
Kurumba Maldives: Return economy class on SriLankan Airlines. 3 nights stay in a deluxe room with breakfast. Return airport transfers. Valid from October 12 – 15. Offer starts from Dh3,500 per person.
Angsana Maldives Ihuru: Return economy class on SriLankan Airlines. 3 nights stay in a beach-front villa. Full Board. Return airport transfers Valid from October 12 – 15. Offer starts from Dh4,890 per person.
Amman
Qatar Airways flies daily via Doha. Fare: Dh1,790
Royal Jordanian Airlines flies daily. Fare: Dh1,750
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh1,570
Special offers
Tailormade tour including – Overnight stays in Petra and Amman, full-day Petra tour, visit to Madaba, Mt Nebo, Dead Sea and entry to Dead Sea Spa. Return economy class on Emirates. 3 nights stay in a 5-star hotel with breakfast. Return airport transfers. Valid from October 12 – 15. Offer starts from Dh3,960 per person.
Muscat
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh1,300
Oman Airways flies daily. Fare: Dh1,160
Special offers
Shangri-La's: Barr Al Jissah Self Drive. 4 nights stay in a Al Waha pool view room with breakfast. Return airport transfers. Valid from October 11 – 15. Offer starts from Dh2,600 per person.
Bahrain
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh1,410
Gulf Air flies daily via Bahrain. Fare: Dh1,390
Doha
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh1,390
Qatar Airways flies daily. Fare: Dh1,390
Larnaka
Emirates flies daily. Fare: Dh2,410
Cyprus Airways flies three times a week. Fare: Dh1,400
— Information courtesy: Dnata Holidays
