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The Middle East is a prime stopover destination for UK travellers heading further afield. Abigail Challenor asks operators for tips to make the most of a 48-hour visit.
Day 1
Morning
Melanie Burton, assistant product manager Middle East at Travel 2, recommends an action-packed itinerary for families kicking off with a whole day at the Aqua-venture waterpark. “Little ones will love the Splashers playground and families can board a six-person raft for a ride on the world’s largest waterslide Aquaconda. Stinger, The Falls, Shamal and The Surge are all inner-tube slides that are fun for all the family.”
Afternoon
Burton anticipates that there’ll be no dragging the kids away from Aquaventure in the afternoon.
“Thrill-seeking teenagers can build up their courage throughout the day before braving The Leap of Faith vertical drop waterslide with riders emerging from a tunnel located underneath the shark-filled lagoon.”
Evening
After an active day, Burton recommends families head to the world’s tallest performing fountain, the Dubai Fountain.
“The water and light spectacle offers shows every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm daily. There are also 150 dining outlets in the nearby Dubai Mall.”
Day 2
Morning
Burton suggests a morning trip to Dolphin Bay at Atlantis, which offers a range of experiences for all ages and abilities. Interactions range from standing in shallow water to swimming or scuba diving alongside the dolphins.
Afternoon
Keeping the entertainment factor high, Burton recommends heading to KidZania in the Dubai Mall, an interactive educational and entertainment centre. “Children can experience 80 role-playing professions in a replica of a real city. They perform jobs and even have their own currency, KidZos. They can open their own personal account and a debit card that can be used at any KidZania ATMs.”
Evening
As the two days come to a close, Burton suggests experiencing Dubai’s cultural side. “End the day with a desert safari including a dune drive with a sunset photo stop, camel ride, henna hand painting and belly dancing show.”
Book it: Two nights at the five-star Atlantis The Palm in a deluxe room on a half-board basis starts from £479pp based on two adults and two children. The price includes flights and private transfers. |
Day 1
Morning
Sheena Paton, Kuoni’s beach commercial and product manager, suggests young couples start off their visit with a trip to the Sheikh Grand Mosque. “The best time to visit is early in the day when temperatures are slightly cooler and there are fewer visitors.”
Afternoon
Later in the day Paton recommends visiting Yas Island. “Home to the famous Formula 1 track, you will also find Ferrari World with its futuristic design and everything linked to the world-famous Ferrari brand, including exciting rollercoaster rides. Or spend the afternoon at the expansive Yas Waterworld.”
Evening
For dinner, Paton says local restaurants in Abu Dhabi offer every type of cuisine, and an increasing number of celebrity chefs are putting their names to fantastic venues in the city. “Throughout the Corniche there are fantastic options, with some of the best popping up in the many luxury hotels across the city.”
Day 2
Morning
Make the most of the shopping at one of Abu Dhabi’s shopping malls. The Marina Mall also features musical fountains.
Afternoon
Relax on the long swathes of sand that form the best of the public beaches on the Corniche. Here you’ll find the local beach scene with little cafes, restaurants and promenades where the residents enjoy some time out alongside visitors to the city.
Evening
Abu Dhabi offers a vibrant nightlife with cool bars and beach clubs. Many feature ‘Ladies Night’ on Thursday or Friday evenings so free entrance and great value for couples!
Book it: Two nights on a room-only basis at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi in a marina room, including flights and transfers in resort is available from £528pp based on two sharing. |
Day 1
Morning
If Only’s product manager, Iain Reaper, recommends families embark on a two-hour dolphin excursion that sails most mornings from Muscat Harbour. “It is a great way to see the Omani coastline from a different perspective while having the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins, including the largest mammal on earth, the Blue Whale. The trip costs approximately £30 per adult.”
Afternoon
Reaper suggests staying at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, close to Muscat. Of the resort’s three hotels Reaper says the Al Waha is particularly suited to families.
“Parents can enjoy a relaxing afternoon while the kids try different activities in safe, supervised areas such as the Cool Zone and the Adventure Zone, while all the family can enjoy laid-back trips on inflatables on the Lazy River.”
Evening
Reaper recommends a visit to the resort’s Turtle Care Project with a dedicated turtle ranger appointed to raise awareness among guests and to protect the turtle nests.
“Turtle Care Project occasionally offers night-time excursions to view the hawksbill and green turtles nesting on the resorts beautiful beaches.”
Dining options at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa are varied with choices ranging from Arabian and Asian to seafood and Italian so there is plenty to please the fussiest eaters.
Day 2
All day
For budding desert adventurers, Reaper suggests a full-day excursion into the Wahiba Sands in four-wheel drive vehicles.
“An expert guide negotiates the 150-metre-high sand dunes and the tour includes stops at Bedouin villages and Wadi Bani Khalid, with its blue-green pools and lagoons, perfect for a cooling dip. The trip costs about £65pp.”
Evening
Keeping the kids entertained later in the day Reaper suggests the Al Mazaar Souk at the heart of the resort.
“It’s an arcade with retail shops, entertainment facilities, cafe and restaurants and ideal for an evening stroll before sampling one of the many dining venues.”
Book it: Two nights at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa for two adults and one child under 11 years is £429 on a B&B basis with private transfers. |
Day 1
Morning
“It’s easy to reach Ras Al Khaimah as it is just 45 minutes drive from Dubai airport”, says Debbie Wadhams, Gold Medal senior product manager – Middle East, Indian Ocean and Africa. “Families will find the hotels available offer plenty to keep everyone entertained,” she says.
“For example at the beachfront Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort, the facilities on offer could easily fill a 48-hour visit.”
The morning could be occupied with a swing around the 18-hole championship golf course while the children enjoy the kids’ club facilities on offer.
Afternoon
For families keen to explore beyond the resort Wadhams highlights the Ice Land Water Park, home to the world’s tallest man-made waterfall, or for a more cultural experience a wander around the traditional souks, shopping for souvenirs.
Evening
A meal in the resort’s Al Jazeera restaurant means families can enjoy an Arabian Nights-style experience with Lebanese cuisine accompanied by live music and belly dancing.
Day 2
All day
For an action-packed morning Wadhams suggests trying out some of the resort’s watersports such as jet skiing, snorkelling or fishing. While those who prefer to kick back can enjoy treatments in the spa.
Afternoon
Wadhams recommends other cultural options such as a trip into the Awafi desert by traditional camel or more contemporary four-wheel drive. Or a visit to the coastal hilltop Dhayah Fort for view of the Arabian Gulf and Hajar Mountains.
Evening
If they want to continue their cultural odyssey, Al Shamal, is the resort’s Middle Eastern restaurant, which is just like the local souk, and with dishes ranging from Arabic to Italian and Indian, there’s something to please everyone.
Book it: Three nights at the Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort on a B&B basis costs £379pp including flights and transfers. |
