Fancy something a little different this year? At Premier Inn, we welcome thousands of guests to the UAE every year, so we thought we’d share our top ten holiday destinations with you, so you can experience the warmth and hospitality of this region for yourself. Whether you’re travelling with your partner or your whole family, we’ve got some great choices for you.
Dubai
Summer holidays don’t just have to be about beaches and sunbathing. A city break to Dubai is an experience not to be missed, especially if you’ve never seen its glittering skyline by night or explored its huge malls and the sweeping Corniche. Dubai is glamorous, vibrant, and full of energy.
Ras Al Khaimah
This location has everything from 5-star hotels to family-friendly water parks, glorious sandy beaches and exclusive restaurants. Ras Al Khaimah is also full of unexpected surprises, such as 4,000-year-old tombs at Shimal, Falaya Fort, and the chance to go camel racing.
Fujairah
Just 2 hours from Dubai, this coastal hot spot is a paradise for scuba divers and water sports fans, especially from the beaches of Diba. It’s also a good starting point if you want to head off into the Hajar mountains for some off-roading adventures. Holiday hotels line the coast, making it a family-friendly destination with all-inclusive or full and semi-board options.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
This island paradise offers 5-star luxury and all the facilities you could possibly want for a luxury break away. From spa treatments, a private beach, gourmet restaurants and crystal-clear water to swim in, it’s a little slice of the Caribbean in the heart of the Middle East.
Ajman
This small Emirate is tucked away up in the north of the region, but if you’re looking to get away from the usual crowds, then this is a great spot to head for. It’s not as tourist-orientated as many of the larger resorts, so you get a more authentic Arabian experience. Developments are starting to happen along the coastline, so this is definitely an up-and-coming location.
Saadiyat and Yas Islands, Abu Dhabi
Just off the coast lies a cluster of more than 200 islands. The most accessible of these are Saadiyat and Yas, making them hugely popular as holiday destinations in the UAE. One of the best islands to visit is Sir Bani Yas island. This ‘Arabian Ark’ is a sanctuary for over 13,000 animals, including cheetah, gazelle, and oryx.
Dibba Al-Hisn, Sharjah
This seaside resort sits close to the northern border of the UAE with Oman's Musandam peninsula. It’s a tranquil cluster of seaside villages where fishing boats still land their catch every day, and the pace of life is slower and more relaxed. It’s a historically important site too, and the old Sharjah fort still dominates the waterfront.
The Empty Quarter
The UAE is a desert region, and no part of the Emirates captures the mystery and raw natural power of the desert than the Empty Quarter. It sits in the south-eastern interior region of the Arabian Peninsula and is best explored in a 4x4 and with a guide who knows the region. It’s a summer holiday spot for the more adventurous traveller. Your jumping-off point should be the Liwa Oasis.
Anantara the Palm Resort (Dubai)
Let’s finish our round-up of the top 10 holiday destinations in the UAE with a little luxury. The Palm resort is one of Dubai’s most iconic and innovative developments – a series of palm-tree-shaped islands in the lagoon. This exclusive resort boasts a cluster of hotels and private villas, as well as 3 swimming pools, 4 gourmet restaurants, and a host of relaxation and spa treatments for some serious pampering.
With so much to choose from, it’s no wonder that the UAE is rapidly becoming a popular holiday destination for travellers from all around the world. With Premier Inn hotels in all the major locations, you can stay in complete comfort and at an affordable rate, whether you’re visiting the UAE for business or pleasure.