For the past four months, there’s been one trending topic on everyone’s lips: COVID-19. The internet is brimming with articles about the dreadful pandemic that struck our world in December 2019.  However, It wasn’t until March 11, 2020, that the conditions worsened here in the UAE. Ever since then, I’ve been wondering: when will I travel again? Where will be the best place to visit after COVID-19 has subsided?

Thankfully, things have started to get better in Dubai.  As lockdown lifts, some restrictions are in place. There are strict measures in place for practicing social distancing, and it’s mandatory to wear masks in public areas at all times. 

For those who aren’t aware, summers in the UAE are extreme, and most of the country’s expats travel back to their hometowns to escape the heat or be with their families. Unfortunately, this year that won’t be possible. It’s time we explore the UAE and head out to explore our neighboring Emirates! So, let’s take a look at what UAE staycations after COVID-19 look like!

Where’s the best place to visit after COVID-19? In the UAE, beaches, swimming pools have reopened, and water sports have resumed. This is a huge relief for residents and tourists considering staying at a resort within the country. 

Hotels are pursuing residents as well as tourists with attractive staycation packages. It’s essential to choose a property wisely, and ensure they’re following the health and safety guidelines issued by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and the Dubai Health Authority. There’s also going to be an increased number of checks carried out by Dubai Tourism inspectors. This is to ensure the observation of all suggested protocols to stop the transmission of COVID-19 cases.

UAE Staycations After Covid-19: Exploring Closer To Home

Here is a list of few hotels I have spoken to personally. I asked them questions regarding the safety measures they have in place. These hotels are safe to stay at; they have great deals for residents and tourists this summer. These are the best places to stay both currently and after COVID-19… Let’s dive in!

1 – The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE

This incredibly luxurious boutique hotel is my favorite for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s just 25 km away from Dubai. Secondly, it’s a historic preservation project. This means that the rooms here are the homes of locals who lived here over 100 years ago. UNESCO monitored its restoration. Lastly, it’s a perfect haven of first-class gastronomy and the very best in Arabian hospitality. It’s where history, culture, and luxury meet. If you’re looking for UAE staycations after COVID-19, this is the pinnacle!

Of course, every hotel in the UAE is following strict measures for the safety of the public. However, each has imposed extra steps to make your stay both safe and comfortable. The Chedi Al Bait is no different. It’s no longer serving its buffet-style meals; everything is Al a Carte, and room service is also an option. 

The hotel is running at a 30% occupancy rate at the moment. The swimming pools and gymnasium is open. However, the steam, sauna, and jacuzzi aren’t functioning. Pool usage is also limited to 2 hours per day per adult. They have numerous deals running this summer, with room rates starting from Dhs. 740 for residents and Dhs. 924 for non-residents. These offers are valid until October 10, 2020. You can find more information on their website.

2 – Sofitel Dubai The Palm Hotel

Another of the best places to visit after COVID-19 is the Sofitel Dubai The Palm Hotel. Located on the East Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, this is a 5* French-Polynesian property. They offer travelers a choice of luxury rooms, prestigious suites, and fully furnished apartments. 

Sofitel properties are known for their care towards minimizing their carbon footprint and following environmental best practices. This is just one reason I would recommend it; it’s essential to look after our environment and recycle resources wherever possible. 

They have a range of deals for this summer. Their room rates start from Dhs. 500 with breakfast included. They also provide a 20% discount on food and beverages, though this deal is valid only till July 31. They, too, do not serve their meals in a buffet style. Here’s a link to all the offers they are running.

3 – Palazzo Versace Dubai

Marvel at the Neo-Classical architecture of the hotel, reminiscent of a 16th century Italian Palace. Its extravagant entrance, high ceilings, and beautiful green landscapes are all symbols of the Versace lifestyle. Hotels like this make UAE staycations after COVID-19 almost as enticing as an international trip!

The hotel is located in the Jadaf area, 15 mins from the Dubai International Airport. You have the choice of a room facing either the City or the Lagoon. Enjoy breakfast served buffet-style. However, it is a controlled buffet. There is a glass guard between the guest and the buffet, and your chefs at each counter-serve you. 

The starting rate for this summer is Dhs. 700 upwards. They have three pools, all of which are open. Should you visit on a weekend, entertainment, such as a pianist or a violinist, is provided in their restaurants. Here’s a link to their offers.

4 – Ceasars Palace Bluewaters Dubai

Bluewaters Dubai is the latest feather in Dubai’s cap. Opened in November 2018, it’s well known for its vibrant lifestyle and urban panache. Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai truly complements and extends the island experience to both its community and its visitors. Here, the staff treats every guest like a Caesar from epic dining and awe-inspiring entertainment to indulgent amenities and legendary service.

They have offers for day use as well as staycations. To stay, their prices start from Dhs. 700, which includes Breakfast and Dinner meals. All meals are served in an Al a Carte style. 

As for the facilities, they have a private beach, swimming pools and gyms open. Since they’re strict on social distancing practices, reservations are mandatory for restaurants and the gyms. There is no date for when these offers will end, and it is most likely subject to availability. You can check all their current offers by visiting this link.

5 – Radisson Blu Hotel, Ajman

Located approximately 30 km from Dubai International Airport, Radisson Blue Hotel is perfect for business or leisure. They have over 140 stylish rooms, all equipped with high-speed internet and in-room tea and coffee facilities. 

They have a vast range of deals this summer. There are significant discounts for residents, members-only and tourists alike. The starting rate, inclusive of breakfast, is Dhs. 400. A UAE resident can enjoy up to 25% off on the best available price, while non-residents can enjoy 15%. 

All of their meals are served in Al a Carte style. Once your booking is confirmed, they can create a 3-course meal as per your request. As for the facilities, the swimming pool and the gym is open, and guests can also enjoy spa facilities. Here is a list of all the deals they’re currently running. These deals are valid until the end of August 2020. That means you’re sure to find a great deal for any of your UAE staycations after COVID-19!

6 – Intercontinental Fujairah Resort

If you were to ask me the best place to visit after COVID-19, I would say Fujairah. This is because the climate is much better than Dubai. It is still hot. However, it’s a lot less humid, and temperatures are more varied. 

Situated 140km (approx. 90 mins drive) from Dubai International Airport, Intercontinental Fujairah Resort is an excellent place for a staycation. It’s positioned between the Hajar mountains and the Al Aqah beach, so this is a much ‘cooler’ Emirate than Dubai.

Of all the deals hotels offer, I love the “All Inclusive” ones the most. Intercontinental Fujairah resort is offering an “All-Inclusive” deal starting from Dhs. 1115. This includes all three meals and some selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. All their meals are served in a buffet-style setting. They’re currently running at a 50-60% occupancy rate to ensure the guests’ safety and social distancing. This deal has no end date as of now and is subject to availability. Here’s how you can book this deal.

7 – Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Another place to visit for one of your UAE staycations after COVID-19 is Ras Al Khaimah. Rixos Bab Al Bahr is located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, approximately 70kms from the Dubai International Airport. What makes this resort different is that it is an Ultra All-Inclusive concept. It’s a 5* beach resort with upscale restaurants and super stylish rooms.

To avail the summer deal at Rixos Bab al Bahr, guests need to book a minimum 2-night stay. The cost for two nights All-Inclusive is Dhs. 1610, which is non-refundable. Unfortunately, the bar is closed, while the Al a Carte restaurants are only open on weekends. On weekdays, guests can enjoy all meals at the main restaurant, served in a buffet style. Table reservations are mandatory. 

As for the facilities, the hotel boasts a private beach and eight swimming pools. As well as this, they have a gym, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi. This deal doesn’t have an end date, though it is subject to availability. Click here to make the most of this offer and make your booking.

8 – Telal Resort, Al Ain

Are you looking for luxury for your UAE staycation after COVID-19? Set amidst the Arabian desert, this is a stunning boutique oasis retreat.  At Telal Resort Al Ain, you can find some of the region’s rarest antelope species roaming and thriving in their natural environment. The resort is located approximately 90 mins drive away from Dubai. It’s a truly traditional and unique experience; a destination that recreates the Emirati world. How can you visit the UAE and not experience the desert?

All meals are served in an Al a Carte style. Breakfast is served early, from 6 am to 9 am. The starting price for your summer deal at Telal Resort is Dhs. 700. You even get activities included, such as a camel ride or quad biking! You can decide to swap these activities and choose archery instead. Head to their website to find all the deals you’re looking for.

9 – The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah – Ajman

I love discovering hidden gems. So, after a bit of research, I found this gorgeous and relatively new property. It’s perfect for anyone looking at UAE staycations after COVID-19. 

Located in the emirate of Ajman, the resort is approximately 35kms from Dubai International Airport. Framed by one million square meters of mangroves and pristine white sandy beaches, this boutique five-star property is truly stunning. It also offers a Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course. 

The room rates for this summer are slashed by 15% for UAE residents. Rooms start from Dhs. 800 per night, inclusive of breakfast. This is a flexible rate and guests can cancel the booking up to 7 days before arrival with no extra charge. 

The hotel is limiting its occupancy to 60% to ensure the safety of guests. Enjoy meals served Al a Carte style; only one restaurant is open for dine-in. The spa is closed. However, the private beach, gym, and swimming pool are open for guests. At the moment, the hotel doesn’t accommodate early check-in and late check-out. There is no end date for this deal, though it is subject to availability. Here’s where you can book this deal.

10 – Ritz Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach Resort

Still not convinced as to where’s the best place to visit after COVID-19? Well, I have saved the best for the last! The Ritz Carlton, Al Hamra Beach Resort is an island-inspired retreat. Here, you don’t need to worry about social distancing. The only rooms here are 32 villas well-spread across the property. Each sea-facing villa is luxuriously designed and equipped with a private pool. If you wish to have all your meals in the room, you may never have to leave your villa area! 

However, comfort comes with a price tag. The property offers discounted rates for UAE residents, with a one-bedroom pool villa starting from Dhs. 4200, including breakfast. The property has all-inclusive deals too, which include activities such as kayaking or archery. Click here to find out all the offers.

Are you still looking for UAE staycations after COVID-19, or has this blog helped you find where you’re going to go?

With rules changing regularly, I will encourage you to visit the website I’ve listed. I’d also recommend you contact the property before planning your staycation. The rates mentioned above are all subject to change based on the date you wish to visit the property. Bear in mind that hotels are generally pricier and more crowded over the weekends. 

Wearing face masks in all public areas and common areas are mandatory. Even though the virus’s threat has reduced since the initial outbreak, I strongly urge you to abide by all restrictions and safety measures. Welcome to the New Normal. Have a good staycation!

Check out this unique and hidden gem of a landmark in Dubai – Dubai Frame

Note: None of the images above represent the actual hotels mentioned. They’re stock images from all over UAE.