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Go hotel hopping in the UAE with this guide to the hottest new resorts

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al-Zorah, opened in time for the 2017 summer season. (Photo courtesy: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al-Zorah)
Updated 31 July 2017
Steven Bond
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Go hotel hopping in the UAE with this guide to the hottest new resorts

Updated 31 July 2017
Steven Bond

DUBAI: Dubai is attracting more visitors than ever, pulling in 14.9 million in 2016 alone, but there are a growing number of reasons to venture beyond the sky-high city. A total of 59 new hotels are due to open across the UAE this year and many of them are in some of the lesser-explored emirates — so let us take a look at six stunning openings outside Dubai.

Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort
Fujairah has a strong stable of hotels but this is the first art-inspired property to debut in the emirate. Almost all of the 180 rooms and suites boast marina or ocean views with a dramatic mountain vista at the rear, inviting guests to mix their aquatic adventures with hiking and cycling. There are plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows to shed light on the modern-bohemian and Art Deco styles and other major draws include the refined dining options, such as The Copper Lobster, a seafood restaurant with Arabic touches. Beach-lovers should note, however, that the beach will have limited access over the summer months while the hotel readies its stylish Nikki Beach-esque club.

Location: 30 minutes south of the Dibba border, Fujairah.
Best for: Five-star luxury beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Al Hajjar Mountain range.
www.fairmont.com/fujairah

We love this photo from Instagrammer @ftacoli . Share what you love about our hotel using #fairmontmoments.

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Alma Retreat
Unique for the UAE, the Alma Retreat is an all-inclusive luxury Bedouin-style camp dedicated to health and wellbeing. The new Ras Al-Khaimah-based destination has a host of special offers throughout the summer, as well as a membership program for returning guests and an exclusive rental package that launched in the spring, allowing a total takeover of the camp’s 15 spacious tents and customized wellness programs with bespoke dining options. The annual membership (available between October-May) will give a 50 percent discount on exclusive rentals, unlimited access to digital products for meditation and hypnosis therapies, as well as a 10 percent on the products sold on site for a fee of AED1,000 (SR1021) a month. Ladies only activities are also available for those who want to stretch, sweat and center themselves in total privacy.

Location: Bedouin Oasis Camp Road, Ras Al-Khaimah.
Best for: The chance to relax your body, mind and spirit with an incredible roster of activities — the Weekend Retreat programs are well worth a look (but it is perhaps best to smuggle in some chocolate).
www.iamalma.com

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al-Zorah
Opened in time for the 2017 summer season, Al -Zorah is a luxury destination with varied attractions for the emirate of Ajman. Being just 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport, minus any potential traffic, this is a great location for visitors from abroad. With long, pale beaches alongside 247 acres of protected mangrove forest, Al-Zorah showcases the true biodiversity of the UAE, with almost 60 local species of birds visible near the resort — these are perhaps best viewed while kayaking around the mangroves. Enjoy the greenery but prefer to practice your swing? The resort will also include a championship golf course. In fitting with the luxe brand, The Oberoi Spa in Al-Zorah will provide signature massage therapies, hammam treatments and Ayurvedic options. There is also plenty for kids, including an activity area, a sand box and shallow pools for toddlers and younger children.

Location: The northern side of Ajman’s port area.
Best for: A sophisticated hotel aesthetic close to the natural beauty of two million square meters of lush, green mangroves.
www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-al-zorah-ajman

Thank you @oberoialzorah for the lovely stay #hindbjstaycation

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InterContinental Fujairah Resort
Located on Fujairah’s beloved Al Aqah beach, the soon-to-be-open hotel will have some of the finest views over the Gulf of Oman, all from the vantage point of a classic luxury hotel that pays homage to the region’s rich and vibrant heritage through its styling and culinary offerings. The resort maintains a sense of place throughout its 190 rooms, including 44 Club InterContinental Rooms and 38 suites, but is also designed to feature a modern, clean aesthetic, with a wide range of facilities for business travelers to match the typical leisure options for holidaymakers. For those planning special events, the hotel also vaunts an Insider Collection service, providing a range of locally-inspired experiences rooted in the destination.

Location: 20 minutes south of the Dibba Road, Fujairah.
Best for: Lazy beach vibes without the big city crowds.
www.ihg.com

The Abu Dhabi EDITION
While a neighboring Dubai EDITION is also due to open in the near feature, the Abu Dhabi opening is a real coup for the emirate, being one of the relatively few cities to claim one of Marriott’s plushest and most exclusive brands — other destinations include London, Miami, New York and Sanya in China. Located on the Al-Bateen waterfront in the Abu Dhabi Marina, the 198 guestrooms and 57 serviced residences will be joined by two new signature restaurants, a gourmet market and – for decadent revelry to really raise the bar in the capital – a three-level nightclub concept. If you do not fancy all that, you can head straight to the fitness center and spa with seven discreet treatment rooms, all within a sleek building somewhat reminiscent of the nearby Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. The hotel is set to open in late 2017.

Location: Al-Bateen Wharf, Abu Dhabi.
Best for: Pamper yourself in a cosmopolitan location with seven spa treatment rooms and nearby shopping options.
www.editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi

Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
It is no surprise that Rotana would feature in this list, considering the hotel chain has promised to open 12 new properties in the UAE within the next four years — and this one is a return to where it all started. The Abu Dhabi-based company is joining a roster of five-star resorts on the beachy haven that is Saadiyat Island, featuring 354 “upscale” rooms and suites. Details about the new hotel are currently limited but the group has recently refurbished and extended The Cove Rotana Resort, set on a beachfront in Ras Al-Khaimah. The hotel is set to open in late 2017.

Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
Best for: Larger families can enjoy the privacy of one of the resort’s beachfront villas.
www.rotana.com

Topics: Travel holiday vacation UAE Dubai

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Venice expands its day-tripper tax program in bid to combat overtourism

Updated 18 April 2025
AP
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Venice expands its day-tripper tax program in bid to combat overtourism

  • A UNESCO body decided against putting Venice on its list of cultural heritage sites deemed in danger after the tax was announced
  • Opponents of the day-tripper fee say it has done nothing to discourage tourists from visiting Venice even on high-traffic days
Updated 18 April 2025
AP

VENICE, Italy: Venice is charging day-trippers to the famed canal city an arrivals tax for the second year starting Friday, a measure aimed at combating the kind of overtourism that put the city’s UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status at risk.
A UNESCO body decided against putting Venice on its list of cultural heritage sites deemed in danger after the tax was announced. But opponents of the day-tripper fee say it has done nothing to discourage tourists from visiting Venice even on high-traffic days.
Here’s a look at Venice’s battle with overtourism by the numbers:
5-10 euros (about $6-$11)
The fee charged to visitors who are not overnighting in Venice to enter its historic center during the second year of the day-tripper tax. Visitors who download a QR code at least three days in advance will pay 5 euros ($5.69) — the same amount charged last year throughout the pilot program. But those who make last-minute plans pay double. The QR code is required from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is checked at entry points to the city, including the Santa Lucia train station, the Piazzale Roma bus depot and the Tronchetto parking garage.
54
The number of days this year that day visitors to Venice will be charged a fee to enter the historic center. They include mostly weekends and holidays from April 18 to July 27. That is up from 29 last year. The new calendar covers entire weeks over key holidays and extends the weekend period to include Fridays.
2.4 million euros
That is the amount Venice took in during a 2024 pilot program for the tax. The city’s top budget official, Michele Zuin, said last year the running costs for the new system ran to 2.7 million euros, overshooting the total fees collected. This year, Zuin projects a surplus of about 1 million euros to 1.5 million euros, which will be used to offset the cost of trash collection and other services for residents.
450,000
The number of day-trippers who paid the tax in 2024. Officials say 8,000 day-trippers paid in advance to enter the city on Friday, among the 77,000 who have already registered so far to enter the city this year. Another 117,000 have registered for exemptions, which apply to anyone born in Venice, those paying property taxes in the city, studying or working in the historic center, or living in the wider Veneto region, among others.
75,000
The average number of daily visitors on the first 11 days of 2024 that Venice charged day-trippers. That’s about 10,000 people more than the number of tourists recorded on each of the three important holidays during the previous year. City council member Giovanni Andrea Martini, an opponent of the measure, said the figures show the project has not deterred visitors.
48,283
The number of official residents in Venice’s historic center composed of over 100 islands connected by footbridges and traversed by its famed canals. The population peaked at 174,000 in 1951, when Venice was home to thriving industries. The number shrank during Italy’s postwar economic boom as residents moved to the mainland for more modern housing — including indoor plumbing which was lacking in Venice. It has been shrinking dramatically over recent decades as local industry lost traction, families sought mainland conveniences and housing prices rose. Activists also blame the “mono-culture” of tourism, which they say has emptied the city of basic services like shops for everyday goods and medical care.
51,129
The number of beds for tourists in Venice’s historic center, including 12,627 in the less regulated short-term rental market, according to April data from the Ocio housing activist group. The number of tourist beds surpassed the number of permanent residents in 2023, according to Ocio’s monitor. Anyone staying in a hotel within the city limits, including on the mainland districts of Mestre and Marghera, pays a lodging tax and is therefore exempt from the day-tripper tax.
25 to 30 million
The number of annual arrivals of both day-trippers and overnight guests roughly confirmed by cellphone data tracked from a Smart Control Room since 2020, according to city officials.

Topics: Italy Venice UNESCO tax tourism

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Saudi traditional crafts on show at Jouf camel auction

The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf. (SPA)
Updated 13 April 2025
Arab News
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Saudi traditional crafts on show at Jouf camel auction

  • Women demonstrate art of making sameel storage pouches
Updated 13 April 2025
Arab News

RIYADH: The art of making leather containers for storing food and drinks was just one of the attractions at the recent Jouf camel auction in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate.

With 2025 designated as the Year of Handicrafts, festivals across Saudi Arabia are providing important platforms for artisans to showcase and market their traditional skills.

Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee. (SPA)

At the camel auction, which ends on Tuesday, craftswoman Umm Meshaal, told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel, a type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.

Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee.

FASTFACTS

• At the Jouf camel auction, craftswoman Umm Meshaal told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel.

• It is a traditional pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.

The process starts by tanning the skins using a tree extract and salt to remove the hair and any impurities. The hides are then left to dry before being cut and sewn together into the desired shape.

A type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water. (SPA)

The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf, particularly among Bedouin communities who use them for storing and carrying vital supplies.

Many consumers say the best ghee in the Kingdom comes from these traditional vessels, the report said.

 

Topics: 2025 ‘Year of Handicrafts’ Saudi handicraft Saudi Arabia

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A look at NEOM’s prehistoric masterpieces etched in stone

Updated 06 April 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
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A look at NEOM’s prehistoric masterpieces etched in stone

  • Open-air museum of ancient artworks is key to decoding past civilizations
  • Drawings reveal how human beings interacted with now-extinct animals in the area
Updated 06 April 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi

MAKKAH: In the heart of NEOM’s Hisma Desert, where sandstone mountains and plateaus rise from the arid landscape, is an extraordinary collection of ancient rock art and archaeological inscriptions. These priceless treasures illuminate the cultural and economic vitality of long-lost civilizations.

Once a vital corridor for caravans travelling the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula, this region preserves an invaluable legacy etched into its geological formations.

The drawings show how people interacted with now-extinct animals in the area, as well as with livestock and camels. (Supplied)

Abdulelah Al-Fares, a photographer and expert in ancient artifacts and a member of the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, told Arab News that the rock art is in the mountains and plateaus in NEOM, part of a mountain range in the northwestern part of Tabuk.

Hisma Desert is bordered by the Sharah Mountains to the north, by Wadi Araba to the northwest, by the Hijaz Mountains to the west, and by Harrat Al-Raha to the south.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Studying rock art in the region matters deeply because it reveals economic and cultural changes that shaped the northern Arabian Peninsula.

• The drawings show how people interacted with now-extinct animals in the area, as well as with livestock and camels.

• Among the standout examples are life-sized camels crafted with remarkable precision and aesthetic detail.

“The plateaus, part of the Hisma Desert and its geological formations, represent an open-air museum of nature, ancient rock art, and diverse historical inscriptions,” he said.

The artworks illuminate the journey of human civilization, revealing its cultural and social evolution in the region. (Supplied)

The rock drawings feature engravings of human figures, animals and various scattered scenes throughout the site.

The engravings on the plateau’s facades depict scenes of animals, including wild animals such as camels, cattle, ibexes, ostriches and wolves, as well as other predatory animals, and depictions of hunting scenes and human combat.

These drawings are notable for their precision and have remarkably withstood the elements for thousands of years.

Abdulelah Al-Fares, Saudi Heritage Preservation Society member

“These drawings are notable for their precision and have remarkably withstood the elements for thousands of years,” he said. “Most of the themes and scenes in some of the rock drawings in the region are repeated and depict, to some extent, the world of wild animals and the interactions of humans through hunting and warfare.

“The mountains embody a civilizational and cultural legacy through their distinctive rock drawings featuring human and animal forms,” Al-Fares said.

The rock drawings feature engravings of human figures, animals and various scattered scenes throughout the site. (Supplied)

He also highlighted the value of exploring NEOM’s ancient rock art. These carvings — depicting animals, hunting scenes and human figures — are a bridge between our modern lives and the world of humans thousands of years ago. They are a source of cultural and historical knowledge.

The artworks also illuminate the journey of human civilization, revealing its cultural and social evolution in the region.

Scattered throughout the area, a wide array of rock art sites show a vast and dense collection of drawings and archaeological inscriptions from different eras etched on mountain surfaces.

Al-Fares pointed out their diversity, noting the varied artistic styles, forms, and themes that distinguish each piece.

Among the standout examples are life-sized camels crafted with remarkable precision and aesthetic detail. The careful attention to detail is thought to underscore the camel’s role as an essential sources of food and transport in ancient times.

Another façade shows a herd of cows, all facing forward, their large crescent-shaped horns curving at the tips. Encircling this herd, human figures of varying sizes are skilfully carved.

These ancient artworks are pictorial panels of human history, activity, environmental adaptation, and cultural development during ancient times. Their value shines brighter given the scarcity of insights into prehistoric life.

Studying rock art in the region matters deeply because it reveals economic and cultural changes that shaped the northern Arabian Peninsula.

The drawings show how people interacted with now-extinct animals in the area, as well as with livestock and camels.

Many carvings portray human beings astride animals, including a warrior wielding a spear and sword, rendered with finesse and skill.

Scattered throughout the region, some drawings hint at the presence of different ethnic groups that lived in the area. The provide clues to migratiosn and trace the routes of trade caravans that used these locations as settlement points.

 

Topics: NEOM Hisma Desert Hijaz Mountains Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
SPA
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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

  • Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors
Updated 04 April 2025
SPA

HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.

Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.

The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.

This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.

 

Topics: Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah

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Madinah Retreats: Culture, spirituality to power up the soul

Updated 07 April 2025
Nada Hameed
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Madinah Retreats: Culture, spirituality to power up the soul

  • Paradigm shift blends wellness practices, cultural expeditions, spiritual experiences
Updated 07 April 2025
Nada Hameed

JEDDAH: In the sacred embrace of Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest sites, a new culture-oriented wellness experience is offering a journey that integrates spirituality, culture, and heritage.

The inspiration behind Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Recognizing key gaps in traditional retreat models and leveraging Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision, he envisioned a paradigm shift that blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.

Our first retreat was earlier in February 24-28, 2025. (Supplied)

With a background as a corporate culture change and people engagement manager, Al-Bitar has curated over 50 retreats across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the US, serving more than 400 participants.

His academic training spans diverse fields, including organizational behavior, Islamic spirituality, and intercultural studies.

Officially launched in 2024 after five years in the making, the initiative held its second retreat, under the theme “The Arrival,” earlier this year in Madinah.

FASTFACTS

• Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

• It blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.

Al-Bitar told Arab News: “Every retreat we design starts with clear intentions and objectives, supplemented by a story and a theme that aligns with a particular destination.”

The retreats feature a collective of facilitators who work together toward a unified intention, ensuring a balanced and immersive experience.

“One of our main goals is to promote different destinations in Saudi Arabia that are perfectly ideal for wellness-centric experiences, in addition to its unmatched culturally enriching character,” Al-Bitar said.

“We seek to partner with pertinent governmental initiatives and entities that fulfill the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for wellness tourism and exceptional experiences.”

Al-Bitar explained that each retreat is meticulously structured around three core pillars: spirituality (meditative practices and inner reflection); culture (heritage site visits, traditional storytelling, and local experiences); and wellness (movement–based practices, mindfulness exercises, and healing foods).

By integrating these elements into daily programs, Madinah Retreats offers a journey tailored to the needs of participants and is a “philosophy of being rooted, real, and rich.”

The retreats target individuals and groups seeking genuine transformation in their well-being, spiritual connection, and cultural enrichment. They provide a safe and accepting space where participants are respected on their unique paths to healing.

Madinah, which is the spiritual capital of Islam, is popularly known as the Illuminated City. It offers an atmosphere of peace and rejuvenation, and its diverse topography and climate make it ideal for nature-based healing.

“Madinah is widely recognized as a destination where the heart feels at peace, the body feels rejuvenated, the mind feels clarity and the soul feels enriched,” said Al-Bitar. “The city’s rapid development and recognition as a top global tourism destination further enhance its appeal.”

The Madinah Retreats experience is usually hosted in a traditional farm resort surrounded by nature. Participants visit cultural and historic sites, explore the city’s vibrant social scene, and experience local cuisine, contemporary art, and community traditions.

“During the retreat we offer meditation, breathwork, self-reflection, yoga, tai chi, and other somatic therapies, creative expression as a healing tool, as well as locally sourced, nourishing meals,” Al-Bitar added.

The somatic practices guided by expert facilitators enhance body awareness and overall well-being.

Al-Bitar said: “Connecting with nature and animals has proven therapeutic benefits. Madinah Retreats incorporates nature-based and equine therapy to help participants reconnect with their original disposition, providing an irreplaceable form of healing.”

Cultural storytelling is also an essential component, allowing participants to explore the hidden wisdom of each landmark and understand local traditions and historic practices.

No prior experience in meditation or wellness practices is required, making the retreats accessible to all.

Honoring his Egyptian roots, Al-Bitar is expanding the retreats to Siwa, Egypt.

Siwa Oasis, nestled within a breathtaking desert landscape, is characterized by vast dunes, striking limestone outcrops, and distinctive geomorphological features that enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.

“The expansion to Siwa, Egypt, was inspired by the oasis’ 160-year-old tradition of reconciliation — Eid El-Solh, a celebration of harmony,” Al-Bitar said.

“Siwa’s natural healing elements, such as salt lakes, hot springs, and lush landscapes, mirror many of Madinah’s restorative qualities.”

Al-Bitar said that Madinah Retreats will also explore the Kingdom’s hidden gems by hosting retreats in Abha, Aseer, Al-Ahsa, and other locations rich in healing nature and cultural heritage.

Retreat prices range from SR5,000 ($1,333) to SR10,000, depending on the location, program, facilitators, transportation, and accommodation.

Madinah Retreats follows a collaborative model, partnering with local service providers, facilitators, and experts to provide an experience that remains true to the cultural essence of each destination.

Al-Bitar said: “Our content caters to people from different backgrounds, both English and Arabic speakers. Our agenda is characterized by being spacious and offers ample time for self-guided practices. Our way of delivery is strictly non-intrusive.”

Participants leave Madinah Retreats feeling “transformed, enriched, and connected to their most authentic selves.”

Al-Bitar said that the experience embodied the profound wisdom: “You presume you are a small entity, but within you is enfolded the entire universe.”

Madinah Retreats also provides a customized retreat model that caters to corporations and teams, as well as add-on visits such as expeditions in AlUla.

 

Topics: Saudi Arabia Madinah

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