The Mail on Sunday

Enjoy luxury for less in Arabia

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RISING boldly from the sands, the desert playground­s of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are perfect places to indulge yourself on a five-star holiday escape.

With year-round sunshine, uber-luxurious resorts, worldclass waterparks and tax-free shopping, it’s always holiday season in the Middle East!

Those seeking adventure can head to the desert for a thrilling jeep safari, camel rides and even a night glamping under the stars.

A go-to destinatio­n for footballer­s and reality TV stars, this glamorous region is more affordable than you’d think.

For a luxury holiday without the hefty price tag (and less than seven hours away by air), those in the know can save hundreds of pounds by making the most of the value-added holiday offers that abound here.

Here’s how to get more out of your Middle Eastern holiday.

GO ALL-INCLUSIVE

Enjoy luxury for even less by going all-inclusive. These days you can expect more than just your meals and drinks covered. Prepare to enjoy premium beverages and unique dining experience­s as well as watersport­s, kids’ club access and more, all included in the price.

At the brand-new JA Lake View Hotel in Dubai, guests can enjoy five-star accommodat­ion, a choice of 14 restaurant­s and bars plus compliment­ary land activities as part of the all-inclusive package. You also get access to the facilities of the full JA The Resort, Dubai’s largest experienti­al resort. Enjoy all of this from just

£849pp for a five-night stay.

AMAZING FAMILY VALUE

The Middle East has so much to offer the whole family. Kids of all ages will love the waterparks (the perfect way to stay cool) as well as the range of exciting theme parks and attraction­s, such as Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.

And everyone will enjoy Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai with its new Wavehouse including a stateof-the-art wave ride and four-lane bowling alley. What’s more, guests at Atlantis receive unlimited access to Aquaventur­e Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Holidaying with the whole tribe is made even more affordable thanks to the many kids-stay-and-eat-free deals across the Middle East – with the age range extending to those up to 15 during the summer months.

JOIN THE CLUB!

Private airport transfers? You’ve got it! Exclusive lounge access with compliment­ary food and drink? Of course! Dedicated concierge? It’s all part of the service when you book into a Club Room from as little as £25pp per day. In our opinion, it’s the best way to upgrade your holiday experience.

We highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton Dubai with its sumptuous lounge, extensive food presentati­ons, premium selection of wine, beer and spirits and compliment­ary ironing service.

BEYOND THE BUFFET

From celebrity-chef outlets to restaurant­s overseen by Michelin-star chefs, dining in the Middle East is dizzyingly diverse.

Not to be missed are the famous Friday Brunches, where you can expect everything from mezze dishes and American-style pancakes to oysters. And when you stay on Half Board Dine-Around, you won’t be limited to the buffet – instead you can eat dinner at various fantastic restaurant­s. Jumeirah Hotels in Dubai have one of the best offerings in the city – you’ll have an incredible choice of up to 60 restaurant­s, bars and lounges across multiple hotels.

LIVE THE HIGH LIFE FOR LESS

The Middle East is full of cool places to explore come sundown, from rooftop bars to beachfront clubs, like Jetty Lounge at One&Only Royal Mirage. Best At Travel’s hot tip? Make the most of widely available drinks packages, such as compliment­ary pre-dinner drinks, or bottomless drinks served with meals.

Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai serves happy-hour drinks between 5pm and 7pm, while Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi has a drinks package available when you stay half-board. Visit bestattrav­el.co.uk or call 02031 318 509.

 ??  ?? THE HIGH LIFE: The Jetty Lounge at One&Only Royal Mirage. Above right: Children love the Middle East’s fabulous sandy beaches
THE HIGH LIFE: The Jetty Lounge at One&Only Royal Mirage. Above right: Children love the Middle East’s fabulous sandy beaches

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