Filipino expats are surely looking forward to planning a short holiday as the upcoming four or five days of Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE draws near.
Since the Islamic Hijri calendar is based on moon sighting, Islamic months span over 29 or 30 days – unlike 31 days in Gregorian calendar. Based on calculations, if the current month of DhulQadah ends after 30 days, the private sector could have a five-day break.
Local reports in the UAE project that private sector employees will most likely have holidays from September 9 to 13 and resume work on Wednesday, September 14.
If the current Islamic month of Zulqada spans over 29 days, then the private sector will most likely have four holidays from September 9 to September 12. That means the public sector in the UAE can enjoy the 9-day break for Eid Al Fitr this year.
Whether travellers are looking for a solo retreat, fancy holiday, here’s a run-down ofthe top holidaygetaways thisEid Al Adha:
Geysers springs in Ras Al Khaimah
Previously one of the mightiest cities of the region, the emirate is being transformed into modern city, but without losing its natural beauty.
A visit to Ain Khat is a must. It hosts natural hot or geysers springs in lovely surroundings, where many people go for receive treatment. One of the best wadis in the UAE is the Al Ghailwadi.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Awafi Desert can be visited in winter, the ideal time to enjoy the desert. It is best experienced through camping. Visitors can get a feel of the huge sand dunes.
Majestic sand dunes in Hatta
One of the most beautiful places in the United Arab Emirates can be found inland at Hatta. History tells us that Hatta city evolved from an ancient village that was nestled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountain range that fall within the emirate of Dubai.
You can visit Hatta from the city of Dubai, which is some 150 kilometres away. The excellent motorable-route passes through majestic sand dunes and arid rocky mountains with wadis on either side.
One of the most popular sights is the dam that is built on one of the wadis. You have to climb or drive up a steep hill, but the effort is rewarded with a beautiful sight of a green lake, which has hosted the shooting of several film scenes.Driving on there are the famous Hatta Pools, fed by underground springs. Even during the harshest parts of the summer, these offer a relaxing spot to cool you down.
Ancient oasis town of Al Ain
Al Ain is the UAE’s garden city. It is located next to the Omani city of Buraimi. All it takes just one hour and half by road from Dubai to Al Ain.
The ancient oasis town hosts popular traditional camel racing. It also has a bustling camel souk. A visit to Al Ain would be incomplete without a visit to Jebel Hafeet.The winding route up the mountain is scenic and at times steep, but it is worth it to get up there. It is a beautiful place, being the tallest mountain in Al Ain and second tallest mountain in UAE after
Jebel Jais.
Jebel Hafeet rises 1,249 meters, and offers a wonderful view of over of the city of Al Ain and Buraimi and the surrounding area. It’s a well-known landmark with a natural caves carved by strong winds.
At the foothills is another major tourist attraction – a vast green sweep of land that amazes the visitor with its lushness. Mubazarrah hosts hot-water springs that is channelled across the area in streams that end up in a beautiful lake, with swimming pools, and jacuzzis along the way. Boating enthusiasts can safely indulge themselves in the lake which also has a Lake Geneva style fountain.
Historical places in Sharjah
Visit the outlying attractive towns in this emirate such as Al Kalba and KhorFakkan on the East Coast.
Kalba is a small village famous for fishing, mangroves and natural beauty. It is a must-see place in the UAE and is located at one of the boundary points with Oman. It has many attractive places such as the house of Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qassimi, and Al Hisn museum. It also has an ancient fort that is now a museum displaying culture and items of historical evidence.
KhorFakkan is located on the East Coast next to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman side. It has a bustling port and beautiful beaches.A must-see in KhorFakkan is the Rifaisa dam in the mountains.
Friday Market in Fujairah
Apart from its own natural beauty that has the elements of sea, the beach, old town charm and mountains, all rolled into one, Fujairah also has attractive places such as wadis and Masafi and Dibba etc.
Masafi is a town in Fujairah located along the Hajar Mountains. In Arabic it means “opera water”. In the past Masafi was a trading post and refuelling station, but it has grown to be recognized along the country, also because of its natural springs that give rise to a famous brand of mineral water in the UAE.
Masafi is famous for its Friday Market for shopping. Despite its name, the market is open all seven days of week. It is located along the Dubai-Fujairah road, as you approach Masafi.
It is amust-stop place for tourists who can pick up earthenware, rugs, souvenirs, antiques and even garden plants and fruits and vegetables along the way.
Source: Emirates 24/7, VisitDubai
