With a six-day weekend on the horizon, now is the time to plan the Eid staycation you’ve been dreaming of, book that last-minute getaway, organise a long-overdue family dinner, or simply carve out a few hours for a well-earned spa day
We don’t know about you, but at this point in the year, our batteries need recharging. Don’t get us wrong, we’re always grateful to be kept busy, but in the world of PR in Dubai, we’re part of an industry that rarely switches off. Deadlines pile up, meetings fill the calendar, and somewhere along the way, you forget the last time you properly logged off for a bit.
Eid Al Adha has arrived just in time, like the mid-year reset we’ve all been craving, with a four-day holiday for the private sector, a full week off for schools and the public sector, plus the weekend tagged on for good measure. While we’re certainly aiming to go with the flow for the week, it’s always good to nail down some solid plans before everything gets booked up. This year, the UAE is littered with some great Eid offers on staycations, spa treatments, and dining, but equally as tempting is to pack your bags and explore somewhere new overseas.
Acts of Self-Care
When life gets busy, looking after ourselves is usually the first thing to slip. Skincare routines disappear, ambitious gym plans get pushed to the side, and before you know it, you’re running on empty. The long Eid break is the perfect opportunity to ease back into healthier habits, reset your routine, and start feeling a little more like yourself again.
For those looking to add some mindful movement to their Eid Al Adha plans, VEO Fitness has just the thing to get you motivated. Throughout the holiday, the holistic, community-led fitness hub is allowing every active member to bring along one friend, family member, or neighbour to experience the club completely free during the Eid break. Use it as the push you need to kickstart your fitness journey, balance out some of the Eid feasting, or simply explore VEO’s state-of-the-art equipment, wellness facilities, and expert-led classes.
Over in Abu Dhabi, the ultimate pampering session awaits at The Pearl Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. Set within the capital’s first and only spa to hold a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, guests can ease their way into total relaxation with a new 75-minute wellness ritual. The treatment begins with a 45-minute Tension Relief Massage, followed by a 30-minute Fresh Facial designed to cleanse, hydrate, and leave your skin glowing.
Who said spa trips were only for adults? At Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, the whole family can enjoy some TLC with the award-winning Spa Cenvaree for parents and the colourful Candy Spa for little ones. Throughout the holidays, guests of all ages can look forward to special Eid treatments, including a 90-minute Eid Escape, alongside playful mini facials and mani-pedis for younger guests.
Plates Worth Sharing
Life is all about balance, and no celebration feels complete without a little indulgence. Across the UAE, there’s no shortage of Eid dining experiences to choose from, but these are the ones that truly capture the spirit of the occasion and food’s rare ability to connect people around the table.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is once again a standout choice, home to the inviting Al Meylas led by Executive Pastry Chef Rasika Weerasinghe. To mark Eid Al Adha, the warm and sophisticated lounge will be serving an elevated afternoon tea inspired by the richness of regional flavours, featuring a curated selection of savoury delights, Emirati sandwiches, artisanal pastries, and freshly baked scones. Guests with a sweet tooth can also look forward to signature creations, including golden kunafa filled with cream cheese and a decadent date cake drizzled in toffee sauce and vanilla tuile.
Meanwhile, The H Dubai sets the table for a series of unique afternoon tea experiences at The Gallery, promising something to suit every palate. Serving a modern twist on the traditional teatime ritual, the Matcha Afternoon Tea features playful creations such as the velvety green tea mousse, edamame tartlets, sandwiches served on matcha buns, and iced matcha drinks. Additionally, guests can opt for the traditional afternoon tea or lean into the spirit of the season with an Arabic menu complete with locally inspired treats such as camel milk karkade muhalabia and pistachio baklawa topped with gold leaf.
Families looking for something a little more laidback that still has a festive feel can head to Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, where they can delight in a special Eid lunch and dinner buffet on May 26th at Suan Bua. Additionally, Sheesh Restaurant will host a generous feast from May 26th to 28th, complete with traditional Eid dishes and regional classics. Guests staying at the resort can also enjoy a whole host of festive activities and entertainment, such as a brand-new bouncy castle and a vibrant Eid parade to add even more excitement to the long weekend.
Restorative UAE Eid Staycations
If you’ve been contemplating an Eid staycation in the UAE, take this as your sign to get booking. With some of the best hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering last-minute breaks at an absolute steal, there really is no better time to enjoy a change of scenery.
Offering a destination to suit every type of guest, Rove Hotels across Dubai are making it even easier to book your next city break with stays at a price that will make you do a double-take. Choose to spend your Eid soaking up the sun by the beach at Rove Al Marjan Island, conquering thrilling rides at Rove At The Park, or exploring the vibrant locale at Rove Downtown. As if this getaway wasn’t tempting enough, each stay also comes with complimentary breakfast at The Daily.
For UAE residents seeking a staycation that offers wellness, indulgence, and celebration in equal measure, The H Dubai’s Eid stay experience really is the full package. Let the talented team take care of your holiday plans as you settle into this contemporary urban hub with up to 35% savings on room rates, late check-out, and AED 100 in credit to spend on treatments at Santai Spa. As for dining, guests wake up to a nourishing breakfast spread, followed by a lively Eid brunch featuring live entertainment and an expansive buffet, all included as part of your stay.
Last Minute Eid Getaways
The other obvious way to celebrate Eid Al Adha is with a trip abroad. For many of us, spotting a six-day weekend on the calendar instantly sparks a sense of wanderlust and the urge to discover somewhere new. With the Eid countdown already on, we’ve rounded up two standout escapes so you can spend less time researching and more time looking forward to your getaway.
Set in the northernmost reaches of the Maldives, JA Manafaru is the destination at the top of our bucket list this Eid. Home to secluded private beaches, picturesque overwater villas, spacious residences, and an exceptional mix of dining and wellness experiences, the island is just a short flight away from the UAE, making it an easy choice for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. The resort is especially loved for its laidback barefoot luxury, authentic cultural touches, and the warm hospitality that JA Resorts & Hotels is known for.
Just in time for the Eid Al Adha long weekend, the resort is further elevating the guest experience through a new collaboration with Galeries Lafayette Dubai. Available exclusively as part of JA Manafaru’s Stay 7 Nights, Pay for 5 offer, guests will receive a complimentary pre-departure styling session with an expert personal shopper to get their vacation wardrobe in order and make packing a breeze. What’s more, enjoy a rejuvenating facial or makeover with a beauty brand of your choosing to leave you feeling refreshed and holiday-ready.
Another must-visit destination for those with itchy feet this Eid is none other than Four Seasons Hotel Amman. Also situated a short flight from home, this stunning property is set atop the tallest of Amman’s seven hills, framed by panoramic views of the city’s storied streets. Adventurous guests will have some of Jordan’s most breathtaking landscapes at their doorstep, including the rose-coloured passageways of Petra, the striking silhouettes of Wadi Rum, and the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
Aside from its enviable location, the hotel embodies the timeless elegance and world-class hospitality of Four Seasons, making it an ideal base for quiet celebrations and moments of relaxation between cultural discovery. Make yourself at home in one of the property’s stylish rooms or suites, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or unwind with a traditional Nabatean treatment at the spa. Meanwhile, on May 28th, the inviting Olea Restaurant will host a family-style Eid brunch featuring a generous buffet, globally inspired dishes, live cooking stations, and plenty of kids’ activities and entertainment to keep little ones smiling throughout the afternoon.
Wishing You a Blessed Eid Al Adha
Eid is ultimately about reconnecting, spiritually, personally, and with the people we love. It’s one of the rare times of year when life slows down a little, giving us the freedom to fill our days with as much adventure, celebration, or relaxation as we need. So don’t let the long weekend slip by unnoticed. Call your loved ones, pick a date, and plan something special.
And as always, all of us here at Katch wish you and your family an Eid filled with happiness, peace, and plenty of memorable moments.
