The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah

Looking for a place to relax  and have a family summer staycation in Ras Al Khaimah? Try the Cove Rotana. The view, the villas, the food would certainly not disappoint.

I just love the mix of traditional and modern interior design at the reception.

It gives you that fresh feeling of getting away from the urban hassles, but has that reassurance that you are still not too far away from modern comforts.

A view of the pools and the beach gives you that idea you are in for a really exciting hotel stay.

The view of the sunset at the Arabian Gulf is soothing to the soul.

Especially if you know you would wake up in the morning, again, to something like this. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

If you plan to visit the UAE, this one should be in your list. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is magnificent, inside and out.

The design and  interior of the mosque also leaves you at a loss for words. 

We left the place just when the evening call to prayer started, and it is a totally different experience.

Zabeel Park Children's Playgrounds

There are a lot of play grounds for your little kids around Dubai and Zabeel Park should be one of the better options.

It is very accessible, has plenty of natural shades and seamlessly designed to give you and your kids a good time.

 

It is definitely a great place to just let kids be kids in a way that allows you to sit quietly, read a book or just relax and let the weekend go by. 

AL MAMZAR BEACH

One of my favorite places to spend sunrise and sunset is Al Mamzar beach. Located near the border of  Sharjah and Dubai, it is now a place that maintains its natural charm in the middle of rapid development.

There is a lot of activity going on in the area. One can choose to access the open beach for free or go inside the well maintained beach park for a minimal fee.  One can only opt to have a little bit of adrenaline rush and rent a jet ski..

A view of the Sharjah skyline from the Dubai side of Mamzar beach.

DUBAI DHOW CRUISE

The dhows are traditional boats that have a long and proud history. It has seen Dubai rise from small pearl diving villages into the city of superlatives that it is today. 

Taking a dhow cruise  along the Dubai Creek after sunset surely makes every tourist love Dubai a whole lot more. The ambiance of the boat and the view of old buildings on both side of the creek brings you back to time, as the mild breeze of the Arabian Gulf touches your face. Arabic food and music  would complete that feeling of being in an amazing, exotic world that makes every visit to the UAE worth the travel.

It would not take long though, for the visitor to notice the modern architectural wonders of the new Dubai. The contrast makes this city even more stunning. 

JEBEL JAIS, UAE'S TALLEST MOUNTAIN

Jebel Jais stands at about 1.9 kilometers above sea level, making it the UAE's highest peak. It is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The views are stunning. To a lot of people, it is the perfect getaway to forget the hustle and bustle of the city without spending a fortune.

We went there during the cold season so it was foggy and raining. Visibility was poor and we had to drive carefully but that was part of the adventure.

There are no commercial establishments in place yet, but these attractions are currently being planned. So as of now, there are now temptations to spend money around, but the views are priceless.

It is not just the destination, but the journey is really stunning. Makes me love the natural wonders of the UAE even more.

Legoland Water Park

Legoland Water Park is the newly opened attraction located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  It is around 45-minutes of driving along Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Abu Dhabi if you live in residential areas like Deira or Bur Dubai.

It is full of exciting water slides and activities for children and adults alike and surely worth a visit.

After a tram ride from the visitor's parking area, guests are treated with beautiful scenery around the French Village, even before entering the gate.

At the gate, you just know you are going to some place exciting.

   We came really early, just before opening time at 10:30 to avoid the rush. It feels a bit serene, but as minutes pass by, the excitement would build up.

Kids wouldn't be able to hide their excitement upon seeing these slides.

Families also like to gather around and spend time in the wave pool.

The whole park is safe, but has something to offer even to those who want a bit of adrenaline rush.


But perhaps, for an urban working man who want a quite time to get away, there is enough cabanas where one can simply watch time go by.