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.