This year early October (approx 4 October) will see Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al Adha (feast of the sacrifice).  Muslims start their day visiting the Mosque dressed in their best clothes and follow this with special foods being served such as lamb and sweet dishes. Family & friends visit one another, presents are exchanged and homes are decorated.  Eid money is also given to charities to help the poor.

This holiday is locally known as the ‘Big Eid’ and for the majority of residents in the UAE this will mean a few days off work.  Many residents may feel this is just too soon after the summer break to travel overseas and will take these few days to enjoy our great beaches, parks and water-parks with the temperatures dropping (slightly) enabling us to finally get outside and away from the shopping malls.

However, for the ‘die hard’ traveller Dubai is based in a great location to visit some exciting new destinations.  Popular destinations at this time of year include Istanbul, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Hong Kong.  Take a look at our Travel Agent Directory and get the experts to help you plan that memorable holiday.

Nearer to home why not take this time to visit our neighbours in Abu Dhabi visiting sites such as The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld.  Or splash out at the 5 star desert resort of Qasr Al Sarab and experience the legendary Liwa Desert, one of the largest uninterrupted sand deserts in the world.  You can explore the desert by camel, or foot, take some archery lessons or simply relax by the pool.

Another great local trip is to take a drive through the breathtaking Hajar mountains to visit the picturesque East Coast staying at one of the super hotels on the beach such as Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort or The Rotana Fujairah Resort & Spa.  There are some stunning dive locations (scuba & snorkeling) along this coast with a great diversity of marine life including turtles.  From the port of Dibba it is possible to hire boats ‘dhows’ to visit the nearby Musandam Penninsula where you can snorkel with dolphins.

The Musandam Penninsula can also be reached by road by driving from Dubai through Ras Al Khaimah to Khasab in the Musandam.    The drive from the border crossing just after Ras Al Khaimah to the town of Khasab is stunning passing forts, watchtowers and small fishing villages all the time winding along the coastline hugging the dramatic Hajar mountains.

The town of Khasab is not that interesting but is the start of many ‘Dhow Trips’ through the ‘fjords‘ of the Musandam.  Tours include one day Dhow trip tours, Dhow trips combined with overnight camping and 4×4 mountain safari tours to Jebel Harim with it’s breathtaking views.  The Musandam really is a memorable 3 day trip and especially with the children.

The Musandam is actually part of Oman so you will need to check all the visa requirements for your party with the Omani Embassy before embarking on this trip.