These travel hacks might have just saved your summer plans
For the girls of the UAE who love travelling, you might have missed a step in your 2025 summer plans. But dw, like always, we gotchu.
With the sweltering season officially upon us, it only makes sense that your vacay spots offer good vibes and favourable weather for your summer plans–and it seems like only one platform has made your planning stress-free from A to Z.
According to the trust travel tech bestie Expedia, UAE residents are gearing up for yet another Euro Summer this 2025.
Expedia's Travel Outlook revealed that the trendiest destinations this year are Spanish hotspots. Think Mallorca, Barcelona, and the ever-iconc Ibiza. Translation? This means that we're all in the mood for some R&R and adventure all rolled into one experience.
Naturally, these dereamy destiantions are perfect for every travel-obsessed girlie needing a break from the city (sorry Dubai, we need a change of scenery). From the high-octane festivals and outdoor events to the long and chil sunny days by the palm beaches, these destinations are trending for a reason.
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So, while you still haven't booked that costly flight (chill for a minute), Expedia offers a slew of travel hacks to make the most out of your travel and to save coin.
But first you need to know some key insights. According to Expedia, the month of July offers residents a more budget-friendly time to book their flights, with up to 40 per cent lower than the seasonal average. Additionally, early June (specifically the 4th, 6th and 9th) are the least buys travel dates, with August 1 to 11, 2025 to be the busiest out of all.
The travel hacks YNTK to keep everything seamless:
Use the price tracking feature: When using the app, it will monitor and notify flight and hotel prices when the $$$ drops.
When using the app, it will monitor and notify flight and hotel prices when the $$$ drops. Booking on a Sunday: The best tip of all? According to Expedia, you have to save up to 16 per cent more on booking on Sundays compared to booking on Fridays.
The best tip of all? According to Expedia, you have to save up to 16 per cent more on booking on Sundays compared to booking on Fridays. Look for flexibility: *Always* look for flights and hotels with free cancellation or 'reserve now, pay later' options (trust that you won't ever be stressed)
*Always* look for flights and hotels with free cancellation or 'reserve now, pay later' options (trust that you won't ever be stressed) Better to book a packaged deal: Custom holiday packages on the app will save you wayyy more money compared to paying for separate services.
Tell your besties to check out these Eid destinations ASAP.
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Khaleej Times
38 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents opt for popular summer destinations that cater to Muslim families
This summer, families are planning vacations in destinations that not only offer scenic beauty and leisure but also cater to their religious and cultural needs. Specially for Muslim families, trips must offer a balance of cultural familiarity, family-friendly experiences, and religious considerations such as halal food, prayer spaces, and respectful environments. According to travel experts and hospitality providers, demand is steadily rising for regions that offer halal-certified services, privacy options, and Islamic-friendly experiences — from Europe to Asia and island getaways. Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-founder, told Khaleej Times: 'We've observed that families are increasingly gravitating towards destinations that blend a mix of cultural familiarity with family-friendly amenities. 'In Europe, places like Zakopane in Poland have gained popularity. Nestled in the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane offers a cool climate, affordability, and a growing halal-friendly infrastructure, including halal dining options and Arabic signage, making it particularly appealing to UAE's clientele. 'Similarly, the Algarve region in Portugal stands out for its sunny beaches and family-oriented resorts. Accommodations here often provide kids' clubs, halal dining, and women's wellness facilities, catering well to Muslim families. 'Beyond Europe, destinations like the Maldives, Malaysia, and Turkey continue to be favoured. These locations offer a combination of Islamic heritage, halal-certified services, and family-friendly attractions, aligning well with the preferences of Muslim travellers from the UAE.' Where they are going Mohamed Ahmed Ismail, an Egyptian doctor living in Dubai for the past 13 years, is planning a summer holiday to Switzerland with his wife and two children. Their stay will last a minimum of 10 days, with an expected budget of Dh25,000 to Dh30,000. "When travelling, in addition to considering safety, we tend to choose destinations and hotels that offer a family-friendly environment and take into account our cultural and religious needs as a Muslim family — such as prayer times, non-alcoholic beverages, halal food, and cultural sensitivity during tours and vacations," he told Khaleej Times. Ahmed and Kholoud Shamasneh, a Jordanian couple born and raised in the UAE and currently residing in Dubai, are set to travel to Malta this summer with their young child. Their vacation is confirmed and currently in the planning phase, with a stay of between one week and ten days and a budget of around Dh36,000. 'We're a small family, so we usually look for quiet, peaceful destinations with hotels that offer family-friendly facilities — such as kids' play areas, spacious rooms, and easy access to nature or relaxing settings. We are not really city people and therefore, prefer more serene and laid-back environments. 'We are also looking to see historical places that have a wide mix culture to communicate with locals. Having religious considerations is also an important aspect when planning a trip, because it gives the feel of convenience and ease, without having to worry about any relevant needs or requirements during travel.' How are international destinations responding? Khaleej Times reached out to a couple of industry experts to learn how they accommodate UAE-based Muslim families. Mauritius Ramesh Jeenarain, director of sales & marketing, Sunlife Resorts in Mauritius, said, 'We have beachfront resorts that go the extra mile to cater to Muslim travellers, many of whom typically stay between 3 to 5 nights and seek a culturally considerate experience for the whole family. From prayer mats and Qibla direction to halal-friendly dining options and the availability of shisha lounges, every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure comfort. 'Resorts provide guests with prayer mats and Qibla direction markers in their rooms. Our team is always available to provide daily prayer times.. Guests have access to mosques within a 5 to 20-minute drive. Rooms include Muslim showers (bidet sprays) and we offer private spa treatments for female guests with female therapists, in-room dining, and exclusive-use spaces for family gatherings.' Switzerland Tamara Löffel-Jäger, head of business development at VisitGraubunden, shared: 'Muslim travellers from UAE often prioritise family-sized suites, halal dining options, and culturally respectful service. Most upscale properties provide prayer mats, Qibla direction, and daily prayer times in-room and private prayer spaces can be arranged upon request. " "Amenities include private wellness areas, women-only spa times, female therapists, Muslim showers on request, halal menus, alcohol-free minibars, and family-oriented layouts with ample privacy," she added. Malta Kyle Pace Cumbo, group director of sales & marketing at Iniala Harbour House, noted: 'Guests typically book suites or private residences for secluded family time. Their average stay is 6 nights, and they spend generously on exclusive experiences, private dining, and wellness. 'Our concierge team assists with prayer times and directions to the closest mosque. Prayer mats and Qibla markers are available in-room. We offer halal-certified private dining options and can accommodate dietary requirements at our Michelin-starred restaurant.'
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Top 6 property hotspots to invest in this summer
With the UAE temperature rising, so is the appetite for investors looking for real estate hotspots. The country's real estate market remains active all year‑round — with transactions reaching more than Dh239 billion in the first three months of 2024 alone, and investors looking for projects that combine lifestyle, location, and financial upside. Whitewill, a luxury real estate agency, shared with Khaleej Times a list of strategic locations that have long-term value, vision, and seasonal appeal — from branded beachfront escapes to smart city zones. Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah With more investors prioritising coastal living, Al Marjan Island is experiencing a surge in demand, especially with the upcoming Wynn Resort transforming the area into a hospitality hub. It has direct beachfront access and the rare opportunity to own a branded residence beside a future integrated gaming and entertainment destination. Apartments begin at Dh585,000, with ultra-luxury homes priced up to more than Dh30 million. Investors can expect between 8 and 9+ per cent rental yields and more than 20 per cent YoY (year-on-year) appreciation in some enclaves. It is good to note that Ras Al Khaimah International Airport recently announced significant expansion with a new 30,000 sqm terminal to boost tourism as the emirate eyes three million travellers. The expansion of the RAK Airport is seen by industry leaders as big boost to the emirates' tourism, especially those coming from India, China and Western Europe. Business Bay In a market where short-term rental returns drive demand, Business Bay continues to attract buyers looking for income-generating assets in the city centre. Its strongest draw is the fusion of location and luxury, with proximity to DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and Downtown Dubai, with Dubai Canal weaving its way through. Studios and 1–2BR apartments average Dh1.4M, delivering 6–7 per cent yields and strong resale demand. Among standout offerings is the Waldorf Astoria Residences — a branded address that blends high-end services with everyday practicality. The project 'Gateway to Business Bay' was also recently announced, adding another striking new landmark to Dubai when the project is completed in 2029. The 48-storey Lumena Tower by Omniyat is a flagship commercial development strategically positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road, at the intersection of Business Bay and Downtown Dubai. It will have an open-air Sky Theatre, a first-of-its-kind entertainment and event space located at the top of a commercial tower. Dubai Creek Harbour Demand is consistently rising for communities that combine prestige, proximity, and waterfront serenity, and Dubai Creek Harbour checks all those boxes. The star feature here is its master-planned waterfront living, enhanced by green spaces and direct views of the Dubai Creek Tower. Waterfront apartments start at Dh1.45 million, while luxury villas exceed Dh5 million. With rental yields of 6–6.8 per cent and consistent appreciation, the area balances luxury with long-term potential. Dubai Creek Harbour is a favourite among buyers seeking a premium lifestyle with investment upside, noted Whitewill. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi In the Capital, investors are eyeing Yas Island for its unique blend of leisure, family appeal, and short-stay rental potential. The island's standout quality lies in its lifestyle proposition, from theme parks and golf to marinas and cultural hotspots, all within a well-planned residential setting. Villas average Dh4.5 million, with apartments priced between Dh1.2 million and Dh3.8 million. There is also Waldorf Astoria Yas Island that offers waterfront premium hospitality brand, making it an attractive asset for both use and investment. A big announcement early this year was made by Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi with the introduction of new attractions this summer, including 12 new rides and slides, in addition to new dining offerings. Dubai South Investors are increasingly drawn to Dubai South for its affordability and alignment with the UAE's infrastructure vision. As a future-ready hub near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport expansion, logistics hubs, and the Expo 2020 legacy infrastructure, its core appeal lies in early-mover advantage and the opportunity to ride the wave of long-term growth. Whitewill noted there is a strong uptake in off-plan units starting at Dh800,000, with a projected 15–25 per cent value growth by 2030 and rental returns of 6–8 per cent. Industry experts earlier said, property prices in Dubai South are forecast to increase by a further 15-20 per cent in the near term, as the Dh128 billion ($35 billion) expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South is fuelling a major real estate boom in the area, data shows. According to data from Betterhomes, property transactions in the area have already exceeded Dh15 billion in the first five months of 2025. The neighbouring Expo City, meanwhile, exemplifies the area's appeal with a wellness-first, car-free community design in the city's innovation hub, tailored for a new generation of buyers. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) Known among residents as affordable, accessible, and increasingly design-driven, JVC remains a go-to for buyers seeking strong yields without compromising on lifestyle. The area's main pull is its ability to deliver rental income and resident satisfaction. Road access has also recently significantly improved. Apartments start at Dh650,000 and entry-level villas at Dh1.6 million, offering 7–8.6 per cent yields. The district's consistent rental demand makes it ideal for first-time investors.
Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week
From escalating regional tensions disrupting UAE airline routes to flexible work weeks reshaping the Dubai summer, this week has brought a mix of major developments across the Gulf. Dubai's real estate market continues its record-breaking momentum, while Abu Dhabi quietly asserts itself as a rising investment magnet. Saudi Arabia has unveiled new food transparency rules, the UAE confirmed the Hijri New Year public holiday, and outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan gave a headline-shifting interview on Gaza, Israel and Trump. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news here and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Dubai announces 4-day week and flexible hours for some workers The Dubai Government has announced new working hour rules for employees. Flexible operating hours and a four-day week will be available to some employees throughout the summer as part of an initiative to enhance work-life balance. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced the implementation of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. UAE announces Hijri New Year holiday for public and private sector The UAE has announced a private sector holiday to mark the Hijri New Year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Friday, June 27 will be an official paid holiday for private sector companies in the UAE on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. It means a 3-day weekend for many, with an extended break from June 27 to 29. It follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) to designate the same day as a holiday for public sector workers. The FAHR issued a circular to all ministries and federal entities, stating that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1447 AH will fall on Friday, June 27, 2025. Saudi Arabia announces major new food and dining rules Saudi Arabia is set to introduce major new food rules and guidelines for restaurant and café menus from July 1. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced the imminent implementation of new technical regulations for food. These regulations are designed to enhance food transparency and provide consumers with comprehensive information when dining out, empowering them to make informed nutritional decisions. SFDA noted that starting July 1, 2025, food establishments will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. The great wealth migration: How Dubai became the world's top millionaire magnet In recent times, Dubai has seen sharp growth in the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the country. The UAE has solidified its position as the top destination for millionaires, with an increasing inflow of wealthy individuals — more than any other country in the world. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes Dubai, said: 'Wealth is moving where it's treated best. Dubai's appeal to HNWIs lies in a rare combination: zero income tax, political stability, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location within an 8-hour flight to two-thirds of the world's population. It's not just about escaping taxes — it's about building a secure, global life. The city now offers what few others can: capital preservation, mobility, and clarity in an uncertain world.' According to a recent report by Betterhomes, the UAE emerged as the 14th largest wealth market globally, housing 130,500 dollar millionaires, indicating a 98 per cent surge in the last decade. Piers Morgan on Gaza, Israel and Trump: 'Unacceptable' war must end as global opinion shifts It wasn't a soundbite or a headline that signalled Piers Morgan's evolving stance on Gaza. It was a shift in tone – a colder assessment, a sharper demand for accountability, and a firmer insistence on facts. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Morgan, never one to back away from controversy, appeared less concerned with provocation, and more concerned with principle. For a man long associated with Western media orthodoxy, Morgan's recent commentary on Israel's military campaign has marked a significant pivot. Though he never explicitly said 'I changed my mind,' the message was clear throughout – the facts have changed, and so has he. 'What they're doing now is unjustified, unacceptable, probably illegal – and it needs to stop,' he says of the Israeli military campaign. This statement represents a marked departure for a media figure whose initial reaction to Hamas' October attack reflected the narrative of Israel's 'right to defend itself.' That shift, from supportive understanding to public criticism, mirrors a broader transformation taking place across Western capitals, newsrooms, and public opinion. UAE offers Corporate Tax fine waiver — but deadline looms The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is urging corporate taxpayers across the UAE to register for corporate tax and file returns within the legal deadline to avoid administrative penalties, under a limited-time waiver introduced by Cabinet Decision. The waiver applies to both taxable entities and exempt persons required to register, provided they submit their corporate tax registration and file their first tax return or annual declaration within seven months from the end of their first tax period. The FTA clarified that the exemption from late registration fines only applies to the first tax period, regardless of whether the due date falls before or after the decision came into effect. Dubai real estate: Sales of homes worth more than $2.7m increase tenfold in 4 years; top millionaire neighbourhoods revealed Dubai's prime residential property market has entered its fourth consecutive year of growth, with Savills Middle East reporting sustained increases in both value and volume across the city's most exclusive neighbourhoods. According to the newly released Savills Dubai Prime Residential 2025 report, the number of AED10m+ ($2.7m+) home sales rose from 469 in 2020 to a record-breaking 4,670 in 2024 — a tenfold increase. In Q1 2025 alone, more than 1,300 such properties changed hands, up 31 per cent year-on-year. Dubai real estate: Metro Blue Line to turn infrastructure into wealth generator, says fäm Properties CEO Construction has begun on Dubai's Metro Blue Line expansion, with a property expert predicting the infrastructure project will transform the emirate's urban economy and turn connectivity into real estate currency. Firas Al Msaadi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the Blue Line will have implications for Dubai's real estate market as the city advances its position as a global, liveable, and investable destination. Construction began last week with the laying of the foundation stone for the first station at Dubai Creek Harbour. Abu Dhabi is driving 'significant opportunity' amid UAE real estate surge, experts say While the UAE's real estate spotlight has long been focused on Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been crafting a quieter, yet no less powerful, growth story. In a series of exclusive interviews, leading real estate experts revealed how the capital's property market is becoming a magnet for both domestic and international investors—driven by smart planning, long-term vision, and a wave of infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades. 'Abu Dhabi has surpassed Oslo to become the city with the highest concentration of sovereign wealth,' Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency in Abu Dhabi told Arabian Business.
