Adventurers, bliss seekers and discerning travellers will delight in the news that spectacular stays on the UAE’s largest natural island are once again within reach as Anantara announces the reopening of its Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts starting February 1, 2021. Lush landscapes, archaeological marvels and exotic wildlife await just 25 minutes from the mainland, and three unique resorts welcome guests with signature hospitality for unforgettable journeys.

As one of the top resorts in the Middle East, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Resorts combine pristine beach retreats with natural wonders, world-class service and opulent accommodation, alluring the perfect balance of off-grid island getaway, five-star luxury and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in this singular setting. 

Noted by Venetian explorers as early as 1590 for the pearls found in its waters, Sir Bani Yas Island has always been a treasure trove of history and heritage, and culture vultures will revel in fascinating tours of archaeological sites including a 7th-Century monastery. Alongside cultural preservation comes a focus on sustainability and conservation. 

A Royal Nature Reserve since 1971, the island is home to over 11,000 animals from 30 different endangered species and Anantara guests have the unique chance to glimpse blackbuck antelope and Arabian oryx as well as giraffe, ostrich and cheetah in their natural environment.

 Like its wild inhabitants, the safety and well-being of the island’s guests are paramount, with all three resorts Go Safe certified by Abu Dhabi Local Authorities and Anantara’s Stay with Peace of Mind programme firmly in place. From 1 February 2021, guests will once again be spoiled for choice between a world-class family-friendly resort or the unparalleled privacy and safety of totally secluded luxury villas.

Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort offers guests the chance to get rooted in the natural world. Nestled in the Arabian Wildlife Park, an oasis of African-lodge-style villas is surrounded by a lush landscape. Excursions into the park include nature walks and drives, while a unique “Spa Cabana in the Savannah” experience promises utter bliss. Savannah Grill and Savannah Lounge serve up delicious delicacies from all over Africa, and vibrant Boma Nights bring the bush culture alive through music and al fresco cookery. 

Palatial beachfront villas in a pearl fishing village hideaway await at Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort on the island’s eastern shore. This perfect retreat for two offers indulgent romance with couple’s spa treatments in a private cabana on the beach or through thrills and adventure in the island’s scenic heartland. At Olio and Olio Lounge, Italian delicacies and drinks are served in a laid back atmosphere with dazzling ocean views.

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara welcomes families with modern amenities, elegant traditional touches and culinary adventures. Gourmet seafood entices at Amwaj, international buffet breakfasts await at The Palm and Al Shams serves bites and delights by the pool. Meanwhile, on the tranquil beachfront, Anantara Spa welcomes guests with timeless relaxation experiences, from the ancient rituals of Arabia, to age-old eastern health practices, performed by experts using natural products. Guests at all three of the island’s Anantara resorts are invited to discover the spa delights available in each location.

For true free reign of the island and all its wonder, a complete buyout option is available. With the world-class amenities, expert guides and luxury accommodation of all three Anantara resorts at their disposal, buyout guests experience Sir Bani Yas Island with no limits, for a truly unforgettable experience, because life is a journey.

In these cool days of winter, Dubai residents escape to the mountains and get up close with nature.

Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta Dam in Dubai, Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan are top-rated tourist attractions that have competed with shopping malls and other attractions in the country and have attracted many tourists, according to a dispatch by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Several factors have contributed to enhancing the attractiveness of these areas and the growing demand to visit them, the most important of which is the huge projects being implemented in these areas, the development and upgrading of the main roads leading to and around them, and projects designed to raise the efficiency of the services provided.

These tourist attractions provide a golden opportunity to diversify tourism in the country. The ever-rising tourist demand and turnout at most times of the year, required attention, in addition to the upkeep of tourist sites.

Hatta Dam

Hatta Dam, The City of Hatta is one of the most important tourist sites in Dubai that attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its picturesque natural sites, most notably the Hatta Dam and its water lake. The lake has turned into a tourist destination where one can enjoy nature and go camping and kayaking, as the lake is one of the largest water bodies in the region.

Al Rafisah Dam Al Rafisah Dam Rest Area is one of Sharjah’s cutting-edge parks and tourist facilities located between the mountains. It attracts visitors and tourists thanks to the luxurious services it provides, various restaurants, wonderful and safe play areas for children, in addition to the 730-metre walkway surrounded by tall palm trees and fresh green plants and herbs.

Jebel Hafeet 

Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain City is the first tourist destination at the city level and is one of the largest mountains in the UAE. It is surrounded by Ghaf trees, as well as being home to rare animals such as feral cats and some small mammals such as red foxes and hyraxes, along with a large number of birds such as Egyptian vultures, kestrel, Moroccan falcon and many migratory birds from various other continents.

Jebel Jais 

Jebel Jais tops the list of the most attractive tourist destinations in Ras Al Khaimah, as it is the UAE’s highest natural peak in the Emirates and provides stunning landscapes and wonderful panoramic views of several valleys and plains, green lands, a vast desert and the Hajar mountain range.

Jebel Jais is part of the spectacular Hajar mountain range that was formed over 70 million years ago in the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah. Towering at more than 1,900 m above sea level, Jebel Jais boasts breath-taking vistas and thrilling adventures for every visitor.

The UAE is rich in many natural and historical sites, which are expected to witness a shift in the level of services provided there, to be included in the top tourist attractions. They will enhance the tourism options and raise the level of diversity of tourism.

Experience authentic Thai cuisine amid the Downtown Dubai Skyline with Benjarong’s Friday brunch, serving unlimited dishes, beverages, and more, from 12:30pm to 4pm for Dhs220.

Tuck into a midday treat at Benjarong and enjoy a three-course meal with their new daily Business Lunch deal from 12pm to 3pm for AED109.

Savor a selection of spirits, grapes, hops, alongside an amazing unlimited three-course dining experience with Benjarong’s Ladies’ Night offer every Sunday to Tuesday, from 7pm to 10pm for Dhs199.

Dubai’s iconic Thai restaurant, recrafted – Benjarong is ready to take guests on a true Thai journey as they launch their special offers that bring authentic Thai cuisine and casual luxury vibes together. From indulgent weekend brunches to casual workday business lunches to a ladies’ night out on the town, Benjarong will take guests on an unforgettable taste of Thailand.

Sitting atop the 24th floor of Dusit Thani Dubai, with picturesque views of Burj Khalifa and the wandering cityscape, this distinctive space sets the scene for an immersive experience for all. Truly a magical culinary and social escape, with dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients, secret recipes, and flavours full of harmony and balance, along with exquisite interiors and the highest quality of service, the Benjarong experience will keep you coming back for more.

Friday Brunch

An ideal treat for the weekend, indulge in Benjarong’s upcoming Friday brunch offer, from 12:30pm to 4pm, set to launch on 4th December 2020. With carefully curated menus, that cater to vegetarian guests as well, enjoy unlimited dishes and soft beverages as well as access to the 24th St. buffet for only AED 220.

From their flavorful hot and cold appetizers to their mouth-watering main dishes like Gaeng Kiwe Wan Gai (classic chicken green curry with Thai eggplant and sweet basil leaves) and the Chef’s signature Khao Soi Goong (egg noodles, massaman gravy with coconut milk, served with prawns, chili powder oil, shallots, pickled cabbage and lemon) to their delectable desserts, Khao Neaw Mamuang (sticky rice flavoured with pandan and served with mango and coconut ice cream) sure to satisfy guests’ sweet tooth – there are an outstanding variety of dishes to get those tastebuds tingling.

Once guests have powered through the a la carte menu, they can head over to the 24th St. World Street Food spread and continue feasting on over 50 specialties from the Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Arabic, and Italian kitchens as well as enjoy the live cooking stations that is sure to stir up that second wind.

Additionally, guests can opt for either unlimited house hops, and red and white grape for AED129 or unlimited house spirits, hops, as well as red, white, and sparkling grape for AED149.

Friday Brunch 

From 12:30pm to 4pm

AED 220 per person

Includes: unlimited a la carte from the Brunch Menu + unlimited soft beverages + access to 24th St. buffet spread

Additional Packages available:

AED 129 per person which includes unlimited house hops, red and white grape

AED 149 per person which includes unlimited house spirits, hops, red, white and sparkling grape

Business Lunch

Recraft your lunchtime expectations and take yourself out for a midday authentic Thai delight with the all-new Business Lunch deal at Benjarong. Tuck into a 3-course culinary experience with their carefully curated menu offering an assortment of flavourful dishes designed to amaze the appetite and excite the senses daily for only AED 109. Guests can also enjoy refreshments of unlimited Thai iced tea, and coffee or tea for an additional add-on of AED 25.

Business Lunch

Daily, from 12pm to 3pm

AED 109 per person

Includes: 3-course menu (choice of soup/salad/appetizer; main course and dessert)

Additional Package available:

AED 25 for unlimited Thai iced tea and coffee/tea

Ladies Night

Let your hair down and unwind with an outstanding selection of delectable dishes and eclectic beverages, amidst an aesthetically intriguing atmosphere of vibrant colours that will surely make for a fun, Ladies’ Night at Benjarong. From Sunday to Tuesday, enjoy and sip on a selection of unlimited house spirits, hops, red, white, and sparkling grape partnered with an amazing 3-course meal leaving you feeling completely elated and elevated on a weekday.

At Benjarong every element of your experience is Instagram-able gold, from appetizer to main course to dessert, as well as their irresistible refreshments, your appetite will be as amazed as your social followers.

Ladies Night 

Sundays to Tuesdays, from 7pm to 10pm

AED 199 per person

Includes: 3-course menu [choice of soup/salad/appetizer; main course and dessert] + unlimited house spirits, hops, red, white and sparkling grape

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has been awarded the Diamond status in the inaugural “APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying” audit, for their efforts in ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The award aims to help re-build confidence in air travel by creating a global standard for health and safety measures. The judges took into consideration the implementation of COVID-prevention measures across the customer journey.

“2020 brought tremendous challenges to the aviation industry, and the Diamond status is testament to the strength of Etihad’s health and safety credentials and response to the pandemic. Etihad has demonstrated its resilience and designed industry-leading measures to combat COVID-19, including the Etihad Wellness programme,” WAM quoted Terry Daly, Executive Director for Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing at Etihad Aviation Group, as saying.

He added, “As part of its efforts, Etihad is the only airline in the world to make COVID-19 testing mandatory before every flight, and since August 2020, 100 percent of our guests have tested negative before they fly.”

Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying, for his part said, “Etihad Airways has raised the bar for health safety standards in the industry by initiatives such as Wellness Ambassadors, free PCR COVID-19 tests and using AI to identify high-risk passengers at its hub in Abu Dhabi. Taking such hospital-grade measures in ensuring health safety goes a long way in bolstering trust among travellers.”

By Joshua Trias

A surreal view awaits you as you glance out the window while your plane flies in Dubai’s night skies – Sheikh Zayed Road, with all its glittering skyscrapers and the Burj Khalifa, actually looks like a treasure chest glimmering in the dark.

And this giant boxful of jewels just got a new addition – a gem called Museum of the Future, aptly shaped into a ring and nestled right in the heart of the city.

Unveiled in 2015, the Dh500-million museum’s exterior is composed of some 1,024 pieces manufactured by automated, robotic arms and installed in a span of 18 months, according to local media reports.

The outer shell is covered in Arabic calligraphy illuminated by solar-powered LED bulbs in evenings, adding to the glitter of Dubai from the sky. 

Unlike traditional museums which highlights the past, Dubai’s Museum of the Future brings together elements of exhibition, “immersive theater” and themed activities enabling visitors to have a view of what’s ahead.

As stated in its website, the Museum of the Future “will be a place of tolerance, inviting varied cultural, philosophical, social and spiritual outlooks. 

“It will also a be place of learning, where you join us in exploring the threats and opportunities shaping our times, and finding solutions for a better future.”

The museum has four levels of exhibition areas that will highlight possible futures of outer space resource development, ecosystems, bio-engineering and future technologies. A floor will also be dedicated for children.

Expect more announcements about the museum’s scheduled openings and other details soon. Stay with us here at Dubai Vibes.

By Joshua Trias

Dubai arguably is one of the best dining destinations across the world, boasting thousands of restaurants and top Michelin chefs rolling out degustation menus for a gourmet experience most discerning gourmands would keep coming back to.

Following a hiatus, the city’s dining scene is back in action as restaurants start take bookings from foodies eager to dig in on spreads they have missed for a long while.

Indeed, staying at home can be exhausting as you run out of ideas in the kitchen and have become bored clocking the time it took for the deliveries to ring your doorbell.

So, how is it dining in the new normal?

Dubai Vibes did the rounds of favorite haunts across this city that never sleeps and noted a slightly different set-up. But none that would spoil appetites. The good times are here again!

For one, you see the now-ubiquitous hand sanitizers. Staff wear face masks. Some tables are left vacant to allow people to observe social distancing and dine in confidence with their masks down – except of course when getting up for some more food from the buffet. 

The banquet has remained as elaborate as it used to, making you wonder how the city has kept up with a continuous food supply chain. But then again, there’d be time for that.

Meantime, it’s the Friday brunch and evening theme nights to feast on.

Dig in.