Plan your holidays now.
Published: Fri 2 Aug 2019, 12:40 PM
Updated: Thu 25 Nov 2021, 12:20 PM
The long Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE is just days away. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced a four-day holiday for Eid Al Adha for the private and public sectors.
The holiday of Eid Al Adha will begin on the 9th of the Zul Hijjah and last until the 12th.
The UAE on Thursday, announced that the Day of Arafat will be on August 10, while Eid Al Adha will be on Sunday, August 11.
It is the perfect reason for a quick getaway, and in case you haven't planned anything, here are our last-minute options -- with travel time under five hours!
Take your pick:
1. Georgia
You might have heard many of your colleagues head to Georgia for a long weekend. And this place is worth a visit with its scenic mountains and valleys.
Dig into the history of the place by visiting Tbilisi, the capital city. While there, bite into the popular dish Khachapuri (bread with cheese filling), Chakhokhbili (stewed chicken with fresh herbs).
Flight time: 3 hours, 32 minutes.
2. Istanbul
Explore the colourful Grand Bazaar, the biggest undercover markets in the world in Istanbul. Dig into some Turkish delights and enjoy apple tea with the locals. After a long hectic day, head to the Turkish bath hammam and unwind your senses.
Flight time: 4 hours, 50 minutes.
3. Azerbaijan
Bordering Russia and Georgia, Azerbaijan is known for having 9 of the 11 climates around the world. Baku, the central city, is a Unesco World Heritage site. Visiting the mud volcanoes figures amongst the fascinating things to do in Azerbaijan as it figures first in the world with over 350 located in the region. Thousands of tourists visit every year to watch the eruption.
Flight time: 2 hours, 40 minutes.
4. Armenia
Home to beautiful monasteries, Armenia makes you feel like a royal as you can indulge in lavish meals and take a private car for Dh 8,000 for five days. The price would include the flights, stay and all other expenses included.
The location of the monasteries is what makes them extraordinary as you drive through picturesque locales of the city. While Sevanavank Monastery is surrounded by water on all sides, Noravank Monastery is between the Basalt Mountains. Enjoy the local meal overlooking Lake Sevan.
Flight time: 3 hours
5. India
It might be home for many expats in Dubai but the vast country offers a different experience in each state. If booked in advance, you can get a cheap bargain on flights to any of the major cities and then explore the city through the well-connected roadways or railways. It would be best to discover every part of it (east, west, north, south) on different trips if you don't have the luxury of a month-long holiday!
Flight time: 3 hours
6. Zanzibar
If you are looking for an exotic weekend island getaway, Zanzibar can be your choice of destination. You could head to the island for its cool, sunny weather during the coming summer months.
A walk in Stone Town will let you understand the Arabic, India, African and European influences in its architecture. Nungwi beach is also ideal for snorkeling, diving or kite surfing. Among the other things, you can do include a trip to the private animal reserve, Cheetah's Rock.
Flight Time: 5 hours
7. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one destination which combines it all - the beaches, the caves, the forts, wildlife and the heritage. Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress to get a beautiful view of the city and proceed to the Golden temple of Dambulla. Visit the botanical garden, Gregory lake, golf course in the beautiful city of Kandy. If you are a beach bum, Sri Lanka is home to many. Head to Bentota, Nilaveli, Negombo or Trincomalee.
Flight time: 4 hours, 25 minutes
8. Pakistan
Listed among the '10 coolest places to visit in 2019' by Forbes, Pakistan is emerging among the world's top tourist destinations.
Dip into the rich history of the country with visit to Lahore Fort, Baltit Fort, Buddhist Monastery, Shah Faisal Mosque, Badshahi Mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan and much more.
If you love all things sea, then Churna Island is just two-hour drive from central Karachi. You can try your hand at snorkeling and scuba diving.
And if you are a UAE citizen, you could avail the visa on arrival, if you do plan to take an unplanned trip.
Flight time: 3 hours
9. Nepal
Fulfill your fixation of heritage in Kathmandu, which is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world. The sites include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Bauddhanath and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan. Lead the life of a hippie and explore the night life in Thamel. Savour the beauty of the majestic Himalayan peaks with a visit to Pokhara. Enjoy activities like zip flying, paragliding in the Pokhara valley.
Flight time: 4 hours, 15 minutes
10. Oman
Whether it is driving to Oman or taking a flight, distance hardly matters while travelling to Oman from the UAE.
While in Muscat, visit the Grand Mosque and see the beautiful hand-loomed carpet that was once the world largest rug.
The list of places to visit in Oman is endless and can be fit in perfectly into a 3-day trip. Add Mutrah Souq, Nakhal Fort, Jabreen Castle, Wadi Ghul viewpoint, Al Baleed Archaeological Park to your to-do list.
Flight time: 1 hour, 5 minutes.
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