Spend Eid in Dubai without breaking the bank

DUBAI: Live large in Dubai’s swankiest hotels, at astonishingly affordable prices, while saving enough for the sales that are on everywhere.

The Sofitel

Location: Dubai Marina

Why stay here?

Situated in the heart of Dubai’s only outdoor shopping area and within the confines of endless rolling waves, The Sofitel boasts spectacular sea-views from every room. Step out on the cobble-stoned streets to experience multi-cultural cuisines, or stay in to be pampered at the in-house spa.

The deal: AED 500 / Rs 11,637, breakfast included. The deal lasts till the end of September.

Contact: [phone] www.sofitel.com

Why not?

If you want to escape the mundane buzz of city living, The Sofitel’s buzzing corridors are not for you.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa

Location: Beach Road, Dubai Marina/Jumeirah

Why stay here?

Known as one of Dubai’s most picturesque hotels for its private, white sand beaches, five outdoor pools, and bevy of culinary hotspots, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa is the perfect getaway. Plus, Barasti Bar is a must-do with cool in house bands and the best mini-burgers in town.

The deal: AED 600 / Rs 13,964, breakfast included

Contact: [phone], [e-mail]

Why not?

Not as bright, shiny and new as some of its modern counterparts, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa is not the trendiest kid on the block.

Dubai Marine Resort and Spa

Location: Jumeirah

Why stay here?

Spice up your night salsa dancing the night at the Malecon, get your Greek on at Yai Yai by breaking plates, or saunter over to the ever trendy SoCho’s for some fine Japanese fusion. Getting bored during the day? Take a 10-minute taxi ride to the shopping havens of Dubai Mall and its iconic sky scrapers.

The deal: AED 520 / Rs12,102. Offer lasts until September 8.

Contact: [phone] www.dxbmarine.com

Why not?

Accommodations are not as luxurious as its five-star brethren.

Shangri-La Hotel

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road

Why stay here?

Situated in the heart of Dubai’s business district, with the Fairmont Hotel’s popular and pulsating club 400 around the corner, you can work and play in style! Specialized treatments of the far-east are tailored around the secret healing power of Chinese medicine at the hotel’s renowned spa.

The deal: AED 600 / Rs 13,964. Offer lasts until September 8.

Contact: [phone] www.shangri-la.com <http://www.shangri-la.com>

Why not?

The pace and sound of Dubai’s frenetic lifestyle could bog you down and never let the vacation kick in.

Why spend Eid in Dubai?

Offload that Eidi: Sales abound with cool merchandise at a steal as stores anticipate their new collections arrival.

Avoid house hopping: escape from the obligatory visits and visitors as you run wild, do you as you please and paint the town red, white and green!

Bahama mama: You don’t need to go far to get a taste of the Caribbean as the Atlantis looms large on the incredible Palm Jumeirah.  Go to the water park, eat sushi in style at Nobu and lose yourself in the magical aquarium “Lost World”.

Back home…

The lonely hearts club: In Dubai, everything is buzzing 24/7, unlike in Pakistan where everything except restaurants our closed for the long Eid holiday.

Money, money, everywhere, but not a place to shop.  That Eidi will be of no use when there isn’t a shop in sight!

Escape the obligations: Avoid being visited non-stop and being a non-stop visitor.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2010.