Guide

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

UAE Visa Amnesty Explained: What Is It and How to Apply For It

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Smash Rooms in the UAE: Best Places to Go and Vent Out

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

Dubai's Best Ladies Nights That Doesn't Involve Clubbing or Alcohol

Classifieds

Jobs

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

Reduced Ramadan Work Hours Confirmed for UAE Private Sector Workers

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 2024: Will the UAE Get a Public Holiday?

Auditions Are Now Open for the Biggest Battle of the Bands in Dubai

These Are the UAE-Based Female Athletes Playing at the Paris Olympics

A Guide To the UAE's Union Pledge Day: What Is It and When Is It Celebrated?

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2024: Confirmed and Expected Dates

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Will There Be a UAE Public Holiday for the Islamic New Year?

DAZ Festival Takes Over Al Ain Zoo for 10 Days of Family Fun

9-Day Eid Public Holiday Announced for UAE Public Sector

Education

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

How to Get Your University and College Degrees Attested in the UAE

UAE Students Cheating Can Risk a Fine of Up to AED 200,000

The Learning Garden at South View School: Cultivating Curiosity and Joy in Early Education

Why is the Early Years Stage Important for Children's Development?

Money

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Minimum AED 5,000 Fine for Smoking Near Children in the UAE

Are Family Members Required to Pay Their Relative's UAE Debt?

How to Anonymously Report Illegal Activities in Dubai Through Al Ameen

Being a Dubai Housewife: The Rights of Stay-At-Home Wives in the UAE

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Authorities to Waive All Dubai Traffic Fines Incurred on April 16

A Guide to Driving in Foggy Weather in the UAE

Higher Fuel Prices Announced in the UAE for March 2024

Wellness

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom's September Offers in Dubai You'll Love

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Make-up in Dubai: All About the Lips

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Makeup in Dubai: Where to Go For a Natural Look

Hair Loss Due to Medication: What Causes Thinning Hair & How to Treat It

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

These Bodysculpting Treatments in Dubai Will Burn Fat and Build Muscle in No Time

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Best family-friendly hotel for Baniyas Island?

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ThirdCultureFamily

138

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 March 2015 - 09:59

Great idea about speaking directly with a manager. I think we'll do the same because it's just such a waste of money and space. Thanks Catawba KSE :)

393

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 20:11

Thanks for all the detailed recommendations. Sounds like you really can't go wrong either way. About how long did you all stay there? Is 2 days enough...it is quite expensive considering we need 2 rooms or a 2-bedroom villa because we are a family of 5. Which always annoys me considering 2 of my 3 kids end up sleeping in the same bed with me and we basically money. Bleh! First world problems and all that. :( We stayed two nights. Was worth it for only two night; we would have loved to have stayed a third if not for the expense. We are a family of five and we stayed in 1 bed villa which was plenty big enough for us all (see above post). One of our children was 2 and sleeping in a crib and the other 2 slept on the sofa bed. Reservations absolutely would not consider putting us in a one bed villa so I insisted on speaking with a manager who was far more accommodating so maybe try that.

ThirdCultureFamily

138

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 10:39

Thanks for all the detailed recommendations. Sounds like you really can't go wrong either way. About how long did you all stay there? Is 2 days enough...it is quite expensive considering we need 2 rooms or a 2-bedroom villa because we are a family of 5. Which always annoys me considering 2 of my 3 kids end up sleeping in the same bed with me and we basically money. Bleh! First world problems and all that. :(

393

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 19:22

We stayed in an Al Sahel villa with three kids and absolutely loved it. Our best hotel holiday by far in the UAE. We were in a one bedroom pool villa. The villa is huge...enormous master, small living room with double pull out bed, small dining area, lovely bathroom, patio at back with small plunge pool to cool off. But the highlight is the view of an amazing empty beach to the sea. Villas feel very secluded. Hardly anyone on the beach. There were other families with kids when we were there so definitely not for couples only. Although I'd caution our kids will sit quietly and eat meals at the table so not a disruption to others enjoying 'couple time.' If you need an environment where your kids can run around, yell and burn off steam during meals it is probably not the best choice. So, whilst the resort might try to dissuade you not to stay with kids it is definitely a lovely option depending on what you want: If you want kids' club, lots of choice of restaurants, multiple pools, boisterous, center of activity etc. it will not be for you. But if you want seclusion, villa vs. hotel room, empty beach, make your own action, staff that remember you because there are only a few guests, relaxed atmosphere...Al Sahel is fantastic. We went with friends with kids who opted to stay in the main hotel.....they spent most of their time at our place. It is expensive but for a treat, worth it. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 03/03/2015</em>

439

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 16:46

Would also suggest the hotel. It was years ago I stayed there, but was great. Additionally, was recently in touch with Al Sahel regarding doing a family break story there and they strongly advised against it. The Anantara people seem to consider the Desert Islands hotel for families and the all-villa resorts (Al Yamm and Al Sahel) for adults/couples/romantic getaways. I think Al Yamm is better for children than Al Sahel; the children loves waking up with animals outside the villa. Al Sahel seems more quiet romantic kind of place. There were a lot of families at the Al Yamm villas. Ah, thanks for the clarification, as I only know about the villa resorts what Anantara has passed on. Will be staying at Al Sahel at the end of the month though, and very much looking forward to seeing what it's all about.

439

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 13:47

Would also suggest the hotel. It was years ago I stayed there, but was great. Additionally, was recently in touch with Al Sahel regarding doing a family break story there and they strongly advised against it. The Anantara people seem to consider the Desert Islands hotel for families and the all-villa resorts (Al Yamm and Al Sahel) for adults/couples/romantic getaways.

203

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 13:13

We have also stayed in the hotel. The rooms are big, there is a child friendly pool, a kids club, a games room for the older children. Breakfast was buffet style so lots of choice. The family enjoyed the early morning safari and the horse riding. Both worth the money, in my experience. The guides were very knowledgeable. There is also a nature walk for the children in the afternoon. We did not venture to Al Yamm and Al Sahel so cannot comment.

ThirdCultureFamily

138

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 11:37

They are all part of Anantara and they will shuttle you between the resorts for dinner etc. We stayed in the hotel resort itself and it's very good with children, as there is a kids club and a large pool. We have also stayed in the Al Yamm villas and they are amazing with private pool. ( Not all if I remember correctly, but there is one by the restaurant) only one restaurant there, a South African, but really good even the breakfast was better there than the main resort. You are staying in the park, so will see some animals around the villa! The Al Sahel are villas by the beach, didn't visit. Great feedback, thanks!

ThirdCultureFamily

138

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 10:46

We've been thinking of going for ages now, but I'm so confused at the different hotel/villa options available. Has anyone been and can offer advice between Desert Islands, Al Yamm and Al Sahel? We don't care that much about a spa, but easy access to a pool, the beach, wildlife, and food is important. Thanks so much!

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

September 2024 discounts at Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Laser Clinic Dubai

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom's September Offers in Dubai You'll Love

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What is UAE Visa Amnesty and how to get it

UAE Visa Amnesty Explained: What Is It and How to Apply For It

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Serenity Spa review at Fairmont the Palm in Dubai

This Dubai Luxury Spa's Organic Facial Does Wonders For Your Complexion

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Prophet Muhammad’s birthday 2024 UAE public holiday

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 2024: Will the UAE Get a Public Holiday?

UAE food delivery scam news

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

A Guide to Smash Rooms in Dubai and UAE

Smash Rooms in the UAE: Best Places to Go and Vent Out

How to get a car loan in Dubai and UAE

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai pilot launches 4-day work week for government employees

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

Health insurance will be included in UAE tourist visa

Visitors Will Soon Get Health Insurance With Their UAE Tourist Visas

Top things to do in Dubai for ladies that doesn't involve alcohol

Dubai's Best Ladies Nights That Doesn't Involve Clubbing or Alcohol

Illegal domestic helpers in the UAE

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Cosmetic Semi Permanent Makeup for Lips in Dubai | Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Laser Centre

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Make-up in Dubai: All About the Lips

Healthy heart tips in the UAE

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejections Explained

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Dubai officials announce plans to have 140 Metro train stations by the year 2040

Image: Dubai Media Office

Dubai Plans to Have 140 Metro Stations By 2040, Officials Announce

KHDA Dubai schools inspections paused for 2024-2025 academic year

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

How to block unwanted sales calls in the UAE

How to Block Telemarketing and Unwanted Sales Calls in the UAE

Semi permanent eyebrows makeup in Dubai

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Makeup in Dubai: Where to Go For a Natural Look

Dibber Nurseries UAE | Scandinavian curriculum nurseries in Dubai

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

Top free indoor things to do in Dubai during summer 2024

Image: Dubai Media Office

Top 10 Free Indoor Things to Do in Dubai This Summer

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

How to renew UAE Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance online

How to Renew Your Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance in the UAE

Fines for cold calling in the UAE

Unwanted Sales Calls Will Soon Be Fined in the UAE