With the Eid Al Adha break fast approaching, you may be considering squeezing in a quick holiday in your time off.

Luckily for you, you live in the Arabian Peninsula and don’t necessarily have to hop on a plane to nab that holiday you’ve been looking for.

Just a few hours from the UAE there are a number of little-know island holiday hotspots that we need to be explored.

If you were looking for your next getaway, why don’t you try one of these…

Zaya Nurai Island

Located just off the coast from Abu Dhabi, it’s like something straight out of a luxury brochure – all turquoise seas and white sands. Choose between a humble beach retreat all the way up to a modern beach estate, all within minutes of the ocean.

island holiday uae

It’s less of a family destination and more of a romantic retreat. It’s the kind of place you’d visit to treat a loved one, or to spend that well-deserved week away from work.

island holiday uae

Expect great food, golf and luxury spa treatments a-plenty.

island holiday uae

Prices for a one bedroom beach house start from Dhs2,750 a night. Tel: (02) 5066222. zayanuraiisland.com

Sir Bani Yas

Located 170 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi, this island is well-known for its huge amount of wildlife and plants.

It used to be the largest wildlife reserve in the Arabian Peninsula, and thanks to tens of years of conservation work it now plays home to thousands of free-roaming animals as well as millions of trees and plants.

island holiday uae

There’s a bird sanctuary, wildlife reserve, and the opportunity for plenty of activities including safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and snorkelling.

Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled, family vacation or just a quick getaway, Sir Bani Yas is a neat destination just a stone’s throw away from the capital.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, the Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa serves as a great luxury option.

island holiday uae

island holiday uae

Rooms from Dhs1,020 per night. Tel: (02) 801 5400. sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com

Read:
Eid Al Adha Holidays: Five Day Break Likely
UAE Public Holidays 2016: What To Do At Home & Abroad
Holiday Destinations Less Than Five Hours Away

Kish Island

It’ll take you a three-hour ferry to get there, but this small, Iranian island in the Persian Gulf is stacked with shopping malls, tourist attractions and resort hotels.

The best part? You don’t need a visa to get in, and it’s a free trade zone.

island holiday uae

The weather’s a bit cooler than in the UAE, so it’s a good spot to hit up during the summer. As far as activities go, there are bike paths all over the island, beaches, markets and malls.

island holiday uae

Accommodation-wise, the city’s filled with luxury hotels. One of the best of which is the Shayan International. It’s full of all the amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel, with smashing sea views to boot.

Rooms from Dhs645 per night. Tel: (+982) 166975709. Can be booked here.

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Holding Image: zayanuraiisland.com

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