Make the most of the time off.
Despite the private sector getting one day less off than the public over Eid Al Fitr, we still have almost a week to enjoy at our leisure and we suggest booking a last minute getaway.
Leading travel search site and app Skyscanner has been browsing our booking habits and have put together five uncommon destinations (based on year on year exit increases) that seem to have the UAE residents gripped. Time to broaden your horizons…
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herezgovina
Sarajevo is enchanting, cosmopolitan and inspiring. The city centre is packed with impressive architecture, history, scenery and restaurants that celebrate home cooking. Sarajevo’s old town is filled with cobbled streets, mosques and quirky little shops. Sebilj Fountain serves as the city’s main symbol, with Markale Market Place, a wonderful area to browse, close by. Sarajevo’s surrounding hills offer magnificent views over the city while at night the scene of twinkling lights is breathtaking. Vrelo Bosne, the beginning of the Bosna River offers walks in beautiful surroundings where you can spend the day picnicking. The picturesque Old Town (Baščaršija) is home to Ottoman-style buildings and cosy cafés, making it the ideal place for a spot of people watching. Make sure to try ćevapi while you sit, a kind of minced meat on flatbread.
Direct flights to Sarajevo from Dubai are 5h 48m and start at Dhs 3,060.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Full of European and Communist style architecture, Sofia is a feast for the eyes. Relatively unvisited by tourists, Sofia remains an unspoiled yet cosmopolitan city. Museums, galleries, fine art and fine dining can all be found. It is also very green with huge areas of parkland and stunning hiking trails up mighty Mount Vitosha just on the doorstep. Bulgarian food is a delight with bakeries cooking up delicious snacks. Katma is another local delicacy, a giant pancake that can be sweet or savoury.
Direct flights to Sofia from Dubai are 5h 15m and start at Dhs 2,006.
Kiev, Ukraine
Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is one of Eastern Europe’s oldest cities and had an earlier golden age as the capital of the Kievan Rus, the first Ukrainian state. Following years under Soviet rule, today it offers multi-ethnic restaurants not found in the rest of the country. Amazing sights like the Pecherska Lavra (cave monasteries), Chernobyl Museum, commemorating the nuclear tragedy, and 11th Century St Sofia’s cathedral offer glimpses into the little known Ukrainian history.
Direct flights to Kiev from Dubai are 5h 43m and start at Dhs 2,555.
Cairo, Egypt
Underneath the dense urban shell lies a city of ancient mosques, Coptic churches, Citadels and Arab settlements. After wandering the colourful, crowded streets, escape the throngs with a sail along the Nile on traditional Feluccas and glide effortlessly through the city. A stop at the Four Seasons Hotel adds lavish luxury, with food, drinks and music, to the experience. Immerse yourself in Egyptian artefacts, haggle for beautiful bargains in the bazaars or puff leisurely on a sheesha while gazing out onto city life. A trip west will take you to Giza to see the famous pyramids. End the day with a feast of Egyptian, Middle Eastern, Western or Asian food and watch the sunset over mystical Cairo.
Direct flights to Cairo from Dubai are 3h 40m and start at Dhs 2,886.
Yerevan, Armenia
Armenia’s capital city is a heaven for culture vultures. It might be a small city, but it definitely punches above its weight in terms of art galleries, museums, theatres, and fascinating examples of early Soviet architecture. The locals enjoy a relaxing pace of life, chilling out in cafes in the park and cruising along the boulevards in their fancy cars. There’s plenty of culture, with loads of art galleries, theatres, and excellent bars where you can catch some live music. The city also makes a great base for getting out and discovering the rest of the country. Pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Geghard Monastery, which is partially carved out of the nearby mountain.
Direct flights to Yerevan from Dubai are 3h 10m and start at Dhs 3,631.
Images: Instagram, Supplied, main image instagram.com/lexislittlesecret
