From mountain springs to wildlife islands and the edge of the desert, here’s how to spend Eid Al Adha beyond the city.
With the Eid Al Adha holiday next week and the weekend to follow, there are six full days to explore Abu Dhabi. Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra Region offer things travellers can’t find in the city: from a UNESCO World Heritage-listed garden city to island wildlife reserves, desert stretching to the horizon and plenty in between.
Here are 10 ways to make the most of the break:
- Stay by the mountain springs at Green Mubazzarah Chalets
Nestled at the foot of Jebel Hafit, Green Mubazzarah Chalets offer a setting that’s well worth the drive. Guests can enjoy a discount on the best available rate using promo code “VISITALAIN26”, along with savings on public park activities, including the sulfur pools, salt cave, and games area. It’s an ideal base for families looking for a quieter, more nature-led Eid break.
- Explore Al Ain Region with the family at Ayla Hotel
Ayla Hotel’s Eid family packages are designed around the Al Ain Region’s best days out. Guests can choose between a room, breakfast, and Al Ain Zoo combination, or swap the zoo for Wadi Adventure access – both offering a complimentary room upgrade, dining discounts, and savings on spa treatments. A holiday supplement applies on public holidays, and the offer is valid until 31 December 2026.
- Go all-in at Oryx Grand Hotel
Oryx Grand Hotel’s Premium Getaway Package brings everything together under one stay: all-inclusive accommodation covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited beverages. For families who want a well-rounded base in the Al Ain Region over the holiday, it’s a great choice.
- Take aim at Al Ain Equestrian and Shooting Club
The Al Ain Equestrian and Shooting Club makes for a full and varied day out. Packages for both children and adults combine horse riding, golf driving range, shooting, and swimming, with options to mix and match based on age and preference. A food and beverage discount is also available at the venue throughout the day.
- See Al Ain Region from above with Emirates Falcon Aviation
For something a little different this Eid Al Adha, Emirates Falcon Aviation is offering 10% off all flight experience packages, with the discount code “Proud of UAE”. Two-seater Light Sport Aircraft packages range from short desert circuits to longer scenic routes taking in Hazza Stadium, Khalifa Mosque, Al Ain Zoo, and Jebel Hafit. Advance booking of one to three days is recommended, with flights operating Saturday to Thursday, mornings and evenings.
- Escape to the edge of the desert at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Few properties frame the landscape quite like Qasr Al Sarab, perched on the edge of the desert. The Dune Oasis Escape package includes daily breakfast, savings on dining and spa, a complimentary room upgrade, and a flexible 24-hour check-in/check-out option. Children under 12 stay and dine complimentary, and between camel rides, archery, cycling, and spa rituals, the days will fill up.
- Discover Sir Bani Yas at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
The main resort on Sir Bani Yas, Desert Islands Resort & Spa, offers families a genuine island experience. The Island Discovery package includes daily breakfast, late checkout until 2 PM, and complimentary accommodation for children under 12 sharing with parents. Booking direct adds an AED 150 spa credit, a floating breakfast, and a magnesium bath. With wildlife safaris, cultural excursions, a Kids’ Club, and Anantara Spa all on site, there’s plenty to fill the days without ever leaving the island.
- Wake up by the beach at Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort
For a more intimate Sir Bani Yas experience, Al Yamm’s pool villas line the island’s golden beach with direct water access and uninterrupted sea views. The Island Discovery package includes daily breakfast, late checkout until 2 PM, and complimentary accommodation for children under 12. Book direct to add an AED 150 spa credit, a floating breakfast, and private bicycle track access. Guests can also make use of the full facilities at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.
- Go on safari at Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort
Al Sahel offers something different, pool villas opening directly onto the savannah, with wildlife roaming freely outside. It’s the most safari-like of the three Sir Bani Yas resorts and a particularly strong option for families with older children. The Island Discovery package includes daily breakfast, late checkout until 2 PM, and complimentary accommodation for children under 12, with direct booking benefits including an AED 150 spa credit, a floating breakfast, and private bicycle track access.
- Tee off in Al Dhafra Region with Dhannah Golf Club’s Stay & Play packages
For those looking to build a golf trip into the long weekend, Dhannah Golf Club has partnered with four hotels across the Al Dhafra Region to offer ‘Al Dhafra Stay & Play Golf’ packages. Options range from a beachfront stay at Beach Bay Mirfa and a premium sea-view option at Danat Resort, to a city stay at Remal Hotel and a group villa at Remal Villas – all including accommodation, breakfast, and golf rounds.
Guests booking two nights or more at any of the emirate’s 171 hotels before 31 May, can also enjoy complimentary access to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, adding even more culture and discovery to your Eid.