Fly under Dhs500: The cheapest flights you can take in July
Serenity on the southern coast of Cyprus, Larnaca is your perfect summer getaway, complete with pristine beaches, relaxed Mediterranean charm and loads of culture. It's like having your Aegean summer dream, but for less. If you book to fly towards the end of July, a roundtrip will cost you Dhs492. Just under the 500 sweet spot, and you have your Pinterest holiday.
Book here. To Tashkent on Wizz Air: from Dhs491
A beautiful blend of Soviet-era architecture, Islamic heritage, and modern Central Asian culture, the capital of Uzbekistan is highly underrated. Wide boulevards, leafy parks, and a lively arts scene make it a unique stop on the Silk Road, and if you're looking for an unconventional destination, this may be it. You can fly a roundtrip for Dhs491 with Wizz Air if you book for late July.
Book here . To Dammam on Wizz Air: from Dhs400
The Saudi Arabian city is a sweet coastal dream and more laid-back as compared to cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, bordered by beautiful beaches and clear blue skies. If you're looking for relaxing holiday, this is where you need to be, and if you fly Wizz Air throughout July, you'll make a roundtrip for as little as Dhs400. It's the perfect speedy, neighbourhood getaway.
Book here.
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The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Tirana in 48 hours: Six things to do in Albania's vibrant capital
It has been available for four years, but only four weeks remain before Wizz Air pulls the plug on its direct service between Abu Dhabi and Tirana. Time to enjoy an inexpensive city break to Albania's dynamic capital is running out. The budget route, which opened in September 2021, will cease on August 31. With five-hour flights operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, it is still possible to zip across and tick Tirana off before then. A captivating blend of Ottoman, Communist-era and contemporary influences, the Balkan gem rimmed by the Skanderbeg mountain range is an intriguing destination. Its city centre is only half an hour from the airport by bus and compact enough to get around entirely by foot. Yes, it can be hot in August. But it's about 8°C cooler than Abu Dhabi in summer, so walking around to see the sights is doable. And it has more than enough intriguing attractions to satisfy curious travellers for 48 hours, especially those on a tight budget. Skanderbeg Square: Heartbeat of the city Most guide books will recommend starting a Tirana adventure at Skanderbeg Square, the sprawling central plaza named after Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. The military commander died in 1468 and is celebrated for leading a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. This square bearing his name is surrounded by landmarks such as the National History Museum and the opera house. The equestrian statue of Skanderbeg himself is a focal point of the square, its backdrop of changing facades reflecting a city that has a complex past and vibrant present. Et'hem Bey Mosque: A testament to endurance Adjacent to Skanderbeg Square stands the exquisite Et'hem Bey Mosque, a testament to religious endurance. Built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, its intricate frescoes and delicate artistry are a rare sight in Islamic architecture, depicting natural landscapes and still life. The mosque miraculously survived the totalitarian regime's atheistic policies, serving as a powerful symbol of Albania 's resilient spirit and the revival of religious freedom. Entry is free and a look around takes no more than half an hour. Bunk'Art 1: Unearthing a hidden past It takes only a few minutes to stroll from the mosque to one of the city's most fascinating tourist attractions. Bunk'Art 1, a network of underground bunkers originally built for the political elite in case of a nuclear attack, has been transformed into a fascinating museum and contemporary art space. Visitors can delve into Albania's clandestine communist history and explore its chilling corridors and rooms. Exhibits detail the paranoia and repression of the nation's Hoxha regime, offering a powerful insight into a bygone era. Entry is 500 Lek (about Dh20) and a minimum of an hour is recommended to take it all in. Climbing the pyramid: History with a view After exploring down below, it takes 10 minutes to walk to an attraction offering a city skyline view from up above. Climbing the Pyramid of Tirana – another free activity – feels like scaling a concrete relic of history, its slanted sides weathered, but proud. Originally built in 1988 as a museum to honour long-standing Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, the once-grand structure now boldly symbolises Albania's shifting identity. Each step upwards reveals more of the city's chaotic charm, framed by graffiti. At the top, the panorama opens, with the city sprawled below and the beautiful mountain range in the distance. Air Albania stadium tour: A modern sporting landmark The national football stadium proudly represents the city's more modern architecture. For sporting enthusiasts, a guided tour of the Air Albania Stadium is well worth doing and is only 10 minutes from the pyramid by foot. The sleek venue, opened in 2019, stands on the site of the former Qemal Stafa Stadium. Built as a compact English-style venue with spectators seated close to the pitch, it has a capacity of 22,000 and is sold out for every national team match. The guided tour, costing 1,500 Lek (Dh65), takes about two hours and includes pitchside access, the dressing rooms and VIP areas. An enthusiastic English-speaking guide offers a deep insight into the nation's passion for the sport. Grand Park and lake walk: A green oasis The Grand Park of Tirana and its artificial lake is only a five-minute walk, via Mother Teresa Square, from the stadium. This expansive serene space is a beloved retreat for locals, offering walking and jogging paths, cafes and peaceful spots to unwind and escape the urban bustle. Walking the 5.3km loop around the lake takes about 45 minutes. Formed by a dam in the mid-20th century, the lake offers picturesque views and buzzes with the sound of birds. Why now is the time From crumbling Cold War bunkers to lakefront strolls and skyline views from graffiti-tagged rooftops, Tirana packs a punch well above its weight. An evening spent in Blloku, the city's chic and vibrant cafe and restaurant zone, is the perfect way to round off a day and reflect on what has been missed out. Going to the top of Dajti mountain by cable car; visiting Pazari i Ri market; and wandering through Tirana Castle, a Medieval fortress that's now a pedestrian street with an array of restaurants and artisan shops, are just some of the other things that could be crammed in. Tirana is an unexpected gem that's easy to explore. With Wizz Air's direct route from Abu Dhabi ending soon, this month might be the last easy chance (for now) to enjoy Albania's fast-changing capital.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
a day ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Meet the Reborn Destino Five Ibiza: The New Jewel Of The White Isle
After a luxe transformation by one of Dubai's most visionary developers, this legendary resort is now the go-to for style-conscious travellers seeking great food, iconic DJ sets and the ultimate Ibiza-chic stay Whether you're a gourmet traveller seeking a hotel with serious chef credentials, a burnt-out businesswoman craving a wellness escape, or a group of friends after a stylish spot to crash post-party, Ibiza has never been short on luxury hotels that tick all the right boxes. But after a transformation by Dubai's Five Holdings, there's one place that is currently stealing the White Isle spotlight right now: Destino Five Ibiza. The resort reopened its doors in early June with a well-earned five-star status thanks to British-Emirati property developer Nadia Zaal – the visionary behind Al Barari and Nurai Island – who led a meticulous seven-month overhaul of everything from the guest rooms to the beach club. And her efforts paid off – on arrival, guests are greeted with an expansive panorama of the resort and sea views from the light-filled lobby, while its 159 stylish rooms and suites all come carefully crafted with refined contemporary aesthetics in neutral colour palettes. Touches of Ibiza's free-spirited flair remain, from tie-dye accents and neon-lit mirrored ceilings to pools splashed in bold, joyful hues. The crème de la crème rooms are the Cherry Vista and Cherry Suites, which come complete with expansive private terraces, large private pools and breathtaking views of Ibiza's majestic shores and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Elsewhere, the resort's communal areas are equally as plush, now boasting a fire pit for starlit evenings, a fantastic outdoor gym and an open-air stage set to host cult-name performances throughout the season, but more on that later. As you'd expect, the culinary scene here is top-notch too, and you can choose from three standout venues including all-day dining hotspot Cielo, which is the perfect place to begin your day with a lavish breakfast buffet featuring live cooking stations, fresh juices and Mediterranean favourites like made-to-order eggs, local fruits and creamy yoghurts. Come lunchtime, well-heeled diners tuck into everything from crisp salads and handmade pastas to the local catch of the day. For dinner with a view, head to Elia which, perched cliffside with panoramic vistas over Talamanca Bay, Dalt Vila and Formentera's horizon, serves up a menu of fresh daily catches, succulent grilled meats, vibrant mezze platters, dips like tzatziki and melitzanosalata, plus signature small plates paired with wine or artful cocktails. Last but not least, there's the newly redesigned beach club, Playa Pacha, where guests lounge by the hotel's iconic cherry-shaped pool in Prada bucket hats, graze on Mediterranean bites and sip rosé by day, meanwhile, come nightfall, the DJs take over, spinning late into the evening for the ultimate Ibiza day-to-night party. Speaking of a party, while the White Isle may be best known for its impressive array of spots to let your hair down, those in the know are heading straight to Destino Five Ibiza for its Pacha Icons series, where some of the world's top DJs are taking to the resort's open-air stage. Case in point? Sonny Federa, Grammy-nominated UK duo CamelPhat, Abracadabra (the first female-led headline residency in Pacha Ibiza's history) and Canadian star BLOND:ISH have all been snapped up for residencies. Book your stay directly with the hotel and you'll receive complementary access, with Solomun closing the show on September 25. World renowned label Defected is also making its return to Pacha Ibiza, with the legendary house party back this year, taking place each Thursday until October 2025. The best bit? Destino Five Ibiza doesn't just care about you having a good time – it also cares for the environment, too. As such, the hotel runs on 100 per cent green power, conserves millions of litres of water through state-of-the-art recycling and reduction measures, and has achieved a 46 per cent reduction in its carbon footprint. It also sources fresh produce from the island through Ibiza's 0 KM program, meaning all ingredients are as local as they come. We'll see you on the dancefloor.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 days ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi to Salalah: The complete guide on travel, visas and what to do
If you're planning a getaway this summer and misty mountains and green hills sound increasingly appealing, you're probably considering heading from Abu Dhabi to Salalah. The southern Omani city gets a lot of attention this time of year and for good reason — between June and September, it turns into one of the few places in the region that actually cools down. This isn't your average beach trip though and it's not exactly straightforward if you've never been before. So here's a practical breakdown of everything you need to know if you're thinking of heading to Salalah during Khareef season. How to get from Abu Dhabi to Salalah Credit: Tanja Cotoaga/Unsplash Direct flights from Abu Dhabi take just under two hours. Wizz Air, Air Arabia and Etihad all operate seasonal routes, with Wizz Air offering the cheapest fares: Wizz Air: From Dhs179 (budget-friendly, no frills) Air Arabia: From Dhs399 Etihad Airways: From Dhs1,205 (if you're after full-service and convenience) Flights peak Khareef season (late July to early September) and they fill up quickly – so book early if you're set on flying. By road It's a long one – expect 12 to 14 hours on the road, depending on where you cross the border. Most people drive via Al Ain into Oman, then take the route through Nizwa and Haima. It's doable, but not short. You'll need car insurance that covers Oman and it's worth checking in advance whether your vehicle can be taken across the border (especially if it's leased or on finance). If you're stopping overnight, Muscat or Duqm are the usual halfway points. Visa info for UAE residents UAE residents need a tourist visa to enter Oman, even for short stays. Here's what you will need: Apply online via the Oman eVisa platform Ten-day tourist visas cost 5 OMR (around Dhs48) Processing is quick, but best not to leave it until the last minute You'll need at least six months' passport validity and if you're driving, make sure your car registration and GCC insurance are in order. Top tip: Apply at least 48 hours in advance during peak travel periods. What is Khareef season actually like? Khareef officially runs from June 21 to September 20, but the green really kicks in by late June and peaks around August. Expect temps around mid-20s°C and there can be fog, drizzle and light rain. Nights can get chilly, especially in the mountains and visibility drops in places like Jabal Samhan or Wadi Darbat. The closer you get to September, the less green it's likely to be – though there's still cooler weather and fewer crowds. Bring a light jacket, decent shoes and don't expect to swim in the sea – it might be too rough. What to do while you're there This isn't a city break in the typical sense – most of what you'll want to see is outside the city. If you don't rent a car, your options will be limited. Top sites (all reachable by car): Wadi Darbat: picnic spot with waterfalls, paddle boats and misty hills picnic spot with waterfalls, paddle boats and misty hills Al Mughsail: cliffs, blowholes and views over the Arabian Sea cliffs, blowholes and views over the Arabian Sea Ain Athum and Sahalnoot: natural springs surrounded by greenery natural springs surrounded by greenery Jabal Samhan: elevated viewpoints, dramatic fog and wild mountain roads elevated viewpoints, dramatic fog and wild mountain roads Marneef Cave: walkable coastal spot near the blowholes walkable coastal spot near the blowholes Frankincense Land Museum: archaeological site with history on the incense trade For longer stays, people often explore Taqah, Mirbat, or head further into the mountains. Things to know before you go Pack layers – it gets cool, especially in the hills. Traffic gets hectic around Eid and weekends. Book accommodation and transport early. Internet and mobile service can be spotty in remote areas – download your maps. No roaming? Get an Omani SIM at Salalah Airport or local shops. Be respectful of local customs – it's a conservative region, especially in villages. Where to stay You'll find everything from budget hotels to five-star resorts. If you're travelling during Eid or mid-August, book well in advance. Salalah fills up quickly during peak Khareef. Want to stay near the greenery? Try mountain guesthouses near Wadi Darbat. Prefer city convenience? Salalah city centre has familiar hotel chains. Road-tripping with friends or family? Look for villas or serviced apartments. Why Salalah is trending in the UAE Abu Dhabi has recently invested Dhs764 million into Salalah's tourism sector – including a huge beachfront resort project, marinas and luxury developments. It's part of a bigger UAE–Oman tourism push, so expect even more road trip-friendly resorts and high-end options over the next few years. For now, though, Salalah remains a refreshing, under-the-radar summer escape – and one that's surprisingly easy to reach. Time Out tip: Want to skip the flight and take the scenic route? Daily buses to Salalah run from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah for under Dhs100 – perfect if you're going with friends and don't want to drive. Summer in Abu Dhabi The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss Psst: This is when summer officially ends in Abu Dhabi No complaints here 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
