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Image from Feedio.net |
In a matter of weeks, around the 10th July, the Holy month of Ramadan will be upon us. During Ramadan, Muslims must fast completely during the hours of daylight; it’s a hard call for them when the Holy Month falls at the height of summer as it means their fast lasts from approx 4.15am until sunset at approx 7pm.
The non-muslim expats have to adjust their daily routines too – governmental departments and the private sector all work reduced hours and most shops and malls are shut during the day and come to life after Iftar in the evening. So what can one do all day? You cannot be seen drinking or eating in public, and this applies even in your car. Go for a walk? Forget that one – with temps of 45C+ crossing to the other side of the road is a challenge. Staying at home for prolonged periods can lead to cabin fever so it’s worth considering a weekend escape to make the most of the extra special offers available to GCC residents at this time of year.
The idea for this blog post came around after a recent stay in the luxurious 4* Crowne Plaza in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
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Image from www.booking.com |
All rooms in the hotel are lovely, good sized and beautifully furnished with comfortable beds, luxury percale bedlinen, tv, ipod player, complimentary tea and coffee and a minibar. The glass fronted bathrooms have a huge tub and overbath shower, hairdryer, illuminated vanity mirror and complimentary toiletries.
If you do venture outside, then a morning visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque is highly recommended. During Ramadan it is usually open to the public in the morning only and last year’s tours were at 9 and 10am.
Recently opened Yas Waterworld might be worth a look if you want something more energetic than lying round the hotel pool all day. At the moment the opening hours are 10am-7/8pm but these are likely to change during the Holy Month so do check with their website. The standard adult price is 225aed but use one of your entertainer coupons to buy one and get one free.
Yas Island is being developed as the main centre for leisure in Abu Dhabi; there is a huge mall under development which will link with two massive stores already established – Ikea and Ace Hardware. Using the Sheikh Khalifa Highway it’s an easy drive down to the northern end of the Corniche on Abu Dhabi island.
This is an independent review, the Crowne Plaza aren’t paying me to write this nor did they give me a free room in return for this blog.
You can book this hotel direct on their website, or via booking.com.
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