UAE NATIONAL DAY WEEKEND: Where to go and what to do

The UAE National Day Weekend is nearly upon us and it’s time to start making plans for that three-day weekend (if you haven’t already) – as Commemoration Day falls on December 1, followed by National Day on December 2 and 3. The Emirates certainly knows how to throw a party or two when it comes to these December celebrations, but as the last chance to take a long weekend off before 2024 rolls in, here’s to looking a little further afield for your fun fix. So, whether you’re a culture vulture or a nature-lover, there are plenty of short-to-medium haul hops where you can enjoy that well-earned time off.

Here are five brilliant destinations in which to spend the UAE National weekend.

BEACH DAYS: MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

Is there any other better way of escaping the stresses and strains of real life than a vacation of sun, sea, and sand? While the jury may be still out on that question, what we do know is if you decide to head to the beach abroad this UAE National Weekend, the third biggest island of the Seychelles should be on your radar. Think white, sandy beaches melding perfectly with crystal blue waves; dishes of the freshest seafood; and regular ice-cold cocktails; oh we are becoming dreamy. Anse Intendance and Petite Anse are straight out of postcard perfect beaches with Moyenne Island offering you chance to see giant tortoises in the wild. Should you be able to drag yourself away from the water and beach, wander around the vibrant and colourful Victoria Market, sample some brews at Takamaka Rum Distillery or spend some time reflecting at the beautiful Tiempo Hindu.

Flight time to DXB: 4 hours 30 minutes

ADRENALINE ADVENTURES: ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN

Rocking up to the beach with your book in hand might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so let us quicken the heart rate with a trip to Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the former capital has a plethora of options for travellers who like their downtime to be filled with adventure and excitement. Test your skills on the white stuff at Medeu Skating and Ski Resort; get a bird’s eye view of the city by paragliding from Ush-Konyr; or live the nomadic life with a camping experience in a traditional Kazakh Yurt, alongside horse riding and barbecue; Almaty will cater to all those adrenaline needs. But remember to wrap up as December in Almaty is not for the sun-seekers with snow blanketing the city and the mercury in the thermometer rarely creeping above zero.

Flight time to DXB: four hours and 40 minutes

CITY ESCAPES: SARAJEVO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

If you’re a city slicker but looking for something different from the traditional metropolitan escape to one of Europe’s behemothic cities, may we suggest where east meets west and head to Sarajevo? A compact city centre which lends itself to exploration, the famous Basčaršija (Old Town Bazaar) serves up an eclectic variety of sights, sounds and smells. Unlike major European cities, the Old Town is packed with locals chowing down on a spiralled pastry burek (we recommend the tiny but cute Dervoz) sipping on a strong Bosnian coffee and Turkish Delight at Caffe Divan or enjoying a cool beer on the window sill at Board Room. History lovers will be enamoured by the city’s past with superb walking tours (check out Sarajevo Walking Tours with guide Neno) where you can visit the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Bosnian War museums but be warned – they are not for the faint-hearted. Don’t miss out on the cable car that takes you to the top of Trebević mountain where you can enjoy landscape views of the city as well as the bobsleigh track for the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics. Back on street level, drop by Papagajka (Parrot) building; a hideous bright yellow and green tower block built to brighten up the city’s image before the commencement of the aforementioned sporting event before relaxing with a drink outside at the Viking Pub. However, the notable December highlight is the Sarajevo Holiday Market that celebrates the city’s Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, and Muslim cultures and traditions in one big gathering of fun and festive cheer.

Flight time to DXB: 5 hours 15 minutes

CULTURAL FULFILLMENT: ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA

The city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia’s east is fast becoming an entry on every traveller’s must-visit Middle East list for its luxe accommodation, incredible stone architecture and the unique, desert, glass structure, Maraya. However, during UAE National Weekend, the cultural immersion into one of Saudi’s oldest heritage locations goes up another level with the Ancient Kingdoms Festival. Visitors will be able to discover the ancient cities of the Incense Road through real life tours and augmented reality as well as AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma oases which will offer historical inspired shows, family events and imaginative dining.

Flight time to DXB: two hours 45 minutes

NATURE LOVER: GOA, INDIA

It’s time to journey to the wild side and embrace nature in a place that you probably know more for food, beaches, and waterfalls. Goa is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with several sanctuaries and reserves dotted throughout the region. The ‘ornithologist’s paradise’ of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary will offer bird watchers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of eagles, drongos, kingfishers, myna, kites and more, whereas those who consider themselves Tiger Kings and Queens can spot the big cats at the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Arguably the most popular reserve is Bhagwan, Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary provides adventurous jungle safaris and trekking trails alongside the highest number of flora and fauna in any of Goa’s sanctuaries.