Round up the troops and fill your summer with these family-centric staycations, with guaranteed fun for all ages
With summer in full swing, the perfect way to while away the weekend is with a family escape to one of the best hotels in the UAE. From five-star stays in RAK to glamping escapes in Umm Al Quwain, here are 18 fun, family-centric staycations for summer 2026 across the Northern Emirates.
Ras Al Khaimah
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
A palatial stay on the beachfront in RAK, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is a luxurious spot for a family stay. Rooms are all adorned in modern, neutral tones, with plenty of space to spread out and balconies that gaze out over the Arabian Gulf and Hajar Mountains – so even as the temperatures creep up, you can still enjoy the scenic views. While little ones burn off some steam at the ocean-inspired kids and teens club or make a splash at the kids’ water playground, adults can enjoy pampering spa treatments or embrace the serenity of the adults-only infinity pool.
Special mention: Kids under 5 eat free with a paying adult, while travellers aged six to 11 get a 50% discount on dining.
Rates: From Dhs700 per room per night
Book: hilton.com, @waldorfastoriarak
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Embrace desert dwelling and escape to the tranquillity of RAK’s golden dunes with the Family Adventure Package at this five-star resort. You’ll check into one of the luxe private pool villas, which vary from the more traditional Arabian style to the chic new one- and two-bedroom abodes that provide a more contemporary backdrop to your stay. Everything has been crafted with families in mind, with daily breakfast and dinner included – keeping you and your crew energised, plus a choice of desert-inspired activities, from night walks and stargazing to wildlife feeding and horse riding. Valid on minimum two-night stays, use code FML when booking.
Special mention: Little ones will love meeting the resort’s falcon at breakfast.
Rates: From Dhs2,050 per room per night
Book: marriott.com, @ritzcarltonalwadidesert
Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
There’s lots to love about this family-friendly stay on Marjan Island. Its pet-friendly policy, its rooftop bar, its beachfront suites with private pools. And this summer, it’s rolling out the red carpet for UAE residents to enjoy all its best bits for as little as Dhs850 per night. You’ll get an overnight stay, a big buffet breakfast for two at The Market, plus a dinner set menu at boho-chic Ula, with two cocktails included for the adults. Young travellers can spend their days burning off steam with access to all the recreational facilities, including Wibit, RAK’s largest overwater floating park, the Xscape Teen Zone and Xplore Arcade Room.
Special mention: This deal includes a free upgrade to a beachfront junior suite with terrace, giving you more space to spread out and chill out.
Rates: From Dhs850 per room per night
Book: movenpick.accor.com, @movenpickalmarjan
Sofitel Al Hamra
Lacing a little bit of modern French luxury into an Arabian-inspired retreat, Sofitel Al Hamra is the perfect spot to switch off and make memories with the fam. All rooms and suites feature a private balcony or terrace, while some even come with private plunge pools – perfect to book for extended stays or big group getaways. There are four swimming pools to cool off at, including a splash and slide zone, seven restaurants and bars that offer cuisines to suit all tastes, plus a Sofitel Spa with Clarins, to treat yourself to a little ‘me time’. Book by June 30 for reservations until September 30 and you’ll snag 25% off a two- to ten-night stay.
Special mention: The super-sized lagoon pool is the longest in the Northern Emirates, making this the perfect place to cool off in the summer.
Rates: From Dhs900 per room per night
Book: sofitel.accor.com, @sofitelalhamra
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
Indulge in an unforgettable escape at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah. Put your wallet away and bask in sun-soaked days with the all-inclusive offer, where dining and activities are all taken care of. You’ll get to start each day with a generous buffet breakfast at Saffar Restaurant, plus either a buffet dinner or Dhs120 dining credit to enjoy at à la carte restaurants Levant & Nar or NoHo Bar & Grill – plus young travellers up to aged six dine for free. Spend your days enjoying complimentary access to the Health Club, whirlpool and sauna, while little ones get creative at Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club and Aqua Fun.
Special mention: The all-inclusive package includes unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks at selected restaurants.
Rates: From Dhs1,170 per room per night
Book: icrasalkhaimah.com, @intercontinentalrasalkhaimah
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort
It turns out the Maldives isn’t a four-hour flight away. In fact, you can reach it in just a short drive to Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah. With its tropical aesthetic and overwater villas, this Ras Al Khaimah retreat feels worlds away from home. Nestled on a private peninsula between the Arabian Gulf and a serene mangrove lagoon, experience the ultimate in seclusion and luxury. As a UAE resident, you’ll save up to 18% across rooms and villas, kids stay and dine for free if they’re under 11 (up to 2 children), and there’s 10% off dining at the resort restaurants. Minimum two-night stay required for weekend bookings.
Special mention: Book one of the overwater villas – complete with private pool – for a taste of luxury resort living.
Rates: From Dhs734 per room per night
Book: anantara.com, @anantararasalkhaimah
The Cove Rotana Resort
For a tranquil escape, head to The Cove Rotana Resort. Set along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the resort offers a secluded retreat framed by lush landscapes, swaying palms, and uninterrupted sea views. It offers tropical gardens where you soak in the green, and a private beach where you can sink your feet in the sand and enjoy the gentle waters. Book their staycation deal and enjoy a complimentary upgrade to half board, a free upgrade the next room category, and the added relaxation of knowing you can check out late. Kids stay and dine for free, making your short-haul escape that little bit sweeter.
Special mention: The aqua fun waterslides are a brilliant addition to the family-centric pool scene.
Rates: From Dhs525 per room per night
Book: rotana.com, @thecoverotanaresort
Fujairah
Naäma Beach Villas & Spa, Fujairah
Unrolling against the backdrop of the Hajar mountains and the west coast of the Indian Ocean on Fujairah’s East coast, Naäma Beach Villas & Spa is a stunning stay, upping the luxe in Fujairah. The 44 villas are finished in calming shades of caramel and cream, and range in size from one- to four-bedroom, and all come with private pools. To cater to guests’ every whim, dedicated butler service ensures every stay is five-star. Book and stay by June 30 to avail a whole host of benefits, including daily breakfast, Dhs300 resort credit, a welcome bottle of house wine and kids’ cookie selection, plus activities like archery and padel.
Special mention: There’s daily yoga, meditation and beach wellness sessions, perfect for those looking to fully switch off.
Rates: From Dhs3,900 per villa per night
Book: naamavillas.com, @naamabeachvillasspa
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
This popular resort is a long-standing family favourite on Fujairah’s East Coast – and with good reason. They recently renovated the accommodation, giving it a modern makeover while still inviting guests to enjoy the same lovely ocean views. Book and stay by September 30 and enjoy a coastal escape complete with daily buffet breakfast, 20% off dining across restaurants, and 50% off at Spa Al Aqah experiences. Children can stay and dine for free, too. Use promotional code 11P when booking.
Special mention: The all-inclusive package includes unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks at selected restaurants.
Rates: From Dhs633 per room per night
Book: marriott.com, @lemeridien_alaqah
Palace Beach Resort Fujairah
Enjoy a coastal escape that pairs elegant beachfront living with all the thoughtful family-centric touches you and your crew could want this summer. Save up to 20% across all rooms and suites at this palatial seafront address, plus wake up to a daily breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead. Whether you’re unwinding by the sea or booking a spa treatment with up to 20% off, adults can truly switch off. But young guests aren’t forgotten; there’s plenty of fun to be had for them at the Qix Club.
Special mention: We love the poolside cabanas for a day of sun-kissed relaxation.
Rates: From Dhs359 per room per night
Book: addresshotels.com, @palacefujairah
Fairmont Fujairah
With its Arabesque-meets-art-deco design, Fairmont Fujairah is a colourful base for your family retreat. Many of their summer hotel deals are designed for families, including The Complete Resort Escape, where two children stay for free until August 31, with all-inclusive dining plus unlimited house drinks included. Enjoy relaxed days by the sea and balmy evenings framed by the Hajar mountains, knowing all your culinary needs are taken care of.
Special mention: The all-inclusive dining covers all restaurants – so say goodbye to boring buffets.
Rates: From Dhs729 per room per night
Book: fairmont.com, @fairmontfujairah
InterContinental Fujairah
If you’re planning a big group getaway or bringing the extended family along, a stay at InterContinental Fujairah just got more affordable. When you book any room type, from their choice of sea- or garden-facing rooms or spacious suites, you’ll get the second room half price. Set on the gloriously golden Al Aqah Beach, spend days enjoying five-star seaside living, with full access to the resort’s private beach and temperature-controlled infinity pool. Plus, up to two children under six stay and dine for free, with 50% off for travellers aged six to 12.
Special mention: Book a club access room and enjoy afternoon tea and a special happy hour in the private club lounge.
Rates: From Dhs744 per room per night
Book: intercontinental.fujairah.com, @lemeridien_alaqah
Sandy Beach Resort
Image: What’s On Archive
A firm favourite with long-standing UAE residents, Sandy Beach Resort has been the base of choice for families seeking a no-frills beach retreat, party people heading over for the regular Snoopy Beats music festivals, and watersports enthusiasts alike. Facing Fujairah’s unmistakable Snoopy Island, its simplicity is part of the appeal, and after checking in to one of the rooms or bungalows, head straight to the shorefront for a dip in the infinity pool, snorkelling around Snoopy Island, or sundowners with your toes in the sand. Stay mid-week and when you book three nights, you’ll get the fourth for free. Or go on the weekend, and get three nights for the price of two.
Special mention: Watersports are what this resort is famous for, so be sure to get your aqua-based thrills.
Rates: From Dhs734 per room per night
Book: sandybeach.ae, @sandybeachresort
Ajman
Al Zorah Beach Resort
Perched on the edge of an 18-hole Championship golf course, the Al Zorah Beach Resort is perfect for couples and families seeking a luxurious beach escape. Entry-level rooms boast secluded gardens or sea-view terraces, while the premium villas come with private pools. Modern Italian architecture is a striking contrast to Ajman’s leafy landscapes, which is where you’ll find many of the hotels’ leisure experiences, including watersports and a stretching swimming pool. Make the most of a minimum two-night stay and enjoy early check-in, a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, daily breakfast, welcome drinks at Aquario Bar, 20% off additional dining and spa treatments, and late check-out.
Special mention: A chocolate tasting and workshop is available every afternoon if you’re looking for a sweet addition to your stay.
Rates: From Dhs1,050 per room per night
Book: alzorahbeachresort.com, @alzorahbeachresort
Fairmont Ajman
In sleepy Ajman, the regal-looking Fairmont hotel is one of the most popular spots for retreating to the beach for laidback relaxation. The hotel’s décor is charmingly traditional, and there’s an instant on-holiday feel to the guest rooms that come with balconies that gaze out towards the sea. For leisure, enjoy strolls along the hotel’s 200-metre private beach, then cool off in the expansive pool at the heart of the resort, where you can enjoy refreshing serves at the swim-up pool bar. There are plenty of summer staycation offers designed for families, whether you want to go all-inclusive with the ultimate resort experience or book the family beach escape with 15% off the best available rate.
Special mention: Football fan in the group? XOLO sports bar is the place to catch the World Cup action this summer.
Rates: From Dhs570 per room per night
Book: fairmont.com, @fairmontajman
Ajman Saray
A lovely traditional beachfront resort in the tranquil emirate of Ajman, the Ajman Saray is a great place to retreat from the city for a slower pace of life. The collection of rooms and suites all gaze towards the sea or creek, while leisurely days can be spent soaking up the sun on the golden beach or at one of two swimming pools. Six restaurants, which include a beach grill, a signature Indian restaurant, and an equine-themed bar, mean you don’t even need to venture off property. There are half-board, full-board and all-inclusive packages available, which include meals at Vista all-day dining restaurant.
Special mention: The kids club has activities indoor and outdoor, and leads out to a children’s pool that’s nicely shaded.
Rates: From Dhs554 per room per night
Book: marriott.com, @ajman_saray
Umm Al Quwain
Casa Mikoko
Part of the rustic, Zanzibar-inspired Kite Beach Umm Al Quwain is Casa Mikoko, a glamping experience of five chalets set against the backdrop of the mangroves. The chalets all come with thoughtful amenities like a tea and coffee bar, hairdryer and slippers, and plenty of privacy too, all while looking out over the calm natural waters. Three of the five come with their own plunge pool, and all boast an African-inspired aesthetic that offers a tropical, instant on-holiday feel. If you’re looking for a staycation with a bit of a difference, then this is it.
Special mention: Proximity to water means you can enhance your stay with fun family activities like kayak mangrove tours and stand-up paddle boarding.
Rates: From Dhs1,200 per chalet per night
Book: casamikoko.ae, @casamikoko.uae
Vida Beach Resort
A seaside retreat that’s got all the ingredients for an idyllic stay in quaint Umm Al Quwain, this boutique property is painted in Vida’s signature white colouring, with palm trees and an open terrace that leads down to the pool and beach. Rooms offer either sea views or city views, and range from entry-level deluxe rooms up to the executive one-bedroom suite. For the ultimate luxury, book the two-bedroom beach chalet. There are plenty of facilities at Vida Beach Resort, from a fitness centre to a spa, tennis court, swimming pool, water sports and a kids’ club. Book and stay by October 15 and there’s 20% off every room category, with daily breakfast included and late check-out subject to availability.
Special mention: There’s a collection of pet-friendly rooms, so four-legged family members don’t have to miss out on the fun.
Rates: From Dhs300 per room per night
Book: vidahotels.com, @vidahotels
