Formula 1 Abu Dhabi is just around the corner. And if you have not bought your grandstand tickets yet, then you can enjoy the F1 Race Week from October 31 to November 3 with a four nights stay at the only hotel in the world which is built on a Formula 1 racetrack.

The Dh 5,200 4-nights package deal at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, does not include grandstand tickets but you can enjoy access to the Pit Lane Walk on Thursday 31st October and access to the Yas Marina Oasis Areas of Yas Marina Circuit from 31st October to 3rd November.

While staying at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi you can also visit the four After-Race concerts that will see Arabic superstars Amr Diab, Hussain Al Jassmi and Elissa take the stage on Thursday 31st October, rap legend JAY Z headline Friday 1st November, Muse perform on Saturday 2nd November, and Depeche Mode on Sunday 3rd November. You may also get to meet hip-hop stars Akon and Nelly who will be performing at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi.

And if you have not had enough of race tracks you can take the shuttle bus from the hotel to Ferrari World.

If you live in the GCC and work for the government you have 10 days off for the Eid holiday while those in the private sector can take either Sunday or Thursday off and make their official 3 days Eid holiday into a six days vacation. Want to live it up? If you are willing to spend about $7,000 and some change, you can fly to the Maldives (Male International Airport) where you will be guided by someone from the Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa to an inter-island 70 minutes flight that will take you to Gan Airport in Adu Atoll where you will be greeted by a boat that will take you to paradise!

If you stay for four nights or more at the Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa you can benefit from their special Eid package. The inter-island flight for two will be free and you will have an attractive meal plan in which you get to experience two of the resort's best restaurants that feature a large selection of Arabic cuisine. Breakfast is served in Javvu restaurant, while you can have either a four-course dinner in Javvu or a three course dinner in Dr. Ali's which offers a selection of dishes for the health conscious and also has a wide range of Arabic cuisine.

The special Eid offer is applicable for a stay in a Water Villa over the blue waters of the Indian ocean, a Tree House Villa or a Beach Villa featuring its own private beach with white sand.

But there is trouble brewing in paradise. Before you make your booking make sure that there is no longer a threat by resort workers to go on strike.

If you are in Kuwait and want to have a memorable winter vacation in Istanbul, head over to the Turkish Airlines website. If you make your booking by October 19 2013, you can fly to Istanbul for as little as KD80.25 - inclusive of all taxes - that is almost 50% off the regular fare.

There has been a 68% increase in traffic from Kuwait to Istanbul in the first 8 months of 2013 compared to last year, and weekly flights have increased from 14 to 42 per week, showing the tremendous interest in Istanbul as a tourist destination.

This year, Turkish Airlines marks its milestone 80th anniversary and continues to operate as one of the fastest growing airlines, with connections to 239 destinations across 104 countries.

Eid is a time to celebrate - and what better way to celebrate than by ensconcing yourself in the regal comfort of the luxurious Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton hotel in Muscat. The “Eid Palatial Experience” holiday package offers overnight stays in mountain-view rooms with buffet breakfast for two for RO 194 per night. This package is available from October 11 to 18, 2013.


Home to visiting heads of state and members of royalty, the luxury resort showcases furnishings that artistically fuse elements from both local traditions and art deco influences, blending the richness of Arabian culture, art and history. A cascading 18-metre high crystal chandelier ensures a stunning first impression.

Recreational features include a one-kilometre long private beach, crystal blue infinity pool, lagoon pool and lush landscaped gardens. Families and couples may splash around in the four lagoons that run alongside the hotel, chill out by the flawless infinity pool or stroll by the longest beach of the Sultanate.

It is that time of year when airlines are putting on their best behaviour to attract customers. The summer holiday season is over and winter vacations are a couple of months away. Every airline is trying to woo customers by offering sweet deals. Here are some of the best picks. Hurry and book as there is limited availability.

Turkish Airlines is offering a number of special fares from across the region to Europe and North America. Fly from Jeddah to Istanbul for only SAR 1,009 - roundtrip, inclusive of all taxes. Or, visit Washington D.C. for only SAR 3,015. Or, if you are in Dubai and want to go to Paris, it is only Dh 2,145 away. But the best deal is for their new destination - Boston - where service will start from May 12 2014. If you book now, you can get a roundtrip ticket for only Dh 2,565 from Dubai to Boston and back - inclusive of all taxes.

If Geneva is on your mind, you can fly Swiss from Dubai to Geneva for just Dh2,225 roundtrip all inclusive. Qatar Airways will fly you from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City and back for just Dh 1,865 and for just a little more - Dh 2,075 - you can fly to Hong Kong. But if you wish to savour the gourmet menu of a celebrity chef you can fly on Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to Ho Chi Minh City for the same fare of Dh 1,865 and enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

If you wish to travel to Canada, Air France can take you to Montreal from Dubai for Dh 3,995. Or take United Airlines from Dubai to Toronto for Dh 4,205. All rates are inclusive of all taxes and are for roundtrips.