There are many ways in which the pandemic has changed the way we live – and the way we vacation is among them.
With some countries shutting borders and people unable to confidently plan travel for the best part of the past year, trips to distant countries have been replaced by luxury staycations.
However, with one’s bed only being a few hours away, splurging on a room just to use the hotel’s facilities can feel a little unnecessary, especially when done on a weekly basis. Enter the daycation – hotel passes that give residents access to five-star pools and fully equipped gyms at a fraction of the cost of a room.
With a rising demand for such services, lifestyle brands such as Privilee, which offer access to hotels and their facilities in exchange for a monthly membership, have amassed a loyal following.
Jennifer Crowther, who works for the British Mums website, says she signed up for Privilee after hearing positive reviews from other parents in the online community.
“In the summer of 2020, they were having a special three-month offer. Considering the circumstances, we signed up as a family. We found that it was good value for money as it allowed us to explore the UAE more at a time when we weren’t able to travel.”
Crowther says the real benefit of Privilee was that it had something for the whole family. “My husband still uses it for the gym. It also gives complimentary access to a number of kids' clubs, so I could drop them off while I was working instead of having to pay again for that."
It's not just families that are using these platforms, either. The National's Sophie Prideaux has signed up for Privilee twice, both times with three-month deals. "I used it in the summer months because the pools were the only place I could stand the heat. I also took some annual leave and tried a different pool every day; it felt like a little mini holiday," she says.
Given the change in customer behaviour, a number of new platforms have cropped up, with each offering their own unique experiences and benefits.
Here's a closer look at the main players.
The original: Privilee
The platform was launched by Danish national and entrepreneur Lars Johannesen in 2015, after he realised that dinner and drinks by the pool could add up to a significant amount when enjoyed on a regular basis.
"It was only when I spent a weekend with friends who had multiple discounts and free access to resorts that I realised there was a gap in the market to bring this benefit to residents in the wider region," he told The National in 2019.
The fitness and leisure membership programme started with four staff members and eight hotels. It now has a team of more than 25, with access to 60-plus beach resorts, 70-plus gyms and more than 1,000 fitness classes across the UAE.
Like most businesses affected by Covid-19, Privilee ceased operations in March 2020 when its members weren't able to access venues owing to the pandemic. However, since its relaunch in June, it has seen an uptick in users, says Johannesen.
“This is especially true with family membership sign-ups over the past couple of months, compared to the same months in previous years,” he says.
“Residents were comfortable visiting UAE hotels because of their strong health and safety protocols and, as a digital membership, Privilee is virtually contactless. Residents could make the most of the holidays in the UAE and spend quality time with family,” he says.
While the first priority is customer satisfaction and “helping UAE residents live their best lives”, Johannesen stresses that the platform aims to help their partners – restaurants, hotels, spas and fitness centres – during a difficult time.
“We provide them with a direct revenue stream, and increase the spend at their food and beverage outlets and spas. With the decrease in tourism due to the pandemic, we were able to help drive footfall,” he says.
Price: From Dh529 per month.
The newcomer: Viya Access pass
Other platforms have cropped up during the pandemic to offer UAE residents getaways and unique experiences.
In October 2020, wasl hospitality, which has 17 hotels in the region, introduced Viya – a luxury lifestyle app that is free to download and offers rewards across restaurants, leisure destinations and golf courses in Dubai.
Users collect points as they visit Viya’s partner outlets, which can later be cashed in to claim benefits.
“Viya is backed by a strong loyalty proposition rather than discount culture,” explains Sandra Tinari, head of marketing and communications at Viya.
“We wanted to modernise our approach by using technology to get back to the basics; to bring loyalty and relationships back to customers and the outlets that they frequently visit; and to bring back the times when your local barista knew your name and how you take your coffee.”
Since its launch, the app has achieved a 20 per cent month-on-month increase in new users. Its success also spurred the launch of Viya Access, a luxury leisure and pool access pass which gives users unlimited entry to hotel resorts, beaches, pools, water parks and fitness facilities for a fixed price.
They also get access to entertainment destinations The Green Planet, Laguna Waterpark and the newly launched Topgolf Dubai.
Price: From Dh415 per month.
The experiential player: 'X' by OJ Lifestyle
While these platforms help residents seek out mini vacations at a time when travelling is difficult, "X" by OJ Lifestyle was launched with a broader offering in mind.
As its founder Omar Jackson notes: “We want to give them experiences that goes beyond just dining out.”
True to his word, "X" by OJ Lifestyle has tie-ups with a diverse array of clients. Some of the brands included in the membership are Cove Beach at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Cara Jewellers and bespoke tailoring company Royal Fashion.
The app gives members "X" points when they use a partner's offer or experience. These points can then be redeemed at special OJ Lifestyle activations such as The Box by OJ Lifestyle gym, which is due to open in 2021.
“We are not about discounts but offering more for less,” says Jackson. “We are actively looking to provide our members with fantastic experiences and a balanced lifestyle – from dentistry to dry cleaning – so there are health and fitness options, as well as fun aspects."
Since its launch, the platform has amassed more than 2,800 paying members, and Jackson has some ambitious plans for the future. The pandemic may have thrown a wrench in the gears, but it is fuelling people’s desire for a premium lifestyle in their home country, he says.
“What people want is value for money so that they can boost their usual lifestyle or maintain their current one for less.”
Price: From Dh699 a year.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
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The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.
It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.
3%20Body%20Problem
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RESULTS
Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ) by decision.
Women’s bantamweight
Corinne Laframboise (CAN) beat Cornelia Holm (SWE) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Omar Hussein (PAL) beat Vitalii Stoian (UKR) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) beat Ali Dyusenov (UZB) by unanimous decision.
Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) beat Delfin Nawen (PHI) TKO round-3.
Catchweight 80kg
Seb Eubank (GBR) beat Emad Hanbali (SYR) KO round 1.
Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Ramadan Noaman (EGY) TKO round 2.
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) beat Reydon Romero (PHI) submission 1.
Welterweight
Juho Valamaa (FIN) beat Ahmed Labban (LEB) by unanimous decision.
Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) beat Austin Arnett (USA) by unanimous decision.
Super heavyweight
Maciej Sosnowski (POL) beat Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) by submission round 1.
Mrs%20Chatterjee%20Vs%20Norway
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Final results:
Open men
Australia 94 (4) beat New Zealand 48 (0)
Plate men
England 85 (3) beat India 81 (1)
Open women
Australia 121 (4) beat South Africa 52 (0)
Under 22 men
Australia 68 (2) beat New Zealand 66 (2)
Under 22 women
Australia 92 (3) beat New Zealand 54 (1)
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
The years Ramadan fell in May
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Packages which the US Secret Service said contained possible explosive devices were sent to:
- Former first lady Hillary Clinton
- Former US president Barack Obama
- Philanthropist and businessman George Soros
- Former CIA director John Brennan at CNN's New York bureau
- Former Attorney General Eric Holder (delivered to former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz)
- California Congresswoman Maxine Waters (two devices)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20OneOrder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20March%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tamer%20Amer%20and%20Karim%20Maurice%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cairo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E82%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Series%20A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh332,800
On sale: now
ANALYSTS’ TOP PICKS OF SAUDI BANKS IN 2019
Analyst: Aqib Mehboob of Saudi Fransi Capital
Top pick: National Commercial Bank
Reason: It will be at the forefront of project financing for government-led projects
Analyst: Shabbir Malik of EFG-Hermes
Top pick: Al Rajhi Bank
Reason: Defensive balance sheet, well positioned in retail segment and positively geared for rising rates
Analyst: Chiradeep Ghosh of Sico Bank
Top pick: Arab National Bank
Reason: Attractive valuation and good growth potential in terms of both balance sheet and dividends
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
