The Top Four Places You Must Visit When in Sharjah

Sharjah, like all other emirates, has its own selection of beautiful attractions. Unlike the other cities, Sharjah is home to various cultural exhibits and art galleries. Among the many wonderful spots, we have handpicked a few gems for you to visit Sharjah. 

1.    Al Majaz Waterfront 

Al Majaz Waterfront is a beautiful lakeside park studded with cozy cafes, magnificent restaurants, a splash park, and a musical fountain display every night, which is the cherry on top. Overlooking the stunning Khaled Lagoon, Al Majaz Waterfront is an iconic leisure spot that boasts Sharjah’s rich culture and heritage. With cafes, restaurants, parks, and playgrounds, Al Majaz is enjoyable for all ages.

2.    Museum of Islamic Civilization 

Opened in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Civilization is a must-visit for travelers. With over 5,000 Islamic artifacts from around the world, the museum is undoubtedly an important cultural and tourist landmark. Not only does the museum focus on the rich Islamic history, it also features great cultural accomplishments from the past. 

3.    Sharjah Aquarium 

Explore the fascinating world under the blue sea at the Sharjah Aquarium. Home to over 150 unique species, Sharjah Aquarium, spans across two floors along with an underwater tunnel to see the beautiful marine creatures up-close. Without a doubt, the Sharjah Aquarium is a treat to the eyes.  

4.    Al Noor Island 

Opened in 2015, Al Noor Island is a stunning lagoon in Sharjah. Recipient of various international design awards, the island is truly a work of art. It features a beautiful butterfly garden (a must-visit), literature pavilion, gleaming meadows, trampoline pathways, and much more. 

Where to Stay when in Sharjah? 

The ACT Hotel is your new home when in Sharjah. We are placed only 5-10 minutes from each of the attractions mentioned above, thus offering you maximum fun and convenience. Apart from having exciting spots nearby, we provide stunning apartments, delicious foods, and extraordinary customer service. Certainly, The ACT Hotel is your best choice. 

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book a room with us, and start exploring the gems of Sharjah. We can’t wait to welcome you! 

Tips for the Perfect Staycation

Who doesn’t enjoy a break from the hectic schedule and a fun staycation? Whether you are planning for cute getaway outside or want to recreate a romantic atmosphere within your home, we have got you covered. Here’s our ideas for a romantic staycation! 

Book a Room with a Beautiful View 

Sometimes all you need to reignite the energy is a beautiful view. At The ACT Hotel, we have a package designed for you. Our ‘Love is in the Air’ is prepared to ensure you a cozy and intimate time with your significant other. From premium rooms with a beautiful view to breakfasts and bubble bath, we have nailed everything down for your perfect staycation. 

Camp in a Park 

A cute camping trip is always a fun idea. If you want to be extravagant, there’s a lot of options with treehouses to add in the adventure. Or if you want to keep it short and simple, there’s a lot of parks that offers bicycles that you can take for a spin.  

Make it a Beach Day! 

A quiet walk on the beach while the sunsets is always romantic. Go for a fun day at the beach and stroll through the area  and finally end of the day with a beautiful sunset view. 

Revisit Meaningful Places 

This is a wonderful choice for couples that reside close to their hometowns. Visit childhood memories or beloved places from your youth, like the sports park or hotels. Otherwise, take a trip around the area where you first met and visit the spots you have your first few dates! 

The Perfect Iftar Party Schedule

With Ramadan starting in two days, we knew everyone would be looking for a perfectly organized iftar party. So, we have decided to make one for you. From welcoming the guests to the night prayers, we have everything charted out for a great night.  

6:00 PM – Guest Arrival 

With nearly 45 minutes to go-to for the prayer, use this time to catch up with friends and colleagues. Greet each other and escort them to their tables to get ready for iftar.  

6:41 – Breaking Fast  

Break the fast with delicious food and tons of water. Ensure every guest is served adequately throughout the iftar. 

6:50 – Prayer Time  

As prayer is an important pillar for Muslims, make sure each of your guests has easy access to mosques or prayer rooms.  

7:15 – Iftar Meal  

The moment everyone waits for during the iftar party. Reconnect with friends and enjoy your night with delicious food. 

8:00 – Fundraise  

We wanted to make sure that your iftar party will be meaningful. As charity is an essential branch of Ramadan, we decided that fundraisers would be an amazing way to stand out and be meaningful at the same time. Fundraise for a worthy cause and turn your night into a special one.  

8:30 – Departure & Guest Goodies  

As guests leave, take this opportunity to genuinely thank them for their presence and for their participation in the fundraiser. Moreover, make your iftar party into a memorable one with thoughtful goodie bags. From sweets to personalized cards, there’s a lot you can do!  

While arranging an iftar party, ensure to follow the necessary COVID-19 precautions. Choose a venue that strictly follows the rules and regulations. At the ACT Hotel, we offer spacious meeting rooms and delicious meals for your iftar corporate parties.  

The ACT Hotel – Family Half-Board Package

At The ACT Hotel, we are always searching for new ways to satisfy our clients. Whether it's introducing a new service or offering an exciting package, our goal is always to ensure that our clients have a memorable time. The Family-Half Board Package is one such offer that we are confident every family will enjoy. This time, we aren't telling you why it's a great package; instead, we are letting our customers talk from their experience!  

"Before COVID-19 halted the entire world, my family and I used to go on plenty of trips. We were always looking for an adventure, from exploring the road less traveled to dining at popular restaurants. But with COVID-19 in full force and strict rules in place, it wasn't easy to explore like before. Although my wife and I could cope with the new normal, our children were having troubles. They started spending much time on the phone and became absorbed in online gaming. Understanding a change was necessary, my wife and I searched to find affordable yet exciting staycations. We thought it would bring a piece of what we used to do and will energize our kids. Although we found many, it was difficult to find something within our budget that offered quality services (and fun). Upon more search, we stumbled across the ACT Hotel's Family Half Board Package. And it was love at first read. The package included an overnight stay at the hotel with breakfast and dinner buffets and all for just AED 299. We were elated and packed our bags for a weekend staycation. It was wonderful to see the family excited and packing for an amazing weekend. Although we were deprived of months of adventure, I can say we made it up during our weekend stay. Upon arrival till departure, we jumped from activity to activity. With COVID-19 still around, safety was also crucial for us, but we were not disappointed with The ACT. The hotel and rooms were properly sanitized and cleaned. All the public spaces maintained social distancing and had sanitizers at every corner. Without a doubt, the food was delicious. Our breakfasts were a delight, and dinners were nothing less than an explosion of flavors. If you are looking for an affordable, safe, and fun getaway, then definitely check out the Family Half-Board Package from the ACT Hotel. I bet you won't be disappointed."  

- Taariq Sha  

For more information about the package, contact us at 06 598 0000 or visit TheActHotel.com.  

Surprising Benefits of Saunas

It's not a surprise that people have fallen in love with the sauna over the years due to its stress-free and relaxing surroundings. Originated in Finland, spas have recently gained massive attention across the globe. If you are someone who enjoys saunas, then here's a treat for you.  

10 Clinically Proved Health Benefits of Saunas  

1. Improves Strength: Heat has been found to have a positive effect on your mitochondria, also known as the 'batteries' that fuel your cells, thus helping your body produce more energy and remain fit.   

2. Slows Down Aging: Cell regeneration ensures that you slow down the aging process. And if you're not entirely positive, check out a 20-year survey of Finnish men comparing two to three sauna sessions per week with a 23% reduction in the rate of cardiovascular disease deaths. 

3. Detoxify: Daily exposure to highly harmful metals through various sources means that even the most healthy and conscious individuals can have toxins in their bodies. Therefore, frequent sauna bathing helps to excrete harmful toxins like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.  

4. Healthy & Happy:  A 2018 study showed that sauna bathing four to seven days a week reduced the chance of death from cardiovascular disease by as much as 58%.  

5. Lower Blood Pressure: Sauna heat helps expand blood vessels and increase circulation, lowering blood pressure. 

6. Optimize Physical Efficiency: Improved blood supply from heat conditioning sends more blood to the heart, leading to improved plasma and red blood cell volume. This provides more oxygen to the entire body & fuels athletic success.  

7. Boost Muscle Control & Regeneration: As more blood flow and oxygen is distributed across the body, muscles expand in size, and muscle breakdown decreases. One research found that two, one-hour sauna sessions for seven straight days improved the overall production of the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) by two to five times.  

8. Fuel Weight Loss: Regular use of the sauna has been shown to control appetite, increase metabolism, and enhance oxygen utilization, which thereby drives weight loss and decrease body fat.  

9. Boost Brain Activity:  The BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) increases with daily usage of sauna, stimulates the development of new brain cells, enhances the maintenance of established cells, and enhances neuroplasticity, which is the brain mechanism for the creation of new neuronal links.  

10. Ignite Immune System:  Heat exposure from the sauna improves the heat shock protein, thus activating the antigen-presenting cells along with cytokines and stimulates the body's natural immune response.  

Experience all these benefits of a sauna at the ACT Hotel's Club 21 Spa. We are confident it will leave you feeling rejuvenated!  

Why You Should Host Your Wedding at a Hotel

Planning for your big day can be overwhelming, and it’s evident that finding the perfect location can result in 300 years of stress. One of the surefire ways to ensure you are given a wedding as dazzling as you could imagine it be without the weight of planning is deciding to have a hotel wedding. 

Here are more than a few reasons that would make you jump on the bandwagon of hotel weddings.  

1. One Phone Call is All it Takes  

Rather than spending hours researching the ideal florists or chefs, you can be comfortable in the hands of specialists with years of experience and attention. And the best part is, you get all these perks just by hiring them. The ACT Hotel houses the gorgeous Mohra Ballroom, which can fit you and your valuable guests. From the cake to parking, we have everything that you require to craft a fairytale wedding.  

2. No Stress 

Choosing to host your wedding at a hotel allows you to wrap all the benefits of an ideal event while you sit back and relax. From the tiniest tasks to the absolute highlights, the hotel staffs ensure to inform and prepare you adequately for the big day.  

3. Menu  

Hotels offer tailored menus for your special day to suit your taste and preferences. You are also often given a chance to look at the table setting and theme as you sift through the delicious dishes. Many include complimentary menu tastings too, and it does not get better than that.  

4. Venue  

Since hotels are committed to helping you achieve the perfect wedding, they are sure to bring the ambiance, grandeur, and effortlessness with trained professionals.  

5. Accommodation  

One of the biggest pros of a hotel wedding is on-site accommodation. At the ACT Hotel, our wedding packages include special room rates for your guests.  

Hotel weddings are the epitome of luxury and ease wrapped in one, a comfortable handle. So, if you are considering a hotel wedding, contact the ACT Hotel and get prepared for an absolute treat.  

Essential Items to Carry When Traveling During Pandemic

Without a doubt, COVID-19 put a halt on the entire world. From traveling to work to crossing borders, everything was closed. But if you’re stuck somewhere in the world or must travel due to an emergency, the airport isn’t a complete ghost town. As traveling during a pandemic is risky, it’s imperative to prepare yourself adequately to avoid potential health hazards. Here’s our list of essential items you must carry while traveling during COVID-19.  

1. Mask 

From the inception of coronavirus, all of us got accustomed to wearing a mask. Carry a box of covers to ensure you don’t run out of it.

2. Hand Sanitizer 

Just like masks, it’s common to find hand sanitizers tucked away in our bags. As the world fights COVID-19, we must mention that items like hand sanitizers are scarce throughout the globe. That’s why it’s essential to carry your sanitizer set instead of purchasing one in the country you visit. Make sure you pack a pocket-size and a larger bottle for your trip. 

3. Disinfectant Wipes 

Another essential item to carry is a package of disinfectant wipes. These wipes are crucial as you’ll need clean surfaces like doorknobs, seats, and even your phones.  

4. Thermometer  

Packing a travel thermometer will surely help you keep track of your temperature. 

5. Travel Laundry Detergent 

Ideally, the first thing you must do after arriving is washing clothes exposed for an extended period. There are surely numerous laundry soaps and detergents designed for travel that keep you fresh and clean throughout the travel. 

Although COVID-19 has redefined our traveling experience, we can still have a good time following safety protocol.