Just Four Hours from the UAE: A Last-Minute Maldives Escape for the August Long Weekend

From the spacious family luxury of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi to the intimate island charm of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, discover two distinct ways to make the most of a three-night escape.

As UAE residents look ahead to the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday long weekend from 28–30 August, one of the year's easiest international escapes is just four hours away. Sun Siyam is inviting travellers to make the most of the three-day break with two distinct Maldives experiences. Families looking for space, activities and plenty of choice can retreat to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Noonu Atoll, while couples seeking a more intimate, slower-paced island experience can escape to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef in the South Nilandhe Atoll.

Direct connections to Malé are available with Emirates and flydubai from Dubai, Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi, and Air Arabia from Sharjah, with fares starting from around AED 1,500 one-way from Dubai and return fares from Sharjah currently available from approximately AED 1,650 per person, subject to availability.

Whichever style of escape travellers choose, Sun Siyam makes a short Maldives break easy to plan, with 24-hour All-Inclusive experiences and packages combining accommodation, return transfers, dining and added experiences. Depending on the resort, these range from full dine-around dining and premium beverages to complimentary excursions, spa experiences and floating breakfasts, allowing guests to spend less of their long weekend planning and more of it enjoying the island. Families can also benefit from Kids Stay, Eat & Play Free for up to two children sharing with their parents, making the Maldives equally suited to a spontaneous couples’ getaway or a multi-generational family long weekend.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – A curated Island Sanctuary

Set in the Noonu Atoll, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is part of Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection, combining generous space, privacy and extensive dining and leisure experiences. Particularly suited to families and multi-generational groups, the resort offers spacious beach and overwater villas, including private pool options, alongside plenty of room for families to spend time together while still enjoying their own space. The resort’s extensive choice of restaurants and café, wellness experiences, water sports and activities means a short break can be tailored around every member of the family. Its 24-hour Premium All-Inclusive experience adds to the ease of a long-weekend stay, with full dine-around options, premium beverage selections, while children can stay, eat and play free when sharing with their parents.

For the August long weekend, a three-night package at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi starts from USD 3,337 (approximately AED 12,255) for two adults, including 24-hour Premium All-Inclusive, return seaplane transfers and a complimentary villa upgrade. Service charge, applicable taxes and Green Tax are also included in the package price.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef- A Timeless Island Escape

For couples looking to leave the pace of the city behind, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection offers a romantic boutique island retreat in the South Nilandhe Atoll. Intimate, unhurried and surrounded by an iridescent house reef, the resort brings together the seclusion of a private island with the warmth and character of a distinctly Maldivian experience. Days can move effortlessly between snorkelling the house reef, spa rituals, dolphin cruises and quiet hours beside the lagoon, while six dining venues offer flavours from around the world. The resort’s 24-hour All-Inclusive experience makes a short stay particularly effortless, allowing couples to spend less time planning and more time enjoying the island.

For the long weekend, a three-night package at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef starts from USD 2,959 (approximately AED 10,867) for two adults, including 24-hour All-Inclusive, return seaplane transfers and a romantic set dinner. Service charge, applicable taxes and Green Tax are included.

Guests can book their August long weekend escape directly through Sun Siyam, with the latest packages, availability and offers available at sunsiyam.com/offers or [email protected]

Sometimes the best holidays are the ones you did not plan months in advance. With the Maldives only four hours away, the August long weekend is enough time to disconnect completely and return home feeling as though you've been away for a week.