FIFTH SEASON THE
2026 - 2027
Beyond the four seasons the world celebrates, the Empty Quarter has quietly kept one of its own.
The world moves through four seasons. Qasr Al Sarab has always kept a fifth. You feel it in the dunes, defined not by weather but by atmosphere, as the gold deepens, evenings cool, and the night sky clears. This is our own festive chapter, never borrowed from anywhere else. We invite you to step into it and let your season unfold in five moments: Awakening, Discovery, Renewal, Warmth, and Wonder.
Welcome The Fifth Season with us in the majestic Palace of the Mirages.
Awaken beneath glowing lights. Discover the golden dunes. Renew beside still waters. Gather in the warmth of embers and wander beneath a sky adorned with stars — five moments, one season. Celebrate The Fifth Season that exists nowhere else — only at Qasr Al Sarab. QASR AL SARAB MAP
EXPERIENCES GUIDE
Wander the Empty Quarter, where the season comes alive. Tap to explore the map or discover everything the season holds.
THE
SEASON’S
CELEBRATIONS AT A GLANCE
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
HOUR OF GOLD: GHAF ILLUMINATION — AL FALAJ
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER — AMANIE
24 DECEMBER
Join our Lantern Procession to Al Falaj, where the Ghaf glows to life, lantern by lantern. Make a wish and place it at its base. Guests dining at Al Falaj are welcome to offer their wishes with us before dinner begins.
AED 600 per person for a three-course menu* AED 650 per person for a four-course menu* *Soft beverages included | Four-course menu includes dessert Wine pairing is available for an additional AED 290 per person 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER — SUHAIL AED 600 per person for a three-course menu* AED 650 per person for a four-course menu* *Soft beverages included | Four-course menu includes dessert Wine pairing is available for an additional AED 290 per person
25 DECEMBER
SANTA’S ARRIVAL — GHADEER
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
You are warmly invited to a cherished holiday gathering at the Palace. Join us as we welcome Santa Claus by the golden dunes of Ghadeer, to mark the beginning of an evening of festive traditions.
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
HOUR OF GOLD: GHAF ILLUMINATION — AL FALAJ
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER — AMANIE AED 600 per person for a three-course menu* AED 650 per person for a four-course menu* *Soft beverages included | Four-course menu includes dessert Wine pairing is available for an additional AED 290 per person
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER — SUHAIL AED 600 per person for a three-course menu* AED 650 per person for a four-course menu* *Soft beverages included | Four-course menu includes dessert Wine pairing is available for an additional AED 290 per person
26 DECEMBER 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
HOUR OF GOLD: GHAF ILLUMINATION — AL FALAJ
THE
SEASON’S
CELEBRATIONS AT A GLANCE 30 DECEMBER
NEW YEAR’S PRE-PARTY — INFINITY POOL
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
AED 300 per person for an all-inclusive beverage and snack package* Enjoy an exclusive adults-only poolside pre-party, with a celebrity DJ, DJ JJOY, setting the tone for an electric countdown to the New Year. *Select premium wines, signature spritz, classic cocktails, and pass-around bites
31 DECEMBER
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER — AL FALAJ
8:00 PM – 11:30 PM
AED 1,750 per person inclusive of food and soft beverages AED 1,950 per person inclusive of food and select premium beverages AED 2,250 per person inclusive of food and champagne AED 875 per child aged 6 to 12 years Closed, comfortable shoes are recommended
11:30 PM – 2:30 AM
COUNTDOWN TO 2027: MIDNIGHT UNDER THE MILKY WAY After dinner, the celebration continues beneath a starlit sky — celebrity DJ DJ JJOY sets the mood, and fireworks light the dunes as 2027 arrives. From 11:30 pm onwards, beverages continue à la carte Closed, comfortable shoes are recommended
1 JANUARY
NEW YEAR’S WELCOME Explore The Fifth Season brochure to discover more of the magical festivities curated for you and your loved ones during your stay at the Palace of the Mirages.
Your season in the Empty Quarter begins here. BOOK YOUR STAY
For more information and assistance, please reach out to us: Guest Experience Team | experience.qas@anantara.com | +971 2 886 2088 Reservations Team | res.auh@anantara.com | +971 2 895 8700
STARS OF THE SAHRA PROCESSION As night falls over Al Falaj, a magical procession journeys through the dunes, with camels adorned in festive details following the guiding light of the stars—a captivating moment of wonder beneath the Liwa sky. 24 - 26 December | 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm Book a celestial dinner with us at Al Falaj. Reach out to our Guest Experience Team for more information and reservations.
THE
SEASON’S
MOMENTS LIGHT OF LIWA WELCOME THE DESERT’S BLISSFUL GOLDEN GLOW
SEASON’S
AWAKENING
Welcome Rituals | Breakfast Beginnings | Lantern Lighting and Procession | Hour of Gold: The Ghaf Illumination Bask in awakening moments through breakfast beginnings at Al Waha, sunrise dune walks, yoga, and morning meditations.
ROOTS OF RUB AL KHALI EMBRACE TIMELESS ARABIAN EXPERIENCES IN THE EMPTY QUARTER
SEASON’S
DISCOVERY
Ezba Cultural Event | Little Bedouins’ Desert Experiences | Arabic coffee-making and Arabic music | Date Tasting Experience Explore the Empty Quarter on a 4x4 buggy or an SUV. Discover authentic Bedouin traditions through a cultural journey in Ezba.
OASIS OF THE SARAB SEASON’S
RENEWAL
IMMERSE IN DESERT’S HAVEN OF REJUVENATING STILLNESS
Sound Healing | Royal Hammam | Signature Therapeutic Bodywork with Visiting Wellness Practitioner Julien de Reynal Dip into a curated wellness retreat in our Anantara Spa. Immerse in a blissful relaxation to restore your body, mind, and soul.
EMBERS OF THE EMPTY QUARTER SEASON’S
WARMTH
SAVOUR WARM MOMENTS SHARED BY THE HEARTH
Designer Dining by Anantara | Al Falaj Dinners | Cooking Masterclass at Spice Spoons | Desert or In-Villa BBQ Nights Delight in culinary evenings by the warmth of desert embers. Welcome the season’s gastronomical moments with your loved ones.
STARS OF THE SAHRA SEASON’S
WONDER
INDULGE IN INFINITE STELLAR ARABIAN CELEBRATIONS
Countdown to 2027: Midnight Under the Milky Way | DJ JJOY | Fireworks Displays | Fortune-Telling Indulge in celestial celebrations curated just for you. Await the New Year adorned by the stars of the Milky Way at Al Falaj.
THE
SEASON’S
AWAKENING LIGHT OF LIWA
WELCOME RITUALS
BREAKFAST BEGINNINGS
ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE AT THE LOBBY LOUNGE
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM AL WAHA RESTAURANT | IN-VILLA
Enjoy a complimentary Prosecco or nonalcoholic beverage, with a frozen treat for the little ones.
Start your day at Al Waha, or with a floating breakfast in the comfort of your villa — Classic or Bubbly, amid the desert vistas.
Visit Al Liwan or reach out to our Guest Experience Team to begin the ritual.
In-villa floating breakfast requires pre-booking with 24-hour notice.
LANTERN LIGHTING & PROCESSION + HOUR OF GOLD: GHAF ILLUMINATION 24 - 26 DECEMBER | 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM AL FALAJ
As dusk falls, join our Lantern Lighting Procession to Al Falaj, where the Ghaf — the desert’s own evergreen — glows to life one lantern at a time. Pause to make a quiet wish and place it at its base, in our very own Hour of Gold: Ghaf Illumination. As the tree stands aglow with the season’s hopes, dinner begins beneath the dunes. Closed, comfortable shoes are recommended. For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
THE
SEASON’S
DISCOVERY ROOTS OF RUB AL KHALI
SANTA’S ARRIVAL IN QASR AL SARAB 25 DECEMBER GHADEER | 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
You are warmly invited to a cherished holiday gathering at the Palace. Join us to welcome Santa Claus to the golden dunes of Ghadeer, near the Main Pool Area, marking an evening of festive traditions.
EZBA CULTURAL EVENT 2, 23 & 24 DECEMBER EZBA | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Local date tasting, Arabic coffee making, Arabic music, and encounters with camels, falcons and salukis. AED 150 per adult | Children aged 12 and below are welcome with our compliments
EZBA TOUR TENNIS & PADEL TOURNAMENTS FESTIVE SPORTS & RECREATION
Awaken your competitive spirit with Padel, Tennis, and Pickleball amid the desert landscape. Schedule and reservation details to follow in the Festive Experiences Brochure, closer to the festive week. Sportswear and closed sport shoes required. Pre-booking is recommended.
23 & 24 DECEMBER EZBA | MORNINGS & AFTERNOONS
Discover Bedouin tradition and Emirati heritage at Ezba, our cultural farmhouse nestled within the resort’s serene dunes. AED 150 per adult ages 12 and above AED 100 per child ages 2 to 11 Ezba Tour timings available closer to the dates. Closed, comfortable shoes, a hat, and sun protection are recommended. Pre-booking is recommended for both Ezba events.
ROOTS OF RUB AL KHALI EMBRACE TIMELESS ARABIAN EXPERIENCES IN THE EMPTY QUARTER
WANDER THE ENDLESS MAJESTIC DUNES EXPLORE THE RUB AL KHALI
Activities & Recreation Embark on a journey of wonder, from dawn till dusk. From dune adventures to desert rituals, discover every experience Qasr Al Sarab has to offer. ACTIVITIES BROCHURE
Tap to explore the full brochure.
FITNESS FESTIVITIES FITNESS CENTRE | 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Personal Training Sessions Elevate your fitness journey in our desert sanctuary, with curated wellness experiences and personal trainers ready to craft a session tailored to you. AED 350 per adult aged 18 and above Ice Bath Immersion Step into our enhanced ice bath where cold water immersion sharpens the mind, speeds recovery, and restores balance. AED 200 per person | AED 350 per couple
Festive Week Experiences A season like no other is approaching, with Festive offerings for guests of every age, unveiled closer to the celebration. Stay tuned. FESTIVE EXPERIENCES
Dune Walk A guided walk through the Rub Al Khali’s history, heritage and wildlife — familyfriendly and tailored to every fitness level. AED 300 per adult AED 200 per child aged 8 and above
Tap to explore the festive week experiences.
Sportswear and closed sport shoes required. Pre-booking is recommended.
LITTLE BEDOUINS’ DESERT EXPERIENCES
A LITTLE TIME, JUST FOR YOU
KIDS’ CLUB — FOR THE LITTLE ONES
BABYSITTING SERVICES
From creative workshops to poolside games and cinema under the stars, every moment at our palace is infused with magic, celebration, and laughter for the whole family.
Enjoy the festive season together — or steal a moment for yourselves.
For prices and timings, please refer to the Kids’ Club schedule in the Festive Experiences Brochure. Comfortable clothes and closed sport shoes are required.
Our babysitting service is available for families staying with us, so you can explore the season at your own pace, knowing your little ones are in caring hands. As availability is limited, we recommend reserving in advance.
PARENTS’ GUIDE
For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
THE
SEASON’S
RENEWAL OASIS OF THE SARAB
WELLNESS JOURNEYS AT QASR AL SARAB 24 DECEMBER
30 DECEMBER
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Wellness Centre
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | AMANIE
Awaken in the Desert Hatha Yoga Maximum of 10 guests | Complimentary
Letting Go Fire Ceremony All guests are welcome | Complimentary
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Wellness Centre
31 DECEMBER
Candlelight Yin Beneath the Desert Stars Maximum of 6 guests | AED 200 per person
Awaken & Align Pilates Reformer Maximum of 3 guests | AED 250 per person
25 DECEMBER
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Wellness Centre
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Wellness Centre
Morning Gratitude Hatha & Breathwork Maximum of 10 guests | Complimentary 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM | Wellness Centre
Renew & Restore Sound Bath Maximum of 8 guests | AED 250 per person
30 DECEMBER 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Wellness Centre
Desert Flow Vinsaya Yoga Maximum of 10 guests | Complimentary
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Wellness Centre
Flow into 2027 Vinsaya Yoga Maximum of 10 guests | Complimentary
1 JANUARY 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Wellness Centre
New Year, New Energy Hatha Yoga Maximum of 10 guests | Complimentary 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM | Wellness Centre
Guided Meditation & Sound Bath Beneath the Desert Stars Maximum of 10 guests | AED 250 per person
OASIS OF THE SARAB IMMERSE IN DESERT’S HAVEN OF REJUVENATING STILLNESS
SIGNATURE THERAPEUTIC BODYWORK WITH JULIEN DE REYNAL VISITING WELLNESS PRACTITIONER
Intuition by Julien de Reynal Drawing on Thai healing, shamanic practice, and years spent living as a monk in Thailand, Julien de Reynal blends therapeutic bodywork, breath, and meditation into deeply intuitive treatments, an invitation to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with yourself.
24 DECEMBER
30 DECEMBER
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Wellness Centre
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Wellness Centre
Inner Desert: A Guided Journey Within Maximum of 10 guests | Complimentary
The Body Remembers: Tensions Release & Gentle Flow Maximum of 10 guests | AED 250 per person
INTUITION MENU
Tap to view Julien’s menu. For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
SOUND HEALING
ROYAL HAMMAM
HOLISTIC HEALING TREATMENT 45 minutes
HAMMAM RITUAL EXPERIENCE 120 minutes
Inspired by Yoga Nidra and the harmonizing sound of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, this guided meditation calms the mind, soothes the nervous system, and awakens inner stillness.
Pamper yourself in pure Arabian style with a private session in the hammam. Full-body cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising is followed by a face cleansing to purify and a back massage that promotes circulation, relieves tension and uplifts the mind.
Pre-booking is recommended. Available in one-to-one, couples, or group sessions.
Pre-booking is recommended.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
DESERT ROSE ROMANCE
RELAXING MASSAGE WITH VCO 30 minutes
QASR AL SARAB COUPLE’S SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE 120 minutes
A soothing massage using gentle strokes and soft pressure to help young ones wind down and calm their body and mind. HONEY GLOW 30 minutes Sensitive young skin is nourished with a gentle facial that draws on the naturally healing powers of honey.
Lie side by side and indulge in a deeply cleansing body scrub of desert rose and sand followed by a sensual massage with rose oil. Unwind afterwards just the two of you in a roseoil bath sprinkled with wild petals. Pre-booking is recommended.
ANANTARA SPA MENU
Tap to view the full Anantara Spa brochure. For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
THE
SEASON’S
WARMTH EMBERS OF THE EMPTY QUARTER
AL FALA J DINNERS: LEVANTINE NIGHTS
DESIGNER DINING BY ANANTARA
24 - 26 DECEMBER AL FALAJ | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE
Following the Ghaf Tree Illumination, gather at Al Falaj for a Levantine dinner beneath a canopy of stars. Shared plates, warm flavours and glowing bonfires set the tone against the quiet of the dunes.
A remarkable desert landscape deserves its own occasion. Dine by candlelight on the dunes, attended by your private butler, with a menu crafted by you and your personal chef — or chosen from our Middle Eastern and international selections.
Pre-booking is recommended. For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
SPICE SPOONS COOKING MASTERCLASS
DESERT OR IN-VILLA BBQ NIGHTS
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED SUHAIL
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED DESERT OR IN-VILLA EXPERIENCE
Explore the distinctive spices, flavours and regional ingredients of Middle Eastern or Italian cuisine in a cooking masterclass led by our chefs.
For an evening to remember, savour a chefcurated barbecue beneath the stars - whether grilled fireside in the privacy of your villa or amidst the open desert dunes.
AED 500 per person including soft beverages AED 700 per person including select alcoholic beverages
For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
EMBERS OF THE EMPTY QUARTER SAVOUR WARM MOMENTS SHARED BY THE HEARTH
FESTIVE DINNERS AT AMANIE
CELESTIAL DINNERS AT SUHAIL
24 & 25 DECEMBER 2026 AMANIE | 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
24 & 25 DECEMBER 2026 SUHAIL | 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Celebrate the seasons in true Mediterranean elegance — a festive menu set against the infinity pool and endless desert views.
Suhail brings the bold spirit of Latin American grilling — dry-aged cuts, sweeping views of the wadi below.
AED 600 per person for a three-course menu*
AED 600 per person for a three-course menu*
AED 650 per person for a four-course menu*
AED 650 per person for a four-course menu*
*Soft beverages included *Four-course menu includes dessert Additional wine pairing for AED 290 per person
*Soft beverages included *Four-course menu includes dessert Additional wine pairing for AED 290 per person
NEW YEAR’S PRE-PARTY AT THE INFINITY POOL 30 DECEMBER 2026 INFINITY POOL | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Kick off the magical countdown to the New Year with us at The Infinity Pool Pre-Party — an exclusive afternoon into evening of celebrity DJ beats, featuring DJ JJOY, with select premium wines and cocktails, and pass-around bites, all set against the glow of the desert sunset. AED 300 per person for an all-inclusive beverage and snack package
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER & COUNTDOWN TO 2027: MIDNIGHT UNDER THE MILKY WAY 31 DECEMBER 2026 AL FALAJ | 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM | AFTER-PARTY FOLLOWS
After dinner, the night is far from over. Beneath a canopy of desert stars, celebrity DJ, DJ JJOY, sets the rhythm while fireworks bloom above the dunes, welcoming 2027 in a shower of light. AED 1,750 per person inclusive of food and soft beverages AED 1,950 per person inclusive of food and select premium beverages AED 2,250 per person inclusive of food and champagne AED 875 per child aged 6 to 12 years From 11:30 pm, the evening unfolds à la carte, with beverages served at your leisure. Closed, comfortable shoes are recommended for the dunes.
The festive menus, crafted for the season, will be revealed as the festive week draws near. For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
THE
SEASON’S
WONDER STARS OF THE SAHRA
FORTUNE TELLING UNDER THE STARS
CELESTIAL DESERT EXPERIENCES
31 DECEMBER & 1 JANUARY AL FALAJ | 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
SECLUDED DESERT AREA EXPERIENCE 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Beneath the star-strewn skies of Al Falaj, a fortune teller reads the constellations to reveal what the coming year holds for you. Step into the glow, and let the vast desert sky whisper your story.
Under the Empty Quarter sky, a stargazing guru brings the cosmos closer, from full moon rising to constellation tales and Bedouin star lore. Wonder for every age.
For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience Team.
Event timings are available closer to the festive week. Pre-booking recommended. For more information and reservations, please reach out to our Guest Experience and Activities Team.
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS 6:00 PM FAMILY SCREENING | 8:00 PM LATE-NIGHT SHOWING DESERT ACTIVITY AREA BESIDE THE MAIN POOL
Settle into the desert night as the silver screen glows beneath a canopy of stars. Choose your evening showing, whether curated for adults or made for families, and let the dunes become your theatre. Comfortable clothes and closed shoes are recommended. Cinema shows for guests of every age unveiled closer to the celebration in the Festive Experiences brochure.
THE
FIFTH SEASON Your season in the Empty Quarter begins here. BOOK YOUR STAY
For more information and assistance, please reach out to us: Guest Experience Team | experience.qas@anantara.com | +971 2 886 2088 Reservations Team | res.auh@anantara.com | +971 2 895 8700