As travel advisories tighten on the United Arab Emirates, many UK holidaymakers are seeking a new luxury beach escape. Writer Padraig Prendergast discovered that El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, delivers the same blend of opulence, skyscrapers and sand dunes as Dubai – but with far fewer crowds.

Atlantis Mazagan’s £275 million price tag and 500‑room scale

Opened in 2009, the Atlantis Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort spans 250 acres and was built at a cost of more than £275 million . The resort now houses 500 rooms and suites, a figure that the property’s staff claim translates to “100 percent occupancy” even during peak season. Yet, as Prendergast notes, the beachfront feels almost private, with uncrowded sands stretching for seven kilometres.

Rooms cost about half of Atlantis The Palm in Dubai

According to the travel writer, a standard room at Mazagan is roughly 50 percent cheaper than its sister property, Atlantis The Palm, on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. This price differential, combined with inclusive half‑board and all‑inclusive packages, makes the Moroccan resort an attractive alternative for budget‑conscious British tourists who still crave five‑star service.

300 days of sunshine a year mirrors Dubai’s climate

El Jadida enjoys about 300 sunny days annually, a climate statistic that mirrors Dubai’s year‑round heat and appeals to travelers seeking reliable vitamin‑D boosts. The resort’s location within the historic citadel, where a mosque, synagogue and Catholic church sit side by side, adds a cultural layer that Dubai’s modern skyline lacks.

Celebrity sightinngs: Paloma Faith, Lindsay Lohan and Naomi Campbell

The resort’s glamour is underscored by high‑profile guests. as reported by the source, singer Paloma Faith, actress Lindsay Lohan and supermodel Naomi Campbell have all visited Mazagan, lending the property a cachet that rivals Dubai’s celebrity‑filled beach clubs.

Who is the unnamed British traveler?

The article centers on Prendergast’s personal experience but does not reveal his professional background or the size of his travel party.. It also leaves unclear whether the “100 percent occupancy” claim reflects official hotel data or a marketing slogan , and whether similar price advantages apply to other Moroccan resorts .

Overall, the piece illustrates a growing shift among UK tourists: after a record 1.3 million Britons visited Dubai last year, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s warning against non‑essential travel to the UAE is prompting a search for safer, equally luxurious alternatives.. El Jadida’s blend of heritage architecture, expansive private‑beach feel and lower price point positions it as a compelling contender.