Glamping in the UAE: 18 Epic Spots in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Beyond
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The glorious winter season is upon us, which means glamping is in full swing in the UAE. The UAE takes its glamping game very seriously. So whether you want to stargaze from a dome in the middle of the desert in Dubai, splash out on a luxury cabana on a mangrove beach in Umm Al Quwain, spend the weekend at an all-inclusive beachfront “glampground” in Ras Al Khaimah, or spot free-roaming African animals from a 5-star tent-villa in Abu Dhabi, you can live out your fantasies with the many epic UAE glamping options!
Not sure where to start? As someone who has called Dubai home for the past four years, I’ve got you covered with 18 of the best places for glamping in UAE. From swanky resorts in the dunes to eco-chic tents on the beach to revamped Airstream trailers in the mountains, you’re bound to find the perfect glamping spot!
Glamping in Dubai
Al Maha ~ for a luxury resort & spa in the desert
When it comes to luxurious desert glamping in Dubai, nothing compares to a stay at Al Maha. This 5-star resort is tucked away in the exclusive Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and offers 42 tent-villas complete with private pools set smack in the middle of the sand dunes.
The many unique activities on offer make this a true Dubai bucket-list experience. Think wildlife safaris, camel trekking, falconry, horseback riding, dining in the dunes, and so much more.
Al Marmoom Domes ~ for stargazing from bed in the desert
If you’ve always dreamed of stargazing from a dome surrounded by desert dunes, Al Marmoom Dome Luxury Desert Experiential Stay is the perfect pick. This is Dubai, so expect a truly luxurious glamping experience right in the heart of the protected Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Glamping packages include Breakfast, Half-Board (breakfast with lunch or dinner), Full-Board (3 meals a day), and All-Inclusive (drinks, meals, and other perks). No matter which package you choose, each spectacular suite-style dome comes with a private pool and garden, traditional breakfast served in the dome, 24/7 butler service, telescopes for stargazing, Hetta tattoos, and more.
The Nest by Nara ~ for a surreal eco-chic stay in the desert
If you want to do some luxury glamping in Dubai, look into staying at The Nest by Nara. Located in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Nara Campsite is just 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai – but you really feel like you’re worlds away!
This luxury campsite is dotted with 14 eco-friendly “Nests,” which were designed by award-winning architect Gianni Ranaulo. Your luxury Nest will be outfitted with a plush double bed, boho-chic decor, a writing desk, a natural stone ensuite bathroom, and a furnished patio area complete with a fire pit.
The amazing Dubai glamping experience at The Nest by Nara is all about enjoying the outdoors, so you won’t find TVs or Wi-Fi in your Nest. Instead, you’ll spend your time exploring the desert, enjoying alfresco meals prepared by the resident chef, sipping drinks at the licensed bar, and doing some serious stargazing at night.
Hatta Resorts ~ for a unique stay in the Hajar Mountains
When it comes to glamping in Dubai, the options are limited. For something a bit more wallet-friendly than The Nest, Hatta Resorts is a wildly popular option. But instead of being in the middle of the desert, you’ll be glamping in the mountains of beautiful Hatta.
Located 90 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Hatta Resorts offers three different glamping options. You can glamp in style in one of the luxury Airstream trailers, stargaze from a dome, or take in magical views of Hatta Wadi Hub from a luxe mountainside cabin. Or you can take your time and try all three experiences!
Trust me, you’ll want to stay for at least a couple of nights to tick off the many amazing things to do in Hatta, Dubai!
Caravan Hatta ~ for a wellness-focused stay in Hatta
Also located in Hatta, Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas is one of the newest places to go glamping in Dubai. What I love about this place is how much care is put into the design and amenities found throughout the property. Each revamped Airstream trailer is outfitted with luxurious decor and private outdoor living spaces. Many of them even offer views of the gorgeous Hatta Dam!
A few other very cool features about this chic glamping site are the amazing infinity pool (the views are unreal!), unique hiking and biking experiences, wellness offerings, and bespoke dining options.
Glamping in Abu Dhabi
Pura Eco Retreat ~ for nature and history lovers
When it comes to glamping in UAE, you’re going to find loads of options in Abu Dhabi. And Pura Eco Retreat in Al Ain’s Jebel Hafit Desert Park is one of the coolest.
As the name implies, this place is set at the base of Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak, making this one for nature lovers who want to get out and hike, mountain bike, or take a guided camel ride. But it’s also one for culture and history enthusiasts who want to explore the area’s spectacular archaeological sites.
You can choose from a variety of luxe accommodation options. But whether you decide to stargaze from a Dome Tent, get cultured in a Heritage Tent, go basic with a Safari Tent, or splash out on the mid-century-style Premium Lodge, the experience is bound to be an incredible one!
Liwa Nights ~ for a chance to stay in the Empty Quarter
Imagine spending the night in the remote Empty Quarter in Liwa, Abu Dhabi. Well, that’s exactly the type of experience you can get at Liwa Nights!
Surrounded by rolling dunes and a star-speckled sky, Liwa is arguably the most spectacular place to check out the UAE’s vast desert. The glamping tents here are the perfect mix of traditional Bedouin style and luxe amenities. When you’re not stargazing from your tent at night, you can spend your days going dune bashing, touring a date farm, embarking on a desert safari, spotting camels and Arabian salukis, and getting your fill of home-cooked Emirati meals, to name just a few activities.
Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort ~ for an African safari experience
If you’re searching for luxury UAE glamping experiences, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort is well worth the splurge. Located on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, this protected reserve is home to free-roaming animals, from herds of Arabian oryx to cheetahs and giraffes.
This is “glamping” at its best and a stay here is an absolute bucket-list experience if you’ve always dreamed of embarking on an African safari! Plus, you’ll get to stay in style in one of the property’s 30 safari-style villas.
If you want to go all out, it’s well worth booking the One Bedroom Pool Villa. These luxury units feature a four-poster bed, a separate living room, an ensuite with a standalone soaking tub, and a private terrace with a plunge pool and loungers. It’s the perfect place to rest up after a day spotting exotic animals on a desert drive or kayaking through mangroves, among the many nature-centric experiences on offer to guests.
Bab Al Nojoum ~ for an island getaway
For some of the absolute coolest glamping in UAE, Bab Al Nojoum on Hudayriyat Island offers a truly unique experience. This glampsite is located on an island near Downtown Abu Dhabi, making it a great option if you’re looking for an easy beach getaway.
The accommodation options here are all tempting. But for a full UAE glamping experience, you can choose from the basic Wave Tent or upgrade to a Chalet Tent or two-story Duplex Tent with a private plunge pool. No matter what, you’ll be steps from the beach.
But the real temptation comes with the Overwater Villas. Even the most basic of these villas comes with a private outdoor deck with two loungers and a vanishing-edge plunge pool overlooking the ocean. You can even take in the endless ocean views from bed. It’s like being transported to the Maldives without leaving the UAE!
Glamping in Umm Al Quwain
Casa Mikoko ~ for a Zanzibar-inspired stay
I’m absolutely obsessed with Casa Mikoko. This hidden gem can be found down a long, unassuming dirt road that leads to Umm Al Quwain’s beautiful Mangrove Beach. Overlooking the mangroves, Casa Mikoko is home to a popular cafe and restaurant that is well worth visiting in its own right. But if you want to make a night of it, I highly suggest making reservations for one of their new overwater bungalows.
There are just six luxury bungalows on offer at this boutique eco-luxe resort. You can choose one with a pool or without a pool. There’s also the option of booking the 2-bedroom Family Suite. Either way you go, you’ll be perched right above the water. One of the coolest things about staying at Casa Mikoko is that you have direct access to the mangroves – so hop in a kayak and get paddling!
Luxeglamp ~ for a stay in the middle of UAQ’s mangroves
Also located near Mangrove Beach, Luxeglamp offers another really cool overwater glamping experience in Umm Al Quwain. Each of these futuristic glass domes features a private terrace with a plunge pool, a private sauna, a netted overwater lounging area, a hot tub, and Insta-worthy boho-chic interiors.
Of course, Luxeglamp’s location means that it’s easy to get out and paddle around UAQ’s mangroves, spot flamingos and other birdlife, and enjoy magical sunsets each evening. The on-site restaurant is absolutely amazing and you can even dine on the cool floating decks during high tide!
Glamping in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)
The Dunes Camping & Safari RAK ~ for traditional desert experiences
If you’re craving adventure, The Dunes Camping & Safari RAK is one of the best glamping spots in the UAE. The accommodation options range from dome tents and elevated tree houses to wood cabins and heritage huts.
But one of the coolest things about The Dunes Camping & Safari RAK is the experiences. Whether you want to embark on an early morning safari, ride a quad bike, go dune bashing, or ride a camel through the desert, there are all sorts of bucket-list-worthy things to do!
Longbeach Campground ~ for family-friendly beachside fun
Located on a 300-meter stretch of beach in Ras Al Khaimah, Longbeach Campground is another one of the best glamping spots in UAE. This is an especially fun option if you’d love an all-inclusive experience with family-friendly amenities galore!
The all-inclusive package gives you access to the beach, pool, outdoor spa, yard games, water sports, an outdoor cinema, and loads more. There’s even a Kiddos Club, perfect for keeping little ones entertained. You’ll also love dining alfresco for breakfast and dinner at the Beach Dining Area and grabbing afternoon snacks and evening drinks with an ocean view at the Infinity Pool Bar.
And then there are the accommodation options, which range from the Panoramic Dome Suite Tent and the teepee-style Authentic Deluxe Tent to the family-friendly Safari Suite Tent and the oceanfront Sunset Terrace Suite, complete with a private hot tub on the terrace!
Bedouin Oasis Camp ~ for a traditional cultural experience
One for culture lovers, Bedouin Oasis Camp offers some of the most authentic and traditional glamping in UAE. Set in the middle of the desert in Ras Al Khaimah, this place allows you to experience falconry, archery, henna, sandboarding, camel trekking, and more.
For the most authentic accommodation option, opt for the Bedouin Family Tent, which allows you to “live like a Bedouin for a night.” This package also offers traditional live performances and a barbecue dinner under the stars each evening. You can do all the stargazing you want each night, but be sure to wake up in time to experience the stunning sunrise in the morning!
Banan Beach ~ for a chilled-out beach vacation
Another gem in Ras Al Khaimah, Banan Beach is the epitome of cool. This dreamy UAE glamping spot is set right on the shores of RAK and is a great pick for a romantic retreat, a friend’s getaway, or a family-friendly vacay.
This elevated campsite is dotted with rustic-chic A-frame cabins, stilted beachfront rooms with private decks overlooking the ocean, and rooms with garden views. Or if you want to go all out, book the Nablus Chalet, which can sleep up to six adults and gives your group a private pool area complete with swings, a BBQ area, and a wet bar.
Accommodation aside, you’ll get access to both the adults-only and family pool areas, the casual on-site restaurant, and the beach, of course!
Glamping in Sharjah
Kingfisher Retreat ~ for a 5-star stay in Sharjah’s mangroves
When it comes to ultra-luxurious glamping in UAE, it’s tough to beat Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection. You’ll find this exclusive 5-star campsite hidden away on an island on the east coast of Sharjah.
Choose from one of the 20 private “tents,” which are more like VIP villas than actual tents! The Private One Bedroom Tents come with either mountain or ocean views and are outfitted with separate bedrooms and living rooms and an outdoor viewing deck with a private plunge pool.
There are also five Private Three Bedroom Tents on-site, perfect if you’re traveling as a family or group. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular coastal mangroves, where you’ll have the chance to spot everything from birds to gazelles to turtles. The staff is also happy to arrange excursions like kayaking trips and sunset yoga sessions.
You’ll also be lavished with gourmet organic meals from the on-site Al Qurm Restaurant, or you can arrange for the staff to bring everything you need to have a DIY BBQ meal in your private tent. However you decide to spend your trip, expect to be treated like royalty at Kingfisher Retreat!
Moon Retreat by Sharjah Collection ~ for an otherworldly desert vacay
Also brought to you by the Sharjah Collection, Moon Retreat offers one of the most otherworldly UAE glamping experiences. But unlike Kingfisher Retreat, this place is set in the middle of the spectacular Mleiha Desert in Sharjah.
You’ll be torn between staying in one of the 10 luxury domes or six private tents. A dome is your best bet if you want to do some serious stargazing during the evenings. Each dome even has a private terrace with a plunge pool, two loungers, a BBQ, and a telescope.
Alternately, the one- and two-bedroom tents offer more space and more luxury, as well as a furnished terrace where you can host private BBQs (the staff will bring you everything you need!) while taking in unspoiled desert views. (Do note that the one-bedroom tents are the only units that don’t feature a private pool!).
Nomad Sharjah ~ for a weekend escape in the mountains
You’ll find Nomad Sharjah hidden away in the mountains of Kalba on the east coast of Sharjah. One of the things that makes this one of the best UAE glamping experiences is that you’ll have the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life by staying in one of the 20 fully outfitted Mountain Explorer caravans.
Each one is equipped with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and dining area, as well as an outdoor terrace and living space. Plus, there are all sorts of fun activities on offer, ranging from movie nights under the stars to kayaking in the mangroves, hiking and biking in the Hajar Mountains, and sunrise and sunset yoga. Nomad Sharjah is the perfect place to enjoy a tranquil, nature-filled retreat!
Glamping in UAE: FAQs
Where are the best places to go glamping in the UAE?
There are quite a few excellent places to go glamping in the UAE, including numerous glampsites in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.
When is the best time of year to go glamping in the UAE?
Because of the long, hot summer season, most glamping sites are closed from May through September. The glamping season runs from October to April but November through February is the very best time to go glamping.
Can you go glamping in the UAE in the summer?
Most glamping places are closed in the summer season due to the extremely hot temperatures.
What is the best place to go glamping for couples?
There are so many amazing options. But I recommend Al Maha in Dubai, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort in Abu Dhabi, Luxeglamp in Umm Al Quwain, or Kingfisher Retreat in Sharjah.
What are the best glamping spots with a private pool?
Al Maha and Al Marmoom Domes in Dubai; Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort and Bab Al Nojoum in Abu Dhabi; Casa Mikoko and Luxeglamp in Umm Al Quwain; or Kingfisher Retreat and Moon Retreat in Sharjah all offer options with private pools.
Where can you go desert glamping in the UAE?
For the very best desert glamping experiences in the UAE, I recommend Al Maha in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Marmoom Domes in Dubai’s Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, or Liwa Nights in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter.
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