On the lookout for a campsite with a difference?

Bab Al Nojoum – Al Mugheirah Resort is located within a nature reserve.

If you’re looking to get away without actually, well, getting away, listen up – Abu Dhabi’s latest glamping and eco-tourism destination is now open, and it’s the only camping site in the country that’s located within a nature reserve. Meet Bab Al Nojoum – Al Mugheirah Resort, developed by Modon Properties and situated in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve in the Al Dhafra region. Here awaits a chance to reconnect with nature while enjoying a whole host of creature comforts.

Accommodation options includes 20 one-bedroom Airstream cabins, ten one-bedroom cabins, and ten two-bedroom cabins, with the latter boasting private plunge pools, barbecue facilities and a fire pit in addition to a communal swimming pool, restaurant and café. Bab Al Nojoum also features a bike rental store, 4.5 km of dedicated cycling trails, walking and jogging trails, and a children’s play area alongside an educational centre aimed at raising awareness of resort-goers about the surrounding ecosystem. The centre also provides a range of unique and impactful educational experiences that highlight the importance of preserving and sustaining the environment.

Ahmed Al Shaikh Al Zaabi, Director of Delivery of Modon, said, “Bab Al Nojoum – Al Mugheirah Resort is committed to providing visitors with a different and unique experience by providing a space to connect with the marine environment and forests directly and safely, while considering environmental preservation measures, as all the aspects of the experience are curated with the preservation of the environment as the first and foremost priority.” Al Zaabi pointed out that the environmental sustainability standards adopted included many measures such as refining and treating sewage water to be used for watering trees in the reserve as well as reducing the use of single-use plastic materials and replacing them with recyclable materials. Visitors, meanwhile, are encouraged to use reusable water bottles throughout the resort.

Humaid Al Kaabi, Director of Urban Planning at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said that the opening of the resort falls in line with the objectives of the strategic plan of the Abu Dhabi government to enhance the quality of life in the capital and will play an important role in the economic and tourism movement in the emirate, especially in the Al Dhafra region. He added, “Abu Dhabi has a strong and sustainable infrastructure that has contributed to the implementation of distinguished projects at a global level, in addition to our rich natural environment, which enables us to complete more of such projects. Today, we affirm our commitment to work with our partners to achieve the highest level of quality of life for residents and visitors of Abu Dhabi by developing more spaces, community spaces and tourism destinations, adding to the portfolio of the emirate.”

Bab Al Nojoum provides a distinctive hospitality experience that reflects the seclusion of the region, while the unique biosphere offers excellent opportunities for guests to explore the protected ecosystem, appreciate and learn about the indigenous flora and fauna, and interact with roaming wildlife. The surrounding marine environment is replete with dolphins, dugongs, and Socotra cormorants, in addition to a large intertidal zone with a large mangrove colony. The forest is home to sand gazelles and red desert foxes, as well as a variety of native and migratory bird species.

As for the activities that visitors can partake in? Nature walks for starters, during which participants can watch birds and explore the area’s flora and fauna, in addition to desert cycling, planting trees and learning traditional farming methods. There is also a horse and pony riding experience, as well as water activities such as fishing, snorkelling, watching dolphins and dugongs, jet-skiing, and kayaking. Guests can also have outdoor barbecues and group dinners, visit the local fish market and take cooking lessons. Aprons at the ready.

GO: Visit www.babalnojoum.com for reservations or more information.