Enjoy the perks of a hotel in the middle of nowhere.
The UAE might be known for five-star hotels and headline-making resorts, but some of its most memorable stays are found away from the city. Across deserts, mountains, mangroves and beaches, glamping offers a chance to sleep closer to nature without sacrificing air conditioning, comfortable beds or private bathrooms. Some retreats focus on stargazing and wildlife, others on pools, water sports and desert adventures. Whether you want a romantic dome, a family-friendly beachfront tent or a stripped-back mountain cabin, these are the glamping spots across the UAE worth knowing about.
Al Marmoom Domes, Dubai
Deep inside Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, these futuristic domes turn the Dubai desert into a comfortable hideaway. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and panoramic views make the surrounding dunes the main attraction, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Inside, air conditioning, proper beds and contemporary furnishings sit alongside details inspired by Emirati heritage. The stay offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, horse riding, falconry, henna and stargazing. Plus, Arabian oryx and gazelles can be encountered within the reserve.
Where: Al Marmoom Domes, Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, Dubai
Contact: https://almarmoomdomes.com
Arabian Nights Village, Abu Dhabi
Traditional Emirati architecture sets this desert retreat apart from more contemporary glamping camps. Accommodation takes inspiration from different chapters of local life, including Bedouin-inspired Bayt Al Shaaer tents, palm-frond Bayt Al Bahar houses and sand-coloured Bayt Al Bar residences. Days can be spent camel trekking, fat biking, sandboarding or heading into the dunes, before cooling off in the palm-fringed Oasis Pool. Dining prioritises Arabian flavours and local hospitality. With the desert stretching almost uninterrupted beyond the village and limited distractions from urban life, enjoy the captivating courtyards, adorned with traditional watchtowers named Zakher and Al Manhal, which pay homage to the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Where: Arabian Nights Village, Mshayrif, Bida Shaaban, Abu Dhabi
Contact: @arabian.nights.village
Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah, Abu Dhabi
Nature takes centre stage at this Al Dhafra retreat, which sits within the Al Mugheirah landscape close to mangroves, shoreline and indigenous wildlife. Guests can choose between gleaming Airstream caravans and Scandinavian-inspired cabins, with the latter adding private plunge pools for a more secluded stay. The Airstreams feature beds, kitchen basics and shaded outdoor decks, while barbecues can be arranged with marinated meats and a master griller. Complimentary bicycles make exploring easier, and the resort offers nature walks, horseback riding and mangrove experiences. With cafés, 28 Degrees restaurant and an ocean-facing pool café also on site, it combines wilderness with resort-style convenience particularly well.
Where: Bab Al Nojoum, Al Mughira Street, Al Marfa, Abu Dhabi
Contact: https://babalnojoum.com
Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Camping remains part of the appeal at this coastal retreat on Hudayriyat Island, even as the destination has expanded with luxurious beachfront and overwater villas. Its original accommodation ranges from beach tents and camper vans to chalet-style and two-storey duplex tents, giving families several ways to sleep beside the Arabian Gulf. Kayaking, paddleboarding and other non-motorised water sports provide fun in the sun, while bonfires, children’s facilities and an outdoor cinema add to the holiday atmosphere. Those seeking more indulgence can now trade canvas for one of the resort’s private-pool villas, making Hudayriyat one of the country’s most varied glamping-style destinations.
Where: Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: https://babalnojoum.com
Banan Beach, Ras Al Khaimah
More bohemian beach escape than traditional campsite, Banan Beach combines whitewashed accommodation, palms, pools and the Arabian Gulf. Overnight options range from simple tents to larger loft-style stays and private chalets, giving the resort plenty of flexibility for couples, groups and families. Some categories include their own bathrooms and outdoor entertaining areas, while larger chalets add private pools. Elsewhere, guests can swim, lounge by the beach, gather around fire pits or make use of barbecue spaces. The property also welcomes pets, making it useful for travellers who struggle to find staycations that include four-legged family members.
Where: Banan Beach, Marjan Beach, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: www.bananbeach.com
Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, Ras Al Khaimah
Now, you must have heard of Bear Grylls — the adventurer who’s done the most bizarre things in the wilderness and convinced celebrities to do the same. He has his own glamping site in the UAE, where you can rediscover your primal instincts. Set among the rugged scenery of Jebel Jais, the camp uses repurposed shipping containers as compact cabins, each fitted with air conditioning, a double and single bed, a fridge and a private bathroom. Outdoor barbecue stations keep the camping spirit intact. The real draw, however, is what happens beyond the cabin. Guests can add hiking, archery, axe throwing, ropes courses and survival experiences devised around the Bear Grylls approach to outdoor adventure. This is glamping for people who would rather learn survival skills than spend the afternoon beside an infinity pool.
Where: Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, Jebel Jais, Wadi Shehah, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: www.beargryllscamp.ae
Bedouin Oasis, Ras Al Khaimah
Surrounded by red and terracotta dunes, Bedouin Oasis Camp places traditional desert hospitality at the heart of the experience. Goat-hair tents, Arabic rugs, majlis-style seating and open fires set the scene, while upgraded accommodation such as the Premium Chalet adds air conditioning, proper beds and wooden interiors. Dinner is another highlight, with barbecue dishes and meat cooked using the traditional underground zarb method. Camel rides, desert activities and evening entertainment fill the hours between check-in and bedtime.
Where: Bedouin Oasis, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: https://bedouinoasis.org
Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas, Dubai
Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas marks the brand’s UAE debut with 50 bespoke Airstream Caravans set against the Hajar Mountains. Ridge and Peak categories overlook either the valley or Hatta Dam, with interiors inspired by sand, terracotta and stone, plus private wooden decks. Guests can unwind beside the infinity pool, stargaze from the Observatory Deck or dine at Madar, where Emirati flavours are prepared using open-fire and underground cooking techniques. Activities range from hiking, cycling and paddleboarding to sound healing, Arabic coffee rituals and wellness sessions at Thuraya, which includes a barrel sauna, cold plunge and hot tub
Where: Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas, Hatta, Dubai
When: Stays available from Monday, 28 September 2026
Contact: www.ourhabitas.com/caravan-hatta
Hatta Resorts, Dubai
Few UAE glamping destinations offer as much choice as Hatta Resorts. Its current line-up includes Damani Lodges, domes with private plunge pools, caravans and restored vintage campers, all surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Private patios, barbecue stations and fire pits encourage evenings outdoors, while the domes are particularly appealing for families wanting extra space to lounge beside their own pool. The biggest advantage is location. Hatta Wadi Hub sits close by, putting mountain biking, hiking, archery, ziplining and other activities within easy reach, while kayaking on Hatta Dam is another local favourite. The resort operates seasonally, making the cooler months the prime time to stay.
Where: Hatta Resorts, Dubai Hatta Road, Hatta, Dubai
Contact: www.visithatta.com
JA Hatta Fort’s Terra Cabins, Dubai
Unleash your inner adventurer amidst the breathtaking Hajar Mountains at Terra Cabins, where the thrill of exploration knows no bounds. Set within the grounds of JA Hatta Fort Hotel, the contemporary mountain cabins feature sky windows, private patios and sweeping Hajar Mountain views. Standard Terra Cabins sleep up to two adults and two children, with queen and bunk beds, while amenities include air conditioning, a minibar, walk-in shower and multimedia projector. Guests also have access to the hotel’s pools, fitness facilities, restaurants and recreational activities. Better still, selected cabins welcome pets, allowing the entire family to enjoy a mountain break together.
Where: Terra Cabins, JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai Hatta Road, Hatta, Dubai
Contact: www.jaresortshotels.com
Kitesurf Beach Center, Umm Al Quwain
A laid-back alternative to the UAE’s desert camps, Kite Beach Center swaps dunes for sand, sea and a distinct tropical feel. Its thatched huts and camping options sit beside the water in Umm Al Quwain, creating an easy overnight extension to a day at the beach. Kitesurfing is the obvious attraction, but visitors can also kayak, paddle and make use of other water-based activities before retreating to their accommodation. With hammocks, bamboo details and an intentionally casual atmosphere, the venue has long been popular with dog owners, too.
Where: Umm Al Quwain Kitesurf Beach Center, Shaikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Umm Al Quwain
Contact: @kitebeachcenter.uaq
Liwa Nights, Abu Dhabi
At the edge of the Empty Quarter, Liwa Nights offers an intimate desert stay rooted in Emirati culture and Bedouin hospitality. Dune-side tents feature king beds, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers, providing comfort without distracting from the vast landscape outside. Breakfast and dinner are included, with home-style Emirati dishes served in the communal dining room. Complimentary camel rides and bicycles encourage guests to explore, while sunset dune hikes showcase Liwa at its most dramatic. Additional adventures include dune bashing, Jeep tours and seasonal visits to local date farms, with falconry experiences available by request. After dark, the remote setting makes stargazing another memorable part of the stay.
Where: Liwa Nights, Irq Ar Rams Street, Bateen Liwa, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.liwanights.com
Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah
Stretching along 300 metres of private beachfront, Longbeach Campground makes glamping feel closer to a resort holiday. Accommodation spans simple Deluxe tents, family options, Safari Suites, Panoramic Domes and the larger Sunset Terrace Suite, so there is something for most budgets and group sizes. Outside the tent, there’s an all-adventure extravaganza. We’re talking about a sun-soaked beach, a cool pool, a rejuvenating outdoor spa, heart-pounding water sports and even a floating theatre. You can also leave the little ones at the kids’ club and bask in beachy bliss.
Where: Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: www.bmhotelsresorts.com
LuxeGlamp, Umm Al Quwain
Glass domes overlooking the mangroves give LuxeGlamp one of the most distinctive settings on this list. There are just ten accommodation units, each designed around privacy and uninterrupted views of the surrounding wetlands. Inside, Balinese-inspired interiors are joined by a king-sized bed, private bathroom and bathtub. Outside, things become even more indulgent, with a temperature-controlled infinity plunge pool, private lounge and fire pit. Each dome also has its own sauna, an unusual addition for a UAE glamping retreat. Kayaking offers a chance to explore the mangroves when the tides allow, while the constantly changing water levels mean the view can feel entirely different from morning to evening.
Where: LuxeGlamp, Al Zowair, Umm Al Quwain
Contact: https://luxeglamp.com
Mleiha Glamping, Sharjah
History gives Mleiha’s desert stays an edge that few other UAE glamping spots can match. Set within Mleiha National Park, the experience unfolds across a landscape associated with more than 200,000 years of human history and the UNESCO-listed Faya Palaeolandscape. Stargazing is a major draw, with Sharjah’s dark desert skies creating excellent conditions for astronomy sessions. Depending on the seasonal programme, stays can be paired with archaeological visits, desert drives and other outdoor activities. The accommodation itself keeps guests close to the landscape while providing proper beds and practical comforts.
Where: Mleiha Glamping, Mleiha National Park, Al Ruwaida, Sharjah
Contact: www.discovermleiha.ae
Mysk Moon Retreat, Sharjah
Scattered across the dunes near Mleiha, Mysk Moon Retreat by Sharjah Collection has become one of Sharjah’s most recognisable glamping stays thanks to its globe-like domes and desert-facing tents. Privacy is part of the attraction, with accommodation positioned to make the surrounding sands and mountains feel wonderfully remote. Several units add private pools and barbecue terraces, allowing guests to spend most of their stay outside without sacrificing comfort. Stargazing is particularly memorable here, while the wider Mleiha region offers trekking, desert adventures and archaeological attractions for anyone who wants to explore beyond the retreat. Couples will appreciate the seclusion, but the mix of tent types also makes Moon Retreat suitable for family stays
Where: Mysk Moon Retreat, Al Ruwaida, Sharjah
Contact: https://myskhotels.com
Parvara, Fujairah
High in Fujairah’s Hamri Mountains, Parvara takes glamping in a more contemplative direction. Rather than operating as a conventional hotel or resort, the sanctuary is built around all-inclusive Journeys that combine accommodation, dining, transfers and curated activities. Private Pavilions sit apart from one another with uninterrupted mountain views, floor-to-ceiling windows, king-size beds, majlis seating and generous decks. Each also includes an outdoor shower, soaking tub, dining sala and private bonfire. Sustainability is woven into the design through solar energy, water recycling and low-impact construction. Guests can choose experiences focused on quiet, wellness, Emirati heritage or digital detoxing, making Parvara particularly appealing to travellers seeking solitude, scenery and a slower pace.
Where: Parvara, Jabal Al Hamri, Fujairah
Contact: www.parvara.com
Pura Eco Retreat, Abu Dhabi
Mangroves rather than mountains surround this adults-only retreat on Jubail Island. Pura Eco Retreat is designed around slowing down, with eco-domes and tents positioned close to the protected coastal landscape near Jubail Mangrove Park. Days can be as active or as unhurried as you choose. Kayaking provides a close-up look at the mangrove ecosystem, while cycling, fat biking, yoga, birdwatching and beach time offer alternatives on dry land. Food is also part of the experience, with meals and barbecue options designed to complement the outdoors-focused stay.
Where: Pura Eco Retreat, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.staypura.com
Pura Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi
Ancient history and dramatic mountain scenery surround this Al Ain escape inside Jebel Hafit Desert Park. Guests can sleep in skylight domes, transparent Sky Bubbles or Arabian-inspired heritage tents, allowing the experience to range from contemporary comfort to something closer to traditional camping. Air conditioning and private bathrooms feature in the higher accommodation categories, while breakfasts and starlit dinners can be added to the stay. Beyond the tent, camel rides, buggy drives, cycling and hiking reveal more of the landscape. The park also forms part of Al Ain’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, with archaeological remains and ancient tombs adding another dimension to an overnight visit.
Where: Pura Jebel Hafeet, Jevel Hafit Desert Park, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Contact: https://puraecoretreats.com
Starlight Camp, Dubai
Privacy is the defining feature of Starlight Camp. Rather than checking into a permanent resort, guests are taken to a secluded location in the Dubai desert, where a pop-up camp is prepared specifically for the booking. Its centrepiece is a spacious tent with a transparent crystal roof, allowing you to gaze at the night sky without leaving bed. A lounge, bonfire, dining area, barbecue facilities and camping-style outdoor bathroom complete the set-up, while air conditioning keeps the sleeping space comfortable. Dogs are catered for with beds, shade and a dedicated dog bar, making this unusual desert escape particularly appealing to couples who do not want to leave their pet behind.
Where: Starlight Camp, Al Fagaa, Dubai
Contact: www.starlight-camp.com
Sand Sherpa, Dubai
This is one for travellers who want to camp inside a protected reserve without surrendering every creature comfort. Sand Sherpa operates overnight experiences inside Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, using custom camping trailers topped with raised Sherpa tents. Each group receives its own campsite, while expert guides provide access to an area not open to casual overnight campers. Wildlife drives reveal the reserve’s gazelles and other desert species, followed by freshly prepared bush meals beneath the stars. Evening nature walks and morning hawk walks add an educational element to the stay. The operation runs during the cooler months, with a portion of guest entry supporting the conservation reserve.
Where: Sand Sherpa, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Margab, Dubai
Contact: www.sandsherpa.com
The Dunes Safari & Camping, Ras Al Khaimah
Choice is the major advantage at The Dunes, where overnight stays range from igloo tents and heritage huts to premium domes, elevated tree-house accommodation and Platinum Pods. The setting is classic Ras Al Khaimah desert, with rolling dunes providing the backdrop for camel trekking, dune bashing, horse riding, quad bikes and buggy tours. Guests can also combine their stay with an evening safari and dinner, making it particularly useful for visitors who want to fit several desert activities into one trip.
Where: The Dunes Safari & Camping, Al Ashish, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: https://thedunesuae.com
The Green Planet, Dubai
Not all glamping needs a desert, beach or mountain. The Green Planet allows visitors to spend the night inside Dubai’s tropical biodome, surrounded by more than 3,000 plants and animals. Camping in the Rainforest runs on selected weekends and includes proper tents with mattresses, pillows and bedding. Once regular visitors leave, overnight guests join scavenger hunts, animal interactions and a nocturnal tour before settling down inside the indoor ecosystem. The following morning starts early with behind-the-scenes access and animal feeding, followed by breakfast. It is an especially good choice for families, offering the novelty of camping without heat, sand or a long drive from the city.
Where: The Green Planet, Al Wasl, Dubai
Contact: www.thegreenplanetdubai.com
The Nest by Sonara Camp, Dubai
Technically described as desert nesting rather than glamping, this distinctive hideaway inside Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve deserves its place on the list. Architect Gianni Ranaulo designed the low-slung pods to echo the curves of the dunes, helping them sit discreetly within the protected landscape. Each Nest has a bedroom, ensuite bathroom and outdoor majlis, creating a private base for sunsets, stargazing and quiet mornings. Wildlife sightings can include Arabian oryx and gazelles, while guests can combine the overnight stay with the nearby Sonara Camp experience for fine dining, live entertainment, falconry, camel rides and sandboarding.
Where: The Nest by Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Umm Eselay, Dubai
Contact: www.nara.ae
The Retreat, Fujairah
Tucked into Al Bidyah beneath Fujairah’s rugged mountains, The Retreat takes a noticeably low-key approach to glamping. Its tents use natural materials and sit among indigenous planting, creating a setting where sustainability and simplicity matter more than extravagant resort facilities. Solar energy and water-saving measures form part of the eco-minded approach, while produce used for meals is sourced locally or grown on site where possible. Guests can spend their time reading, walking through the grounds or exploring the surrounding mountains through hiking, trekking, mountain biking and other organised adventures.
Where: The Retreat, Nhay Al Bidya, Fujairah
Contact: www.theretreat.ae