Here in the UAE, camping doesn’t mean forgoing luxury and comfort.
Combining wholesome outdoor fun with amazing, state-of-the-art tents and caravans, and flawless amenities, glamping has truly taken off in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why.
Far more eco-friendly than staying in a hotel, glamping invites you to spend time in the fresh air, feel the healing power of nature, and explore the UAE’s diverse and beautiful landscapes with zero stress or hassle.
Requiring no purchasing of expensive camping equipment, setting up time, or struggling to clean and fold away sandy tents, it’s sure to become your new favourite way to staycation in the UAE.
Below are seven of the most extraordinary places to glamp this season.
Banan Beach, Ras Al Khaimah
Rustic, unpolished, and completely handmade by founder Banan and his pals, Banan Beach campground provides a nice contrast to the modern and shiny hotels of nearby Al Marjan Island. Tucked away down a bumpy, muddy track and on its own stretch of unspoiled natural beach, it’s the ultimate hippy hideaway. Constructed from repurposed materials like scaffolding, railroad sleepers, old blankets and unwanted furniture, the quirky sustainable accommodation ranges from basic wooden tents, to two-story, air-conditioned ‘loft tents’ with private jacuzzis, barbecue areas, and kitchens, and spacious ‘chalets’ that can sleep up to six.
Decorated with striking street art and bright pink bougainvillea trees, the blue and white buildings give laid-back Greek island vibes, and there’s plenty of hammocks bean bags where you can curl up and watch the sunset, too. Pet-friendly and complete with family and adult-only pools, an onsite restaurant, a boutique selling Arabic and Palestinian brands, watersports equipment and more, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained for days at a time.
@bananbeach.
Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah, Abu Dhabi
Surrounded by lush Mangrove Forests, this unique ecotourism destination is tucked away on a quiet and peaceful stretch of coast about an hour from Abu Dhabi city. All about switching off from technology and embracing a simpler life, its retro-cool airstream caravans are compact, cosy, and very cleverly designed, and each comes with a queen bed, bathroom, patio, and BBQ pit.
Spotting wild gazelles scampering past your window is a thrill that will never get old, and the onsite conservation activities include tree planting and local farm trips, alongside kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, and more. Or, if you just fancy chilling out, your caravan patio is the ideal spot to get stuck into a good book and simply enjoy the views.
@babalnojoum_almugheirah.
Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat, Abu Dhabi
Found on Abu Dhabi’s most active and adventurous island, Bab Al Najoum sets a new standard for glamping in the UAE. Forget awkwardly clambering into sleeping bags and hot and sweaty wakeups, this delightful island hideaway invites you to choose between cute converted vintage campervans, and various luxury tents that even come with private pools.
If you want a more affordable and rustic option, you can hire traditional tents from just AED 178 per night, and the onsite activities include sunrise yoga, kayaking, sailing, outdoor cinema nights and more, while just across you’ll find a 10km cycle track, an OCR course, mountain biking tracks, and every kind of pitch, court, and sports facility you can imagine.
Hatta Wadi Hub, Dubai
Wild, mountainous, and really very unlike Dubai in every sense, Hatta is a refreshing antidote to city life. Offering a range of glamping and camping options, hardy and experienced campers can set up there own tent at the campsite, while those who prefer a more luxurious take on the great outdoors will feel right at home in the elegant domes that come with their own private pools, and wide spacious terraces. Far more special and memorable than staying at yet another high-rise, five-star hotel, the campsites are surrounded by marked hiking and biking tracks, and positioned just a short walk from the food trucks, cafes, adventure parks, and activities of Hatta Wadi Hub.
@visit.hatta.
Liwa Nights, Abu Dhabi
One of the country’s most cultural glamping retreats, Liwa Nights is the perfect place to take your visitors from home. Located on the edge of the Empty Quarter – the world’s largest uninterrupted land mass – it takes you back in time to discover the rich history and heritage of the UAE. The chic and simple dome tents let you wake up to views of rolling golden dunes as far as the eye can see, and every stay includes home cooked Emirati cuisine on a full or half-board basis. Taking a sunset or sunrise walk is compulsory, as is joining one of the trips to the nearby organic date farm, and the fascinating Al Dhafra Fort Museum.
@liwanights.
Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah
Now in its eighth season, Longbeach was one of the UAE’s first and original campgrounds. Located on a 300-metre stretch of golden sand, every stay comes with heaps of complimentary activities, including watersports, beach games, evening bonfires, floating cinema nights, and much more. Inviting you to drift off under the starry night’s sky in your own ‘panoramic dome’ tent, or chill out in the private jacuzzis of the ‘sunset terrace’ tents, all the accommodation is immensely comfortable, while the huge infinity pool and onsite spa deliver a welcome dose of R&R.
Nara Desert Escape, Dubai
Going over and above typical glamping, this exclusive destination is made up of stylish ‘nest’ tents that are shaped like the dunes of the majestic Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Proudly zero waste and powered by solar power, every night’s stay includes a delicious breakfast with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, while the next door Sonara Camp offers live music, games, and all kinds of entertainment. Sky safari experiences with an astronomer are also available, and it’s a favourite spot for yoga and wellness retreats as well.
@naraescape.
Pura Eco Retreat – Jebel Hafeet Desert Park, Abu Dhabi
Inviting you to experience the thrill of glamping at the base of Abu Dhabi’s tallest mountain (and the second largest in the UAE), Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is a surreal place to snooze under the stars. A UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to 5,000-year-old tombs and an array of other precious archeological sites, it’s gorgeous tents and lodges are genuinely more luxurious than many hotels. Made from natural materials that blend into the surrounding jagged peaks, the brand-new dome tents let you continuously revel in the incredible views, while the Bedouin-style heritage tents offer a more Arabian take on life outdoors.
Siniya Island Leisure Campground, Umm Al Quwain
Perched on a small sand island and home to just eight plush beachfront glamping domes, Siniya Island is a unique adventure in every sense. Just off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, getting there involves an adrenaline-filled speedboat ride, followed by a fun and bumping drive in a 4×4. Taking you past gazelles, birds, and more native wildlife, it feels a world away from the city, and you’re free to soak up the stunning coastline in absolute peace. Completed with deck chairs and free kayaks, the onsite restaurant serves a select but very high-quality menu, and pets are welcome to come along, too.
@siniyaisland.
