The UAE’s most surprising stays aren’t hotels — they’re glamping domes, safari villas, and desert palaces hidden in its wild corners.
Here are five luxury camping escapes inside the country — in the mountains, on a wildlife island, and across the dunes.
Hatta Domes in the Dubai Mountains
Dubai isn’t all skyline. Tucked in the Hajar Mountains, the Hatta exclave hides a row of geodesic domes at Dubai’s Hatta Resorts.
Each 40-square-metre dome sits against the mountains and comes with its own temperature-controlled plunge pool, according to Visit Hatta.
What you get with each dome:
- Private plunge pool, sun lounger, and shaded patio
- BBQ station and fire pit, with complimentary firewood and charcoal
- Space for up to two adults and two children
Guests also get discounts across the Wadi Hub on ziplining, mountain biking, and kayaking. Note that the domes close over the summer and reopen for the cooler season.
Safari Villas Off Abu Dhabi
Eight kilometres off the western Abu Dhabi coast, Sir Bani Yas Island swaps city views for free-roaming wildlife.
Anantara’s Al Sahel resort brings safari-style living here, with 30 tented pool villas spread across open savannah, built from natural materials to blend into the landscape.
The island is a protected reserve and home to thousands of large free-roaming animals, per the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
On a nature drive you can spot:
- Arabian oryx, once close to extinction
- Giraffes, cheetahs, and hyenas
- Ostriches and Barbary sheep
You reach the island by a short complimentary water taxi from the Jebel Dhanna jetty. Browse stays around Abu Dhabi for the mainland leg of the trip.
Caravanserai Tents in the Sharjah Desert
In central Sharjah, Al Badayer Retreat trades mountains for red dunes — a luxury camp inspired by the ancient caravanserai that once sheltered Silk Road travellers.
According to Sharjah Collection, the retreat has 25 private tents — the best of them with temperature-controlled private pools, indoor living areas, and barbecue setups.
What the tents offer:
- One-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts for couples or families
- Private pool, rain shower, minibar, and air-conditioning
- Indoor lounge and dining in the deluxe tents
Beyond the tent, you’ll find a family pool, an amphitheatre, and sweeping dune views at sunrise and sunset.
It sits in the dunes near Al Madam, an easy drive from Dubai — close enough for a quick desert reset.
Beachfront Tents in Ras Al Khaimah
Not all UAE glamping is desert and rock. Longbeach Campground runs along a 300-metre stretch of beach, an easy drive from both Ras Al Khaimah city and Jebel Jais.
The official Visit Ras Al Khaimah listing details several tent styles, from shared-bathroom options up to the premium suites.
The premium suites stand out:
- Panoramic Dome Suite: transparent hexagonal dome with a private bathroom
- Sunset Terrace Suite: AC bedroom, sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and hammock
- Safari Suite: private bathroom and an elevated deck for up to four
Across the site there’s an infinity pool, an outdoor spa, beachfront dining with live cooking, watersports, and a kids’ club. Compare hotels in Ras Al Khaimah if you want a backup option nearby.
A Palace in the Empty Quarter
For the most dramatic setting, head deep into the Liwa Desert — the northern edge of the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter — where Anantara’s Qasr Al Sarab rises from the dunes like a sandstone fort.
It reads as a palace rather than a campsite, but the experience is pure desert immersion. Per Anantara, select villas come with private plunge pools facing open dunes.
Days here revolve around the sand:
- Stargazing and guided desert walks
- Camel and horse trekking
- Desert biking among towering dunes
It’s a long haul — roughly 2.5 hours from Abu Dhabi and 3.5 from Dubai — which is exactly why the silence feels earned.
When to Go
Plan for the cooler months, roughly October to April. Daytime desert and mountain heat makes summer glamping tough, and some sites scale back or close.
Weekends, school holidays, and the National Day period book out fast, so reserve early. Always confirm seasonal opening dates directly with each property before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for glamping in the UAE?
The cooler season from around October to April is most comfortable. Summer heat makes desert and mountain stays difficult, and some sites close or reduce operations during those months.
Are these glamping sites family-friendly?
Several are. The Hatta domes welcome children, Longbeach Campground has a kids’ club, and Al Badayer Retreat offers two- and three-bedroom family tents. Sir Bani Yas wildlife drives also suit families.
Do I need a car to reach them?
A car or private transfer is the easiest way to reach the mountain and desert sites. Sir Bani Yas Island is reached by a complimentary water taxi from the Jebel Dhanna jetty.
Sources
- Visit Hatta – Domes at Hatta Resorts
- Anantara – Sir Bani Yas Island
- Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah Collection – Al Badayer Retreat
- Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Longbeach Campground
- Anantara – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
