Planning a Desert Stay? Try These UAE Glamping Spots

Where Can You Go Glamping in the UAE? 

The best places for glamping in the UAE include Al Marmoom and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for luxury desert stays, Hatta for mountain views and outdoor activities and Liwa for a quieter escape among the dunes. 

Glamping combines outdoor living with modern comforts, often including furnished accommodation, comfortable beds, electricity and private bathrooms.  This guide explores the top glamping destinations across the UAE and explains what makes each one worth visiting. 

Best Glamping Places in the UAE at a Glance

Destination	Best For	Experience
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve	Luxury and wildlife	Premium desert stay
Al Marmoom Desert	Peace and privacy	Eco-friendly desert domes
Hatta	Mountains and adventure	Dome camping and outdoor activities
Abu Dhabi Desert	Luxury and wide-open dunes	Desert resorts and camps
Liwa Desert	Remote escapes	Authentic Empty Quarter experience
Ras Al Khaimah	Adventure and families	Desert and mountain glamping
Mleiha, Sharjah	Stargazing and history	Nature and heritage escape

What Is Glamping in the UAE?

Glamping in the UAE is a comfortable way to enjoy nature without giving up the conveniences of a hotel. Instead of sleeping in a basic tent you can stay in a furnished dome, lodge or luxury tent surrounded by desert landscapes.

Depending on the camp your stay may include:

• Comfortable beds and furnished interiors
• Private bathrooms and hotel-style facilities
• Desert views, campfires and outdoor dining
• Camel rides, dune drives and stargazing
• Air conditioning or heating in selected accommodations

Unlike traditional camping, luxury desert camping offers a more relaxing experience with fewer practical worries. It is a popular form of desert accommodation in the UAE for travellers planning an overnight desert stay.

1. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an excellent choice for travellers who want a luxurious desert experience with a strong connection to Emirati culture. Its peaceful dunes provide a welcome change from the busy city and create the right setting for an overnight glamping stay.

Couples can enjoy comfortable accommodation, sunset views and a peaceful evening under the stars. Depending on the camp or package, activities may include camel rides, falconry, wildlife experiences and traditional desert dining.

What makes this destination different from a regular Dubai desert safari is the opportunity to stay overnight in a more private setting rather than returning to the city after a few hours. It is ideal for visitors who want to combine comfort, nature and local culture in one memorable escape.

If you prefer a shorter desert experience, you can also explore Milma’s Dubai desert safari options, including morning, evening and private safaris with activities such as quad biking.

2. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is a peaceful choice for travellers who want to enjoy the UAE’s desert landscape away from busy tourist areas. Al Marmoom Domes offers dome-style accommodation among golden dunes, creating a private and nature-focused setting for an overnight stay. 

Guests can spend their evening stargazing before enjoying the calm atmosphere of the reserve. Depending on the selected package, activities may include camel rides, sunrise experiences and traditional desert activities. This makes Al Marmoom suitable for couples, photographers and travellers looking for a quiet escape.

If you prefer an eco-friendly stay, check the camp’s current environmental practices before booking. Al Marmoom is best for visitors who value privacy, wide desert views and a slower travel experience.

3. Hatta

Hatta is one of the best places for glamping in the UAE if you prefer mountain scenery over wide desert dunes. The area offers dome-style accommodation with peaceful views of the Hajar Mountains making it a good choice for families, couples and adventure lovers.

During your stay you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, kayaking at Hatta Dam and other outdoor activities around Hatta Wadi Hub. These experiences make Hatta more active than a traditional desert camp and give visitors plenty to do throughout the day.

The main difference between Hatta glamping and desert camping is the landscape. Desert camping focuses on dunes, camel rides and open sandy views while Hatta offers rocky mountains, water activities and scenic trails. It is an excellent choice for an active weekend escape with comfortable accommodation and outdoor adventure in one trip.

4. Abu Dhabi Desert

Abu Dhabi is an excellent choice for travellers who want a luxurious desert escape with wide-open landscapes and a quieter atmosphere.

Areas around Al Wathba offer high-end desert resort stays with private villas, desert views, elegant dining and relaxing facilities. Some accommodations also include private outdoor spaces which make them suitable for romantic getaways and special occasions.

Couples can enjoy a peaceful evening with desert dining, private experiences and beautiful sunset views. However, it is important to check the accommodation type before booking. Not every desert resort in Abu Dhabi is technically glamping. Some properties offer luxury villas or suites rather than domes or furnished tents.

Compared with glamping in Dubai, Abu Dhabi generally suits travellers looking for more space, privacy and a resort-style experience. Dubai is a better option for visitors who want a desert safari close to the city with a wider choice of short activities. Abu Dhabi is ideal for those planning a slower overnight escape focused on comfort and relaxation. Still deciding between Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Read our Dubai vs Abu Dhabi safari guide for a quick comparison.

5. Liwa Desert

Liwa Desert is one of the best choices for travellers who want a remote and authentic desert experience. Its dramatic dunes, wide horizons and peaceful surroundings create a strong sense of escape from the busy cities. 

The area also offers a closer connection to traditional Emirati desert life through camel experiences, Arabic hospitality and Bedouin-inspired camps.

Liwa is especially suitable for travellers who want to disconnect from daily routines. The quiet surroundings make it ideal for couples, photographers and anyone looking for a slower overnight stay beneath the stars. The region also supports desert camping and off-road experiences through selected routes and tour operators.

However, Liwa requires more planning than glamping destinations in Dubai or Hatta. Before booking, check the transport arrangements, driving time, meals, water supply, bedding and bathroom facilities. A guided 4×4 transfer is often the most convenient option for visitors who are unfamiliar with desert routes.

6. Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is a great choice for families and adventure lovers who want to experience more than Dubai. The emirate combines desert landscapes with rugged mountain scenery giving visitors plenty of options for scenic camps, outdoor activities and peaceful overnight stays.

Depending on the location, you can enjoy desert views, hiking, mountain adventures, campfires and cultural experiences. Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism authority also highlights bespoke camps and glamping grounds designed for different types of stays.

This destination is ideal for visitors who want to explore the UAE’s natural side while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere than busy Dubai. However, facilities can vary considerably from one camp to another. Some may offer private bathrooms, air conditioning, meals and organised activities while others provide a simpler camping experience.

Before booking, check the accommodation type, available facilities, transport arrangements and included activities. This will help you choose the right Ras Al Khaimah glamping experience for your family or adventure weekend.

7. Mleiha, Sharjah

Mleiha is an excellent choice for travellers who want to combine glamping with history, nature and stargazing. Its desert landscapes and archaeological surroundings create a cultural experience that feels different from a typical overnight desert camp.

During the day, families can explore the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, learn about the region’s past and enjoy desert activities. In the evening, the area’s clear skies create ideal conditions for stargazing and astronomy experiences.

Mleiha is suitable for a short cultural escape from Sharjah or Dubai. However, accommodation options, facilities and activities may change according to the season. Check the current details before booking to confirm what is available including meals, bathroom facilities, transport and stargazing sessions.

Best Time to Go Glamping in the UAE

The best time to go glamping in the UAE is generally from October to April. During these cooler months, temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities, desert dining, stargazing and overnight stays.

Summer can be extremely hot during the daytime which may make hiking, dune activities and outdoor relaxation uncomfortable. Winter evenings can also feel cold in open desert areas, especially after sunset.

Before booking your stay, check the weather forecast and confirm what facilities the camp provides. Some camps offer air conditioning, heating, warm bedding and indoor dining while others may have more basic arrangements.

What to Check Before Booking a Glamping Stay

Glamping facilities can vary from one camp to another so check the details carefully before confirming your booking.

• Is air conditioning or heating available?
• Does the tent or dome have a private bathroom?
• Are breakfast and dinner included?
• Is transport provided from your hotel?
• Which activities are included in the package?
• Is the camp suitable for children?
• Are there any additional fees?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Can you reach the location by a normal car or is a 4×4 required?
• What are the check-in and check-out times?

Confirming these details in advance helps you choose a stay that matches your comfort level and travel plans. Before packing, read our what to wear guide for practical clothing and footwear tips.

What to Pack for Glamping in the UAE

Packing the right items can make your glamping experience more comfortable especially if you plan to spend time outdoors during the day or overnight.

• Comfortable and breathable clothes
• Warm layers for winter evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• A power bank
• Personal medicines
• A light jacket for overnight stays
• A reusable water bottle
• Basic toiletries and insect repellent

Choose practical clothing that protects you from the sun during the day and keeps you warm after sunset.

Choose the Right UAE Glamping Escape

Each destination offers a different way to enjoy the UAE’s natural landscapes:

• Choose Dubai for luxury desert stays and easy access
• Choose Hatta for mountain views and adventure
• Choose Liwa for a remote desert experience
• Choose Abu Dhabi for premium resorts and privacy
• Choose Ras Al Khaimah for nature and family activities
• Choose Mleiha for history and stargazing

Planning to share your desert photos? Our desert captions guide can help you find the right words.

UAE Glamping: Frequently Asked Questions