Glamping out of the City.. 7 of our favourites

Sometimes getting away from the city for a night or two can be just the tonic to reset and refresh for the weekend. Surrounding yourself amongst nature in your athleisure and messy bun, firing up a barbeque and cuddling up with fluffy blankets sounds like pretty much the dream to us.

However, if you’re keen to experience the elements without having to pack up half of your home, then glamping is most definitely the one for you!

In recent years the UAE’s glamping options have increased tenfold with options to suit all budgets and preferences. As the weather begins to cool post-summer and we look for new adventures and getaways, there is certainly something quite magical about sitting under the stars with some toasted marshmallows - and not a public toilet in sight!

Whether it’s beachfront, off-grid in the sand dunes, or nestled in the mountains you are looking for, check out our top glamping picks across the Emirates for a slice of all-terrain options –

Mysk Al Badayer Retreat (Sharjah)

This picturesque desert resort has all you need to feel detached from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled in the sweeping sand dunes of Sharjah, you can opt for private tents or for a slice of traditional Emirati life, you can try out an Emirati-style home. Adventure awaits with desert experiences including dune bashing, quad biking, horse riding and desert safaris and if that all sounds a little strenuous you can kick back and enjoy the stunning sunrises and sunsets, private spa rooms and a family swimming pool.

Al Badayer Oasis, Sharjah – 06 5560999 | https://myskhotels.com/en/

Hatta Dome Park (Hatta)

Make the most of a Hatta trip with a unique stay in one of the popular dome-shaped tents located next to Hatta Wadi Hub. Perfect for a family stay, the 15 permanent tents are super luxe, designed with panoramic windows looking out onto the Hatta mountain range. Inside your opulent tent is a full range of home comforts including mini-fridge, tv, private BBQ and firepit. You also have your own terrace space to relax on and activities within the park include trampolining, ziplining, wall climbing and paragliding.

Hatta Dome Park, Hatta Wadi Hub, off Dubai-Hatta Road – 04 852 2200 | https://www.visithatta.com/en/

Sonara Camp (Dubai)

Quite possibly the most glam experience of them all, Sonara is a decedent desert escape famed for its cuisine as much as the overall experience. With dinner under the stars, camel rides, sandboarding, a falcon show, stargazing, and even a moonlit cinema for the littles, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. The eco-friendly and sustainable camp is situated in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, home to hundreds of oryxes and gazelles so you may even spot some local wildlife too! Offering ‘Desert NESTING’, rather than camping or glamping, nesting offers a peaceful and innovative sleeping concept that promises an unforgettable night in the desert – what a dream!

Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – 050 336 0397 | https://www.nara.ae/sonara/book/

Longbeach Campground (Ras Al Khaimah)

If you’re looking for a glamping spot by the sea, Longbeach is the choice for you. Located on a 300-metre stretch of beach in Ras Al Khaimah, the resort is suitable for families, couples or groups of friends and comes with different tent options ranging from teepee style to a safari suite, panoramic dome, or sunset terrace suite. Activities include watersports, beach volleyball, archery, and even a floating theatre! For the little people, there is junior chef, face painting, karate, and more to choose from. An infinity pool provides further fun with a pool bar serving snacks and drinks throughout.

Longbeach Campground, King Faisal Street, Al Nadiyah, Ras Al Khaimah – 600 566 600 | https://www.bmhotelsresorts.com/

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp (Jebel Jais)

Unleash your wild spirit and reconnect with nature at the pet-friendly Bear Grylls Explorers Camp nestled in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. As the name may suggest, this isn’t the most glam option but it certainly offers an authentic experience and a selection of survival courses if you so desire. Your sleeping quarters will be your own private ‘container’ which comes with all the crockery you need for a bbq – you just need to bring your food and get ready to toast marshmallows those marshmallows!

Bear Grylls Explorer Camp, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah – 056 501 5831 | https://www.beargryllscamp.ae/

Caravana Alzorah (Ajman)

Caravan holidays take us back to our childhood UK summers so to see them popping up across the UAE certainly pulls on our heartstrings a little! Caravana Alzorah offers a unique stay with caravans that certainly look a little more boujee than the ones we remember! Pitched on the beach, each one comes with a/c, private bathroom, kitchen, dining, and sofa area, and patio depending on which you book. With occupancy up to 6, some caravans also have a private pool – now that is glam caravanning if ever we saw it! Activities include jet skis, an outside cinema, a jacuzzi and spa, horse riding, and volleyball making it the perfect place to kick back and spend a weekend.

Caravana Alzorah, Ajman – 06 749 0441 | https://www.caravana.ae/

Bab Al Nojoum (Abu Dhabi)

If you fancy some glamping action in the capital, Bab Al Nojoum is the spot to enjoy open fires and soaring palms amongst a marine biosphere reserve protected by UNESCO and a forest filled with flora and fauna to explore. The sustainable-friendly venue offers a host of activities including watersports, sunrise yoga, kayaking, and outdoor cinema, or if you prefer a more sedate option, you can swing from a hammock and watch the world go by. From standard tents through to vintage vans and chalets, there are cool options for all tastes and group sizes.

Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat Leisure & Entertainment District – 02 691 0222 |

https://babalnojoum.com/hudayriyat/

Happy glamping!