Beyond its luxurious hotels, modern attractions, and stunning skyscrapers, Dubai is surrounded by majestic desert landscapes. If you like taking nature retreats, a desert stay near Dubai provides a different experience compared to the quintessential seaside or hilly retreats.
Instead of tropical breezes, blue waters, lush forests, or a mountain chill, think pristine golden sands, a warm expanse forming the backdrop and view for picnics, and camel rides.
Here are five of the best desert resorts in Dubai and just beyond the city for a desert retreat.
Incredible Desert Hotels in Dubai
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Al Maha is a desert paradise and a popular choice for desert stays in Dubai. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding palm groves and sand dunes while relaxing in a private villa or the pool that comes with it.
The five-star resort offers guided wildlife drives and nature walks to explore the local flora and fauna. You can always opt for horse rides and camel treks and even practise archery. Their signature restaurant, Al Diwaan, serves Arabic and Mediterranean fusion cuisine, which you can enjoy against the backdrop of the Arabian desert. Crafted beverages are available at the Hajar Terrace Bar as well.
- Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain, Dubai Road, Margab, Dubai
Sonara Camp Dubai
Sonara is another brilliant desert stay within the protected conservation reserve. Meals that are fusions of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours are served under the stars while guests enjoy live falcon shows and signature fire and acrobatic performances at night.
This is an ideal desert getaway for families. They offer a kids’ cinema, sandboarding activities, and family-style dining. They offer differing packages, including overnight stays and sunset experiences, with varying activities included, from camel rides to welcome drinks and canapés.
- Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai
Bab Al Shams
This luxury desert resort in Dubai offers a range of suites, rooms, and desert pool villas with a mystical, regal atmosphere. You can relax on plush daybeds by the pool, opt for a rejuvenating spa treatment, or attend a guided yoga or meditation session.
On the more energetic side, there’s an Arabian theatre experience with open-air dining; the live entertainment includes Arabic musicians and tanoura folk dancing, among other shows, while the menu features distinctive dishes such as kebabs and flame-grilled seafood.
Other experiences you can choose from are crafted beverages and Pan-Asian bites at sunset and a breakfast, lunch and dinner package, alongside a few others.
- Location: Al Qudra Road, opposite Endurance City, Mugatrah, Dubai
Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert
Ras Al Khaimah is approximately a 90-95 minute drive from Dubai, and The Ritz-Carlton desert resort in Al Wadi Desert makes an idyllic desert getaway near Dubai for a traditional Bedouin experience. While the terraces and pools accompanying each of the 109 private villas provide tranquility, you can indulge in plenty of recreational activities.
You can take desert treks on camel or horseback, take private archery lessons, or stargaze in the desert. Falconry sessions are available at the adventure center, while nature walks, wildlife discovery activities, creative crafts, and cultural storytelling sessions are on offer for children.
The resort’s culinary scene offers diverse options: a Japanese Izakaya-style offer, a menu featuring fresh, local flavours, international and regional cuisine with succulent Middle Eastern and Indian-style dishes, or a romantic destination dining offer, among others.
- Location: Al Mazraa Wadi Khadija, Al Ashish, Ras Al Khaimah
Al Badayer Retreat
Sharjah is one of the easiest places to reach from Dubai. Al Badayer Retreat by Sharjah Collection is a charming desert hotel that is ideal for families or couples, with private tents, a large family pool, and an amphitheater.
While the heritage architecture is eye-catching, you can also enjoy a signature tea ceremony in their lounge. Also, check out their special paragliding offer.
Bonfire nights are a must, where you can sip a drink of your choice and indulge in sizzling barbecue, roasted marshmallows, and sweet potatoes in the fresh desert air.
- Location: Al Madam, Sharjah
Desert Stay in and near Dubai have no shortage of things to do, from camel treks to pool days and barbecue nights with music. Whether you prefer a luxurious stay or the simple vibe of a tent, the best desert resorts in Dubai offer a bit of everything for a memorable stay.
Looking for more getaways near Dubai?
Day Trips from Dubai: 7 Hidden Gem in the UAE
Camping in Dubai: 5 Best Desert, Mountain & Stargazing Spots
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