Glamping stands for “glamorous camping” and combines the experience of being in nature with the comfort of a well-rated hotel, making it a popular choice for those seeking the best glamping places in Dubai. Instead of basic tents, guests can experience staying in luxury domes that include standard beds, air conditioning, and private swimming pool facilities. Dubai is a great location for camping as it is easy to explore desert dunes and beaches within a couple of hours from the city.
This guide provides seven top camping spots in Dubai, the ideal time to go, what you should bring and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Why Go for Luxury Glamping in Dubai?
Glamping near Dubai is popular for several reasons.
- Most glamping spots are 30 to 90 minutes from the city, making them ideal for weekend getaways.
- Visitors can choose from three distinct landscapes, including the desert, mountains, and coastline, without traveling too far from Dubai.
- Unlike traditional camping, these campsites offer hotel-like amenities. Some are also located in areas with low light pollution, making them great for stargazing.
- Many glamping spots are close to exciting attractions, allowing guests to enjoy activities such as ziplining, dune bashing, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures during their stay.
Best Places for Glamping in Dubai
Many popular camping spots are situated just outside of Dubai, like Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi. This guide covers seven of the best glamping places that are easy to reach from Dubai. These spots are mostly booked on weekends and are known as top glamping destinations near downtown.
1. Hatta Dome Park: Luxury Domes with Mountain Views
The park is situated close to Hatta Wadi Hub in the Hajar Mountains, about 90 minutes away from Dubai. Hatta Dome Park provides 15 dome-shaped tents, with beautiful mountain views. Each dome has a king-size bed, sofa and modern amenities.
Each dome has an exclusive terrace, barbecue area and a fire pit. Some upgraded models also have a private swimming pool. Guests staying overnight get discounts on activities offered at Hatta Wadi Hub, including kayaking, ziplining, and many other outdoor activities.
2. Terra Solis Dubai: Adults-Only Desert Glamping
This Glamping resort, located on Lehbab Road, is specially developed for adults only, about 30-45 minutes away from Dubai. The resort was developed in collaboration with Tomorrowland and Habitas Resort. They offer three types of accommodation that include: 48 Polaris bell tents that share bathrooms, 20 Perseid lodges that have private bathrooms, and 6 Orion lodges that have individual plunge pools.
The resort is centered around a pool with live DJs and Mesa restaurant, which makes it ideal for those who want an energetic, festival-like atmosphere rather than a tranquil getaway.
3. Al Marmoom Domes: Eco-Friendly Desert Glass Dome Glamping
It is situated within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Al Qudra, the biggest unfenced nature reserve. Al Marmoom Domes is the nation’s first eco-friendly glass dome hotel. The domes have floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the desert, and some units have private pools to use.
Guests can experience activities like a G-Class safari as well as a trip to the Al Salah Horse Stud and falconry demonstrations. As one of the best glamping places for a luxury desert experience, it also offers an authentic Bedouin breakfast served by a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
4. The Nest by Sonara: Desert Luxury with Fine Dining
The Nest includes 14 designer Desert “nests” in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Each unit has an en-suite bathroom with a majlis-style outdoor sitting area with stunning sunset views. In addition, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a free guided stargazing experience.
In the evening, guests can roam around Sonara Camp within a short distance of the nest. A camp offers a fine dining and entertainment destination. The three-course Arabian-fusion meal, falconry shows, camel rides, live dance and fire performances available at the spot.
5. Longbeach Campground: A Private Beachfront Glamping near Dubai
Longbeach campground is located on a private beachfront that is 300 meters long in Ras Al Khaimah which is 60-90 minutes away from Dubai. It is the only glamping spot with a view of the sea in this listing. It has five different types of accommodations that range from bell tents that share restrooms to Panoramic Dome Suite with its private hot tub. The guests can relax in an infinity pool and can enjoy water activities along with a floating cinema.
6. Mysk Moon Retreat: Luxury Desert Glamping in Sharjah
The resort is located in the Mleiha Desert in Sharjah, close to Fossil Rock and the Al Faya Mountains. It is approximately 45 minutes away from Dubai. Mysk Moon Retreat includes 10 domes and 6 luxurious tents. The majority of units have an in-house plunge pool as well as a terrace with a gas barbecue. The retreat is usually open from October through March and includes activities like fossil rock walks, dune bashing, and archery.
7. Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa: Luxury Beyond Traditional Glamping
The most remote choice is a desert-style villa resort situated on the outskirts of the Empty Quarter in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa region. It is approximately 2.5 or 3 hours away from Dubai. As one of the best glamping places of Dubai, this resort offers exclusive 1,2 and 3-bedroom villas instead of tents. Each villa has an exclusive plunge pool, kitchenette and the ability to cook your own meals or hire private chefs.
Best Time for Glamping in Dubai
The ideal time to go camping is between the months of October and April. This season is more comfortable for outdoor activities and stargazing at night. The months of December through February are the most popular season. The temperatures become 20 to 25 degrees Celsius with cooler nights, which is why it’s best to bring a lightweight jacket or warm clothing.
May through September is not a good time to glamp in the desert, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Some locations, like Mysk Moon Retreat, are closed in summer. Glamping on beaches is slightly relaxing in the summer months due to the cool ocean breeze.
What to Pack for a Glamping Trip
- Wear layered clothing since temperatures fluctuate drastically during the day and at night.
- Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes for walking along sand, rocks, or trails.
- Make sure you have a light jacket, as winter nights can be frigid.
- Carry sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh rays.
- Bring a power source and a flashlight, as the camping area is located in a remote place.
- Pack swimwear, as most camping sites offer a pool or access to the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best glamping site in Dubai?
Hatta Dome Park is a great spot for scenic views along with outdoor sports. Terra Solis is ideal for an adult-only getaway that includes entertainment and music.
How much does glamping in Dubai cost?
Prices are based on the type of glamping experience and the amenities offered by the glamping places. Longbeach Campground in Dubai has beachfront tents costing around AED 469 per night. Luxurious dome accommodations featuring private pool facilities, like Mysk Moon Retreat and Al Marmoom Domes, typically cost between 2,000 and 6,000 AED per night.
Is glamping suitable for families?
Many glamping destinations are family-friendly, such as Hatta Dome Park, Al Marmoom Domes, Longbeach Campground and Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa.
Conclusion
Glamping in Dubai provides the ideal balance between comfort and adventure. It allows you to experience the stunning deserts, mountains and coastline without sacrificing luxury amenities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic desert getaway, a mountain retreat, or camping on the beach, the best glamping places offer plenty of luxurious options within easy reach of Dubai.
The ideal time to go is October through April, when cooler weather makes camping and stargazing more enjoyable. Before booking, compare the types of accommodation, activities included, and seasonal rates. Choosing the right place, glamping could be one of the best ways to discover the natural beauty that surrounds Dubai.
More Places to Explore:
- 7 Cheap Meals in UAE That Taste Expensive but Cost Almost Nothing
- Best Places to Visit in Dubai (UAE) – Complete Travel Guide
- Top Attractions to Visit During a Hatta Tour in Dubai
