Your Arabian adventure begins here…

Dine among the dunes, indulge in alfresco spa treatments, and swim beneath the stars—all part of the experience at these luxurious desert resorts in the UAE.

Dubai

Al Maha

Just an hour outside of Dubai, you’ll discover the breathtaking Al Maha Desert Resort. This serene desert oasis boasts 42 private villas, each with its own pool, and a central resort area featuring the all-day dining restaurant, Al Diwaan, and a tranquil spa with both single and couples’ treatment rooms. Guests can spend their day lounging by their private pool or take a dip in the picturesque outdoor pool overlooking the vast desert dunes. The resort also offers a luxurious spa for ultimate relaxation. Check in for an indulgent staycation, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing breakfast on your alfresco terrace with your neighbors—Arabian Oryx and gazelles!

Al Maha Desert Resort, Al Ain Road, Dubai, rates from Dhs3,616. Tel: (0)4 832 9900. marriott.com

Bab al Shams

Dubai’s iconic luxury desert resort, Bab Al Shams, has been transformed into a Rare Finds Resort, now operated by the Kerzner Group. After a major renovation in 2022, it reopened last year with refreshed guest rooms and a brand-new culinary lineup. Located just under an hour from Dubai, off Al Qudra Road, Bab Al Shams is nestled among endless dunes, nature reserves, and wildlife such as oryx and gazelles, as well as man-made lakes. For thrill-seekers, a variety of adventures await, from fat biking and desert safaris to archery and horse riding. Foodies can savor Middle Eastern cuisine at Ninive, set among the desert dunes, and catch stunning sunsets at Anwā Sunset Lounge.

Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, rates from Dhs1,050. Tel: (0)4 809 6100. babalshams.com/

Terra Solis

Spanning an impressive 371,000 square meters, Terra Solis Dubai is nestled in a hidden oasis surrounded by vast desert dunes. Just a 30-minute drive from most areas in Dubai, it offers the perfect city escape without a long journey. The setting delivers an authentic Arabian experience, with Bedouin-inspired decor throughout. Drawing inspiration from star constellations, guests can select from three unique overnight stays: 24 spacious and luxurious Polaris bell tents, 20 Perseid lodges, and six exclusive Orion pool lodges.

Tomorrowland presents Terra Solis Desert Destination, Dubai Heritage Vision, rates from Dhs440. Tel: (0)4 456 1956. terrasolisdubai.com

Abu Dhabi

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

Tucked away among the fiery orange dunes of the Empty Quarter, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is one of the UAE’s most cherished Arabian retreats. This secluded desert oasis offers 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 52 pool villas, all adorned with traditional Arabesque décor and boasting endless views of the sweeping dunes. Separated from the main resort, the rooms are described as ‘secluded desert sanctuaries,’ while the luxurious villas each feature their own private pool for ultimate relaxation.

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, rates from Dhs936. Tel: (0)2 886 2088. anantara.com

Bateen Liwa Resort

The latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s desert resorts is Bateen Liwa Resort, brought to you by the glamping experts at Bab Al Nojoum. Unlike the brand’s previous tent, chalet, and AirStream-style accommodations, this new development consists entirely of villas, available in one, two, and three-bedroom options, along with the stately Royal Villas. Guests can indulge in the privacy of their own plunge pools, enjoy barbecues (with the option to have a chef prepare meals for you), relax on alfresco decks with plush lounge furniture, and gather around fire pits for cozy evenings. Beyond the villa pools, you can unwind at the central infinity pool, offering breathtaking desert views, or pamper yourself at the modern spa, which offers a range of exotic treatments. The resort also features a farm, a date plantation, and facilities for community bonfires and stargazing.

Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa Resort, Tal Mur’ib Road, Mzeer’ah, rates from Dhs692. Tel: (0)2 894 8888. babalnojoum.com

Telal Resort Al Ain

This rustic-luxe resort in Al Ain offers breathtaking views of a natural conservation area, with uninterrupted desert plains creating a postcard-worthy backdrop. The decor is Emirati-inspired, featuring traditional artwork, Arabesque touches, and timeless local details throughout the rooms, villas, and suites. Accommodations range from deluxe rooms to a three-bedroom villa complete with a private pool and jacuzzi. For a tranquil stay, unwind with a spa treatment or relax in the cozy library. Adventure seekers can indulge in ATV drives, ziplines, or a thrilling desert safari.

Telal Resort Al Ain, Al Ain, rates from Dhs465. Tel: (0)3 702 0000. telalresort.ae

Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Inspired by a historic village, this Arabian-style desert resort stretches across 22,000 square meters of serene desert landscape. Al Wathba features 13 private pool villas, 90 traditional guest rooms, and six restaurants and bars, offering an idyllic retreat. The resort places a strong emphasis on wellness, boasting a 1,000-square-meter pool and a luxury spa with treatments and facilities including hammams, crystal salt saunas, and a dedicated cryo treatment room.

Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Al Wathba District, rates from Dhs735. Tel: (02) 204 4444. marriott.com

Ras Al Khaimah

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, is nestled within a stunning 1,235-acre protected reserve. Offering tranquility and breathtaking desert views, the Bedouin-styled villas come with private pools, decks, lounge areas, and panoramic scenery. For the adventurous traveler, options include camel treks, private archery lessons, bird-watching sessions, or nature walks to take in the serene surroundings. The resort also boasts five dining venues, including the Ras Al Khaimah branch of Sonara Camp, farm-to-table dining at Farmhouse, all-day meals at Kaheela, the open-air Moon Bar, and the relaxed Moorish lounge.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Wadi Khadija, Ras Al Khaimah, rates from Dhs1,329. Tel: (0)7 206 7777. ritzcarlton.com

Sharjah

Al Badayer Retreat

Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah’s luxury glamping resort, is the ultimate staycation destination for those seeking adventure, tranquility, and a touch of Emirati culture. As one of the most eco-conscious desert resorts in the UAE, Al Badayer is housed within a traditional Arabian fort while offering all the modern comforts you could desire. The resort also provides tailored desert experiences, including falconry, dune bashing, quad biking, horse riding, and desert safaris, ensuring an unforgettable getaway.

Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah, rates from Dhs350. Tel: (0)6 556 0777. sharjahcollection.ae

Al Faya Retreat

Walk in the footsteps of the Bedouins at Al Faya Retreat, where privacy and serenity reign supreme. Nestled in the dunes of Mleiha desert, the retreat is a luxuriously converted area that was originally built in the 1960s and offers guests with the opportunity to explore the famed archaeological site and its fascinating history. Those looking for a little less adventure can embark on a journey of wellbeing at the unique, hands-free spa complete with a herbal room, salt pool and tropical shower walk; or laze away the day at the swimming pool. There’s just five guest rooms, all fitted with a skylight for stargazing at night, and all are close to the on-site fire pit, primed for recapping the day’s many desert camping adventures.

Al Faya Retreat, Mleiha desert, Sharjah, rates from Dhs3,499. Tel: (0)6 538 7857. sharjahcollection.ae