One of the most breathtaking ways to spend a vacation in the United Arab Emirates is at a desert resort. Surrounded by nothing but rolling golden dunes in every direction (and the occasional Arabian oryx), these distant resorts in the deserts around Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond offer expansive and dramatic vistas.

For the pinnacle of urban escapes, book a room in one of the desert resorts in the United Arab Emirates. Enjoy breakfast as the sun rises over the dunes, and dine al fresco beneath the starry desert sky—the perfect setting for astronomy aficionados

.This is a list of the most beautiful desert resorts in the United Arab Emirates, ranging from villas with private pools and animal reserves to locations used for Hollywood films and luxurious getaways.

Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG

Near the outskirts of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter, the Aldhafra Resort stands out like a mirage, like a fort. The burnt yellow scenery is perfect for filming, with its arched buildings and scalloped turrets. Outside of the sights, the desert sand is perfect for outdoor activities like 4×4 dune bashing and afternoon camel rides. Delicate lanterns swinging from the ceiling and plush Arabesque rugs adorning the walls are artfully selected to complement the interiors. While Layali Bar blends contemporary cocktail techniques with classic Arabic flavors, Al Badiya Restaurant offers cuisine from all across the Arabian Peninsula.

Address: Madinat Zayed – MZE30 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah

Located inside the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, this 200-hectare Ras Al Khaimah resort has over a hundred villas with elegant interiors that draw inspiration from traditional materials and styles. Guests of the tented villas may relax in the shade of their own pool while keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife that roams the Wadi Khadeja valley. Nature hikes and horseback riding are among the desert activities available, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing. The Rainforest hydrothermal suite has sixteen sensory stations, such as a pebble foot bath and an igloo filled with crushed ice. For an unforgettable experience, visitors have the option to have a private chef and butler prepare a dessert meal beneath the starry sky.

Address: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Al Mazraa Wadi Khadija – Al Ashish – Ras al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

The national animal of the United Arab Emirates is the oryx, and the resort grounds are home to hundreds of these majestic creatures, all of whom are happy to see guests. Accompanying them are fearless gazelles and camels, who often meander up to tented villas to drink from the infinity pools that are reserved for guests. This charming eco-resort is set in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, an hour outside of Dubai. It offers a contemporary spin on Bedouin lifestyle, with individual tented homes scattered among the undulating dunes. The main resort area is where you’ll find Al Diwaan, an all-day eating restaurant, and the Timeless Spa, where you may indulge in specialty treatments inspired by aromatherapy traditions from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. From falconry and camel trekking to archery and nature hikes, there is an activity for everyone.

Address: Al Maha, a Luxury Collectio

Bab Al Shams, Dubai

Kerzner International’s Rare Finds collection breathed fresh life into Bab Al Shams, the longest-running desert resort in Dubai. The resort just reopened to the public. There was the commotion of a functioning stable when the initial resort opened in 2004 as housing for Dubai’s equestrian elite. The tranquility of the desert now coexists with the contemporary amenities of a five-star resort. The 115 rooms and suites are spread out across two 16-story towers. The tropical plants and subtle Moorish touches make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into another world, even if the oasis-like infinity pool and swim-up bar are distinctly Dubai. A new all-day dining spot, Zala, serves up dishes influenced by Ottoman and Greek cuisine, while the resort’s traditional Middle Eastern spot, Al Hadheerah, has a revamped menu. Belly dancers, musicians, falconers, and a caravan of pet camels are just a few of the things that will keep youngsters occupied. Eight exquisitely constructed Desert Pool Villas were added in 2024, enhancing the feeling of seclusion and integration with the neighboring beaches.

Address: Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Road – opposite Endurance City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

The Nest by Sonara Camp, Dubai

A little over one hour from the heart of Dubai is where you’ll find The Nest by Sonara Camp. Indulge in the ultimate in door-to-door luxury at our glamping resort. A Landcruiser chauffeur will transport you to the tranquil Arabian dunes. The dune-shaped shelters, painstakingly crafted by architect Gianni Ranauslo, await visitors as they leisurely make their way over the verdant dunes to this tranquil paradise. Guests are embraced by natural earth tones and beautiful rattan elements in each Nest, which pays respect to the countryside. You may relax on the luxurious double beds and enjoy the private bathroom. If you need more space, there’s an extra bed available, so you can easily accommodate two people and two children. Indulge in breakfast while watching the desert sunrise from the cozy lounge and bar at The Nest, where the glamping experience continues. In addition to this, Sonara Camp provides a wide variety of activities to enhance your journey. Upgrade your eating experience and add some excitement with dune-bashing, camel rides, or a hot air balloon flight over the desert.Romany Hunt

Address: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi

One thing is certain: when the royal family commissions a resort, you can be sure that the service will be royally excellent. In 2007, the UAE’s leadership ordered the construction of a kingdom-like stronghold. It rose from the Rub Al Khali desert as a vast feast of Bedouin history and Emirati grandeur; construction took only 650 days. Sunset paints a more picturesque picture of Qasr Al Sarab, a resort with 207 rooms, suites, and pool villas. Viewers of Star Wars: The Force Awakens would identify the locations, and the actors from the Oscar-winning dystopian science fiction picture Dune stayed here as well. After the two-hour journey from Abu Dhabi, you may relax in the resort’s luxurious spa and take in the breathtaking views along the way.

Address: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Al Mirayr, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

As it seems to rise out of the desert like a mirage, Al Wathba echoes classic Bedouin settlements of yesteryear yet its sleek amenities bring it firmly into the modern day. This desert resort is located about 45 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi, near the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. It spans two hectares, has more than 90 rooms, and is divided among thirteen villas, each with its own pool. Before unwinding in the resort’s Saray Spa, guests may learn about UAE history via camel riding and falconry. The emphasis here is on health via a blend of nature, history, and solitude. The space spans over 2,200 square meters and has eleven treatment rooms, hammams, salt rooms, and snow caves.

Address: Al Wathba Desert Resort &

Telal Resort Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

With miles of unbroken vistas of rich caramel dunes, Telal Resort transports guests back in time. Situated among the Remah Desert peaks, this boutique hotel was formerly the home of nomadic Bedouin tribesmen and offers guests the chance to learn about their fascinating past via several cultural and historical programs. In addition to luxurious private pools, Jacuzzis, and saunas, the house retains its historic charm with intricately carved furniture, original woven textiles, and Arabesque artworks. The hotel is located 80 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and has a natural conservation area view. Guests may see wild desert animals often, but there are plenty of activities to keep them occupied, such as archery, sand zorbing, quad biking, and zip lines.

Address: Telal Resort Al Ain, Remah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Moon Retreat by The Sharjah Collection, Sharjah

Concealed among the red-hued desert dunes of Sharjah, Moon Retreat is about an hour’s drive from Dubai. The Sharjah Collection’s Moon Retreat lives up to its name by providing an atmosphere reminiscent of the expansive lunar environment. The camp is encircled by magnificent red rock formations, which provide a tranquil and secluded setting for guests. Each of the twelve domes and six private tents offers a unique setting for relaxation and recreation, complete with a patio, grills, and a private pool. In contrast to larger resorts, this private glamping site does not have any restaurants or common facilities; instead, visitors are given fresh supplies to cook their own meals on the BBQ.Romany Hunt

Address: Al Shuwaib, Umm al Quwa

Sharjah Collection’s Al Faya Retreat

An vacant road in a lonely part of Sharjah was developed in the 1960s into a gas station, health center, and supermarket in the British manner. Until the Sharjah government intervened, the single-story concrete blocks were left abandoned and doomed to decay. By repurposing the existing structures, the architectural studio Anarchitect created the five-bedroom Mysk Al Faya Retreat on the site. A one-of-a-kind hands-free spa with a herbal room, salt pool, and tropical shower walk was built onto the property, along with a pool, terrace café, and spa. Aside from a single BP pump in the front yard, the remote resort now looks little like its modest origins. Meanwhile, the nearby Mleiha desert has been proposed for UNESCO World Heritage designation for housing some of the most significant archeological finds in the area, such as Bronze Age tombs.

Address: Mysk Al Faya Retreat, Al Batayeh – Al Faya Road Al Modam Rd, Sharjah United Arab Emirates

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