The UAE is most known for its opulent metropolitan skylines, which are characterised by shimmering rows of skyscrapers, some of which are twisted, some of which are lighted, and one of which is the world’s highest structure—you just must see the Burj Khalifa.

There is more to this young Middle Eastern nation than its contemporary exterior may suggest. Most tourists drive by these megastructures on their way from the airport, enthralled, eyes staring up through cab windows, eager to see what lies within.

Hidden in the silk-soft, rust-coloured dunes, beyond its gleaming skyscrapers and look-at-me monuments, is an exotic assortment of low-rise Arabian sanctuaries intended for visitors who want to disconnect from the rat race and play with gazelles. Private pools are a cool perk, and camel rides are optional. Welcome to our selection of the top off-the-beaten-path hotels, safari camps, and desert resorts in the United Arab Emirates, including hidden gems in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

How we go over

Each hotel on our carefully chosen list has been visited by one of our knowledgeable reviewers, who are often accommodated at no cost. They spend at least one nite there, sample at least one dish, and try out any other activities the hotel may have to offer.

Ras Al Khaimah

The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Ras Al Khaimah’s Ritz-Carlton, located just north of Dubai, provides visitors with a luxurious spa experience among the dunes. Beyond spicy oil massages and age-defying Espa facials, there’s “The Rainforest.” There are sixteen stations in this hydrothermal suite, including the “Igloo” with crushed ice body washes, a hammam, a salted steam room, a herbal sauna, and a pebble foot spa. The gym is available seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Al Wadi’s 1,235-acre protected area offers archery, bicycling, stargazing, bird-spotting, and nature excursions in addition to horse, pony, and camel riding instruction. After all that, luxurious Bedouin-inspired homes with panoramic views of the desert and private pools make it simple to fall asleep.

Dubai

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Bab Al Shams, the first Arabian desert hideaway, constructed in 2004 with the sole purpose of providing opulent accommodations for Dubai’s equestrian community in Al Qudra. At the time, it was just home to racetracks and stables, but it has since added bike lanes and artificial lakes. As you watch the sun rise from the comfort of the resort’s infinity pool, its name, which translates to “Gateway to the Sun,” makes sense. Al Hadheerah, one of a few eateries that is best characterised as an experience, may be reached at nite with the aid of stars. Arabian singers croon, drummers dance to their own rhythm, and horse and camel riders play out ancient stories in this blend of food market and cultural theatre. There are even fireworks on the weekends.

Al Maha

Al Maha means “The Oryx,” and at this idyllic resort in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you’ll probably see a few. Disney-like gazelles rush straight up to the tented suites to drink from the private pools, while these magnificent antelope with black horn crowns and white coats monitor the horizon. There is one restaurant and one lounge at this boutique resort, both of which have verandas to take advantage of the views. In addition to two activities—archery, camel trekking, and nature drives with enthusiastic field guides—daily delights (which are included in the accommodation prices) include afternoon tea with strawberries and cream and camel milk smoothies.

Platinum Heritage overnight safari

Differentiating between desert safaris might be challenging. The most popular ones include shisha, camel rides, henna tattoos, falconry, a meal in a Bedouin-style tent on Persian carpets, dune-bashing with a skilled driver in a Toyota Land Cruiser, and maybe a belly dancer. The goals of Platinum Heritage are distinct. Vintage open-top Land Rovers, the most popular form of transportation in 1950s Dubai, are used to take visitors around the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. They sleep in traditional Arabian stone homes after supper, although with more comfortable bedding, and are gently awakened with a fine breakfast in time for a hot air balloon flight at daybreak.

Abu Dhabi

Telal Resort Al Ain

Nestled between the hills of the Remah desert, this boutique hotel conceals two pools, a spa, a zip line, a sand zorb ball, quad bikes and a restaurant. It was formerly a Bedouin stomping area and is still well-liked by rare antelopes such the Arabian oryx, Domani, and Reem. Nearby lies lovely Al Ain, sometimes known as “The Garden State,” which is about two hours from Dubai airport and less from Abu Dhabi. The biggest property has a private pool and spa in addition to four bedrooms. Wicker-covered ceilings, intricately carved furniture, and crimson al sadu weave textiles are characteristics of authentically Emirati standard rooms. Since Telal lacks a license, bring your own nightgown.

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island

Arriving via private jet on Sir Bani Yas Island creates an opulent atmosphere. This conservation area, which the first president of the United Arab Emirates designated for preservation, is also served by boats and seaplanes. With three Anantara-managed resorts and over 10,000 animals, the Arabian Wildlife Park provides the most genuine safari experience inland at Al Sahel Villas on the dunes. Arabian oryx, exotic wildcats, giraffes, gazelles, and the smaller Egyptian jerboa—which resembles a mouse-sized kangaroo—are among the animals that may be seen with binoculars. The primary attraction is the daily guided tours.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Qasr Al Sarab’s immersive desert experience is captivating, and its castle-like facade is reminiscent of ancient Bedouin forts. Common spaces and hotel thoroughfares are replete with artefacts; windows and doors have been created with heritage in mind; dimly illuminated lanterns and falaj-style water systems pay homage to bygone eras. It’s easy to see why the makers of Star Wars: The Force Awakens decided to shoot here given the breathtaking sunsets and captivating shifting landscapes.

Arabian Nights Village

With twin castle watchtowers rising from behind a massive dune, the village approach is dramatic. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee laced with cardamom blends with the woodsy scent of bakhoor, the regional incense prepared following methods passed down through the generations. There are 36 large tents and stone chambers with walls lined with al sadu weave, or palm frond latticework, and pathways formed like palms that are ambiently lighted like Christmas trees at nite. After days of camel trekking, quad riding, dune bashing, and sand boarding, visitors to Al Maqam satisfy their inner Bedu with meats and Arabian flatbreads.

Sharjah

Retreat at Mysk Al Faya

An hour’s drive east of Dubai, a grocery shop, clinic and gas station were constructed in the 1960s on a desolate route that wound through Sharjah’s mountains and desert. The single-story buildings with steel-framed windows, typical of Britain’s mid-century modern design at the period, were eventually abandoned and may have crumbled to dust. However, the local government came up with a different plan. Anarchitect, a design company, was hired to transform the property into a five-room boutique hideaway that included the original structures as well as a terrace restaurant with evocative firepits, a spa, and a pool. With a single rusty BP pump serving as a sculpture and a reminder of the area’s history in what is now the lodge’s forecourt, the effect is striking.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and travel guidance purposes only. Hotel details, facilities, prices, and services may change over time, so readers are advised to verify information with the official hotel websites before booking. All trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners. We strive to provide accurate and original information to our readers.