Dubai is known for its futuristic buildings, cutting-edge technology, and record-breaking monuments. And let’s not forget the fabulous Middle Eastern cuisine! But the first thing that comes to mind about Dubai are its striking landscapes: the dazzling cityscape, and the vastness of the red desert.
Most visitors make base in the city, and head to the sand dunes for a few hours of dune bashing and camel rides…but you can also stay in the desert. After all, the region was all desert once upon a time (just about 50 years ago… crazy to think about!).
It’s one of the most original things to do in Dubai, and one you shouldn’t miss given the chance. The inhospitable terrain is home to various lavish resorts where you can fight off the heat with a dip in the pool.
They also boast air-conditioned rooms, well-equipped gyms, and spectacular restaurants. Basically, everything you’d need for the uttermost comfort while desert dwelling. It’s one of the best places to stay in Dubai if you’re looking for a unique component.
In this article you’ll discover my selection of spectacular Dubai desert resorts & hotels (plus a bonus!), each more appealing than the last.
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Al Maha Desert Resort
A luxurious 5-star hotel, Al Maha Desert Resort ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, facilities, service, and views.
The Facilities
Surrounded by sand dunes, the resort features private suites. Each has its own heat-controlled pool overlooking the desert, a plush king bed, a seating area, and a fully equipped bathroom with a bathtub.
The accommodation categorizes the suites into Bedouin, Royal, Emirates, and Presidential. The differences are the number of bedrooms featured in each, from 1 to 3. It also has full board packages that include a buffet breakfast, a 3-course lunch, and a 5-course dinner.
Complimentary desert safaris, wildlife walks, camel rides, and other desert activities are offered. There’s also room service and access to the resort’s fitness center, spa, restaurant, and bar.
❤️ We like it because the Dubai desert resort is surrounded by sand dunes where wildlife roams freely. It allows guests to relax in their outdoor pools while watching camels pass by mere meters away.
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Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort in Dubai is a five-star hotel in the middle of the desert. It showcases every possible comfort and facility, plus spectacular decor that will make you forget where you are. (Unless you’re staring at the vastness of dunes around you!)
The Facilities
This Dubai desert hotel is a short drive from the city, and it features three restaurants, each specializing in a different cuisine. There are lobby and cigar lounges, a poolside bar, a fitness center, a spa, and a hammam.
Guests can also benefit from various desert adventures. These include horse riding, hot-air balloon rides, falconry, and camel trekking. Two swimming pools and a lush garden are the jewel in the crown.
As for the rooms, they are spacious and elegant, decorated in traditional Arabian design. They’re equipped with seating furniture, a full bathroom, and modern amenities. Some include a balcony or terrace overlooking the desert, and accommodate families.
❤️ We like it because this desert resort in Dubai combines the best of both worlds. A striking desert landscape, a prolific garden, top-notch amenities, and a sophisticated setting. This way you’ll get to enjoy a luxurious stay in a very original place.
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Terra Solis Dubai
Terra Solis by Tomorrowland offers an incredibly unique stay. It features white glamping domes scattered in the dunes.
The Facilities
The accommodation options start from luxurious tents fitted with plush beds to ample lodges. These are equipped with a double bed and private bathroom, and pool lodges with a large terrace for the uttermost comfort.
This desert hotel in Dubai is also home to a spectacular swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, sunbeds, and cabanas. There, guests can relax and go for cool dips to refresh from the heat of the Arabian desert.
The on-site restaurant, Mesa, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re looking for resorts in Dubai desert, you can’t go wrong with this one.
❤️ We like it because it brings you closer than ever to your surroundings, as you’ll be going to bed directly amid the desert. You’ll also be sleeping under a blanket of stars, which can be appreciated much more than in the city.
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Al Khayma Camp Elite Camping & Dining in Experience
Al Khayma Camp offers one of the most authentic Emirati experiences you can get when heading to sleep in the desert. The camp covers an extensive area of land, with the golden sand dunes surrounding it completely.
The Facilities
Al Khayma Camp features spacious standalone units with two double beds, a seating area, and mosquito nets. All rooms have access to a shared bathroom with showers, the dining area, and free wifi. Some are even air-conditioned.
You’ll be welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, and treated to a spectacular BBQ dinner of traditional flavors. Immerse yourself in the Bedouin lifestyle with a great number of desert activities. Camel rides, falconry, henna tattoos, and plenty of entertainment are a few of them.
Finally, sit back to enjoy a magnificent stargazing session in the middle of the desert.
❤️ We like it because it offers way more than just accommodation. It’s a full experience that allows you to delve into the wonders of the desert and its ancient dwellers, and provides meals.
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Al Badayer Retreat
When it comes to opulent desert resorts in Dubai, it’s hard to outrank Al Badayer Retreat. It’s an impressive construction with traditional-looking buildings made of mud bricks. It looks every bit like the oasis it is, set in the midst of a sea of sand.
The Facilities
The massive property houses very elegant common areas, a mosque, a restaurant, and two swimming pools, one of which is indoors.
Rooms feature a luxurious yet minimalist design, equipped with a private bathroom, a minibar, a coffee machine, and a flat-screen TV. The resort also features luxurious tents, ideal for glamping enthusiasts. All accommodations boast windows overlooking the desert, so you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Exhilarating desert adventures can be enjoyed at the retreat. Think dune bashing, camel rides, safari, and sandboarding. Many can even be included in the room package.
❤️ We like it because it offers a great variety of accommodation options to suit most interests. Featuring both rooms and tents, the retreat also has in store
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Bonus: Overnight Desert Safari
Another valid way to visit the magnificent Dubai desert and spend the night under the stars is by joining an overnight safari. This one promises luxury and every comfort, alongside a truly unique experience in the dunes.
You’ll enjoy a safari through the desert in an open-top vintage Land Rover. Meet the wildlife at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and then head to a Bedouin-style camp.
There you’ll take part in multiple activities, from falconry displays to cooking demonstrations, camel riding, and traditional dancing. Relish a delectable 4-course dinner, and enjoy the night sky without light pollution before turning in for the night in your Arabic tent.
In the morning you’ll be treated to an outdoor breakfast, and return to Dubai.
❤️ We like it because it includes allll the activities that can be enjoyed in the desert. Besides, you’ll enjoy a demonstration of what Bedouin life used to look like. It also gives you a chance to spend a night in the desert in the most authentic way!
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Dubai Desert Resorts & Hotels FAQs
Absolutely yes! If you want to spend the night in the desert, you can either join an overnight safari tour or book one of the magnificent desert hotels near Dubai.
Driving from the city of Dubai to the desert takes approximately one hour. It’s really close!
In my opinion, the best desert resorts near Dubai are Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa and Al Maha Desert Resort. Their facilities and location are unbeatable!
Looking for a luxury desert resort in Dubai? There are quite a few, in fact! Some of the very best ones include Al Maha Desert Resort, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, and Terra Solis.
