Desert Retreats Near Dubai: Three Resorts and What They Offer

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, sits inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on Al Ain Road, about 65km from Dubai International Airport. The reserve covers about 225 sq km, roughly 5% of Dubai's land area, and Marriott describes it as the UAE's first national park. Al Maha is one of three established desert resorts within reach of the city; here is what each offers.

At a glance

ResortWhereRoomsPools Al MahaDubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road42 villasPrivate pool per villa, plus spa pool Bab Al ShamsDubai desert, near Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve115 rooms and suitesDesert infinity pool Al Badayer OasisCentral Sharjah, among dunes21 rooms and 10 tentsIndoor pool

Al Maha

All 42 villas have a private pool; with the main pool at the spa, the resort counts 43 temperature-controlled pools. Free-roaming oryx and gazelles live on the property. Listed activities include guided wildlife drives, horse riding, camel treks, nature walks, archery, falconry and sundowners in the dunes.

Dining is full board. Al Diwaan is the main restaurant, and guests can also eat on the terrace, in the dunes or in their villa. Al Maha Spa has treatment rooms, a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a gym.

Practical points from the hotel's page: check-in is at 3pm and check-out at noon; children of all ages are welcome, with an extra charge from age 6; pets are not allowed. There is no shuttle, but a 4x4 transfer from DXB costs AED 447 one way and must be reserved.

Bab Al Shams

Bab Al Shams reopened on 10 February 2023 after a refurbishment, now under Rare Finds, part of Kerzner International. Gulf News describes it as the longest-running desert escape in the UAE. It has 115 rooms and suites across 16 two-storey buildings.

Esquire Middle East's reopening feature lists the activities: guided nature walks, camel rides, falconry, archery, horse riding, off-road desert drives, nature tours to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, fat biking, and bike rental for the 86km Al Qudra cycle track. Dining includes Al Hadheerah, with live entertainment, and Zala. There is a Desert Spa, a kids' club and an outdoor sand playground with a zip line.

Al Badayer Oasis, Sharjah

Al Badayer Oasis opened in August 2019 in central Sharjah, among large dunes. It is run by Shaza Hotels under its Mysk brand and owned by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). At opening it had 21 rooms and 10 tents, an Emirati restaurant, an all-day restaurant, an indoor pool, a gym and an open-air amphitheatre.

Activities listed at launch were 4x4 trips, quad biking, horse riding, desert safaris, camel tours and mountain biking on marked and unmarked trails. These details date from 2019, so confirm what is currently offered.

What to check before booking

• Which activities are included in the rate and which are charged separately.
• Meal plan: Al Maha is full board; others may not be.
• Child charges and minimum ages for riding or falconry.
• How you will get there, and whether transfers need booking.
• Check-in and check-out times if you are planning a single night.
• For mountain rather than dune scenery, see our guide to Hatta stays.

For general information. Rates, activities and policies can change; check with the resort before you book.