Summer is finally loosening its grip on the Gulf, which means one thing in the UAE: outdoor season is back. From October the desert and mountains cool to genuinely pleasant temperatures, and a wave of glamping retreats open their doors — or rather, their tent flaps. Here's what's on offer.
Longbeach Campground in Ras Al Khaimah is the beach option, sitting along a 300-metre stretch of sand in Al Nadiya. It runs as an all-inclusive: elegant tents, a pool, an outdoor spa, water sports and even a floating theatre, with live cooking stations and family activities filling the days. It suits couples as much as groups.
Further inland, Jebel Hafit Desert Park at the foot of Al Ain's mountain mixes archaeology with adventure. The area holds ancient remains thousands of years old, and guided hiking and biking trails run alongside camel rides. You can book a serviced camping package with meals or go up a notch to the five-star air-conditioned bubble tents.
In Dubai, The Nest is the new sister project to Sonara Camp, tucked into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Each private pod has a bedroom, en-suite and outdoor seating, plus a dedicated host. The food leans upscale — wood-fired pizzas, wagyu sliders and fresh seafood. Also near Dubai, Al Marmoom Domes at Al Qudra puts you in transparent domes with floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree desert views: sunrise in one direction, stargazing after dark, air conditioning throughout.
Abu Dhabi's Arabian Nights Village takes a cultural angle, with four styles of lodges built around a courtyard complete with watchtowers. There are deliberately no televisions — the whole point is switching off. And for anyone who'd rather earn their night's sleep, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah runs survival-style challenges like fire building, designed with Bear's team, followed by a night in a private cabin.
Why it matters: the UAE's outdoor window is short — roughly November to March — and the best-known camps sell out fast, especially over weekends and public holidays. Whether you want a soft intro to the desert with kids in tow, a stargazing date night, or an actual survival test, there's a version of it within a two-to-three-hour drive of Dubai. Book early, pack layers for chilly desert nights, and check whether your chosen camp is all-inclusive or à la carte before you go.
