The 5 Best Desert Resorts in UAE (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 5 picks

The best desert resorts in the UAE in 2026 are Al Maha in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Bab Al Shams on Al Qudra Road, Qasr Al Sarab in the Liwa desert of Abu Dhabi, and Banyan Tree Al Wadi and the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert in Ras Al Khaimah.

A desert resort is an overnight stay rather than a day-trip camp, with quiet nights, desert activities and, at some, private-pool suites. Winter (November to March) is the best season; in summer most resorts drop their rates. For a day out instead, see our best desert safaris in Dubai.

1. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa — Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

A resort inside the reserve with private-pool suites, falconry and desert drives.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples

Al Maha sits inside the 225-square-kilometer Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and the Marriott page lists experiences such as archery, nature walks, desert drives, wildlife safaris, falconry, horse riding, camel trekking and dune sundowners. Each suite has a private plunge pool.

It is an overnight stay rather than a day tour, and a good way to experience the desert at its calm.

Good to know: Ask what activities are included in your rate before booking; some are charged separately, and non-guest access is limited.

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

2. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa — Al Qudra Road, Dubai

A desert resort whose open-air Al Hadheerah restaurant serves dinner with live shows.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples · Families

Bab Al Shams is a resort on Al Qudra Road, about 45 minutes from the city according to listings. Its Al Hadheerah desert restaurant is described as an open-air dining experience with live cooking stations and entertainment such as belly dancing and a camel and horse show.

Go for an evening of food and folklore with less driving across the dunes than a classic safari.

Good to know: Book the dinner in advance, and confirm whether transfers are included.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps

3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara — Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi

A fort-style resort among the dunes of the Empty Quarter.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a fort-style resort set among large dunes in the Liwa area of the Empty Quarter. It offers dune excursions, a spa and a pool.

It is the best choice in the emirate for a real desert stay, rather than a day-trip camp.

Good to know: It is a long drive from Abu Dhabi city; ask the hotel about transfers.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps

4. Banyan Tree Al Wadi — Ras Al Khaimah

A villa resort in a desert nature reserve in Ras Al Khaimah.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples

Banyan Tree Al Wadi is a villa resort in a desert reserve outside Ras Al Khaimah. Each villa has a private pool, and the resort has a spa and a range of desert activities.

It is roughly 90 minutes to two hours from Dubai by road.

Good to know: Book early for winter weekends; check what activities are included.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Google Maps

5. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert — Ras Al Khaimah

A desert resort with private-pool villas and falconry in a nature reserve.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is set in a desert nature reserve outside Ras Al Khaimah, with villas that have private pools and a spa. Desert experiences such as falconry are offered.

Check the resort's website for current villa and activity details.

Good to know: Ask about the inclusions for activities when booking.

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

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is the best desert resort near Dubai?

Al Maha, inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, has private-pool suites and activities such as falconry and desert drives. Bab Al Shams is nearer the city and easier for a night.

Can I visit a desert resort for the day?

Some offer dining or day packages, such as the Al Hadheerah dinner at Bab Al Shams. Access at Al Maha is limited to guests.

How far is Qasr Al Sarab from Dubai?

It is in the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi emirate, a long drive of several hours from Dubai; most guests arrange a transfer.

Are desert resorts good for children?

Several offer family rooms and activities, but check age rules for activities such as falconry and camel treks.

1. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa — Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

2. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa — Al Qudra Road, Dubai

3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara — Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi

4. Banyan Tree Al Wadi — Ras Al Khaimah

5. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert — Ras Al Khaimah

Frequently asked questions

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