Must-Visit Glamping Spots In the Middle East

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Must-Visit Glamping Spots In the Middle East

20 Dec 2024

The most common question we all seem to face week after week is: where to go for the weekend? With the holidays just around the corner, the desire to make your time off feel extra special only grows. Combine that with the amazing weather across the Middle East, and it is the perfect time to explore some of the best glamping spots the region has to offer.

Glamping is a growing trend that strikes the perfect balance between being close to nature and enjoying a touch of luxury (or at least a comfortable) stay. And the best part? There are plenty of options to choose from, each with its own unique features! Let us explore the best ones!

Saudi Arabia

Our Habitas

This place is undoubtedly one of the most famous glamping spots in the Middle East — a destination that has made its way into countless wishlists and is likely already familiar to you thanks to its iconic trampolines at the heart of the hotel grounds. Their motto, “Home Inside a Living Museum,” perfectly explains the vibe of this place: luxurious spot nestled within a desert valley, right next to a nature reserve.

The villas are designed in an authentic style and divided into different concepts — for example, the Wellness Villa comes equipped with yoga mats and offers in-room treatments, while the Celestial Villa provides more spacious accommodation, making it an excellent choice for families travelling with children. For a unique twist, the spot also offers Caravans, set with views of either the canyon or the oasis, giving you another way to experience the magic of Al Ula.

Instagram: @our_habitas

Ashar Tented Resort Al Ula

This place is another hidden gem in the Al Ula region, fully embracing the glamping concept. Instead of traditional hotel rooms, it offers small cabins with canvas roofs, staying true to the spirit of glamping. Inside, however, it is a whole other level of luxury — some of the larger cabins even feature a home office and dining area. Each cabin also comes with a private patio, pool, and tea and coffee area. One more thing — the place provides rental cars, allowing you to reach all the must-see spots in just 15 to 20 minutes.

Photo: Ashar Resort Hotels

The Leaf Camp Of Riyadh Hotel Ath Thumamah

These futuristic, Martian pods are often the first thing that comes to mind when people talk about glamping. The Leaf Camp of Riyadh gets its name from the unique layout of its pathways, which resemble the shape of a leaf and light up beautifully with countless lanterns after sunset.

Each pod comes with a private barbecue area, making it the perfect spot for cooking dinner under the stars. If you are dreaming of a magical evening surrounded by nature, this is your must-visit destination!

Photo: The Leaf Camp Of Riyadh

Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea

This place is a perfect blend of camping and luxury. While on Booking, it is listed as a full-fledged hotel with a wide range of amenities — from a huge pool to a full spa complex — the glamping concept is definitely part of the experience. The hotel is located deep in the desert, surrounded by rocky terrain, and from above, it looks like something out of "The Martian" movie.

Guests stay in small villas that, from above (but only from above), resemble tents. The design of the hotel as a whole creates an authentic, non-urban vibe — even the massage beds in the spa are surrounded by sand, making it feel like you are lying on the soft sands of the desert while enjoying a treatment.

Instagram: @sixsensessoutherndunes

UAE

Moon Retreat, Sharjah

Martian-style pods in the heart of the desert might not sound that unique at first, but let me tell you — there is one standout feature here: a pool right next to your cabin, making your overnight stay even more special!

Some of the cabins also come with a telescope. Far from the city lights, the starry sky is absolutely breathtaking, making it the perfect spot for anyone dreaming of stargazing. Mark this place on your map, and do not forget to download the "Star Walk" application, helping to track the stars — for the ultimate experience!

Instagram: @moon.retreat

Terra Solis, Dubai

Terra Solis is not just a great glamping spot near Dubai — it is also well-known for hosting big concerts and events. If you love lively nightlife but still want to be close to nature, this is the perfect place to be.

The resort offers three types of villas, each named after a constellation — from spacious villas with multiple bedrooms and private pool (perfect for large groups or special celebrations) to smaller and cozy options are available for 1–2 people, offering the perfect blend of comfort and style.

Instagram: @terrasolisdubai

Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah, Abu Dhabi

Have you ever dreamed of spending a night in a mangrove forest? And if this experience comes with the chance to see Arabian oryx and cormorants among the trees or enjoy a sunset boat ride near a lighthouse surrounded by greenery? This place offers the perfect escape, with a wide range of activities to choose from — horseback riding, jet skiing, or simply unwinding by the pool.

And, of course, it is also a chic glamping destination (otherwise, it would not be on our list), with cozy caravans nestled among the mangroves.

Instagram: @babalnojoum_almugheirah

Bear Dryllys Camp, Ras Al Khaima

This place offers a real survival course setup — a small camp in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah has everything you need to learn mountain climbing, gather firewood, start a fire, and even treat injuries.

One more good thing — you can stay for a night in cozy little cabins, which have all the essentials — a bed, a shower, and a small spot for a barbecue to fry sausages under the stars.

Instagram: @beargryllscamp

Oman

Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp

This camping site in Oman offers cozy, private chalets along with a variety of amenities for those looking to fill their getaway with every desert adventure — buggy rides across sand dunes, camel treks, or even an outdoor cinema. What is special is that it does not feel like a typical tourist destination with cliché activities — quite the opposite!

The entire desert camp is designed with a unique, traditional Arabian flair. It feels authentic, almost as if you have stepped into a charming Arabian village. And it is surprisingly green — trees line the pathways, making it feel like a true Arabian ranch.

Photo: Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp

Starry Domes

The pods are no longer surprising to most, but what if they were placed in the heart of the desert, with no access to the outside world? Each pod is placed 200–300 metres apart, ensuring complete privacy. Inside, it is incredibly cozy — woven chairs and a large bed with a soft blanket. Outside (even better) a hammock perfect for reading under the stars. Does not this sound like a dream getaway for busy bees?

Photo: @starry.domes

by Barbara Yakimchuk