For many UAE residents, the very thought of a camping trip is enough to induce a racing heart and beads of sweat.
Luckily, there are places where you can be at one with nature, without venturing too far into the great outdoors. We've rounded up a few options, so sit back and choose where to be pampered.
Fujairah
With their mountainous backdrop and unspoilt beauty, Fujairah's beaches are a long-standing favourite of the UAE's die-hard campers. For the less enthusiastic, there are some alternatives.
Holiday Beach Motel, Al Faqeet, Dibba, 09 244 5540
The Holiday Beach Motel at Dibba provides a range of accommodation options such as studios, one-bedrooms or two-bedroom deluxe chalets, which are situated around the swimming pool, in landscaped gardens that lead down to the shore.
With plenty of parking available, this is a very popular weekend haunt for groups of friends who want to escape the frantic pace of nearby cities. During the day, a trip to the motel's adjacent beach is a must, while at night, the gardens come alive as its guests enjoy barbecues and chill-out time.
Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort, Dibba-Khor Fakkan Road, 09 222 2985
With its close proximity to Snoopy Island, which is a haven for snorkellers and divers, > Sandy Beach is always a hive of activity. In addition to poolside fun and watersports, the resort has plenty of amusements, such as boating, fishing trips and sight-seeing tours.
There is also a dedicated PADI training facility that offers a range of diving courses from novice to instructor. For avid divers, the resort has custom-built dive boats that depart twice daily to some of the most fantastic dive sites on the East Coast, and full day trips and overnight trips can also be arranged to popular snorkelling and dive sites in northern Oman.
Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort 09 244 9994
Miramar resort is a more luxurious option than its neighbouring beach, which is thronged with campers, particularly in the cooler months. The rooms are befitting of a high-end resort and for stressed-out guests, the spa offers a host of treatments, including the iconic hammam.
Miramar Resort has a variety of fine dining options including traditional Middle Eastern and international specialities and there is also a traditional Arabic café. For sports lovers there is a games room and a tennis court.
Dubai
With malls that boast ice-rinks and ski slopes, it can sometimes be easy to forget Dubai is located in the middle of a desert. But the emirate is home to resorts where you can experience the real Dubai, without compromising on luxury.
Al Maha Desert Resort 04 832 9900
Pivotal to Dubai's heritage and conservation efforts, Al Maha is nestled in a lush oasis situated amongst some of Arabia's most impressive desert landscapes. Resembling an ancient Bedouin encampment, this secluded resort is within a private wildlife sanctuary, where Arabian Oryx and delicate desert gazelles wander freely. Activities offered by the resort include wildlife drives, nature walks and desert safari.
Jumeirah Bab Al Shams 04 809 6100
With its Arabian-inspired décor, this elegant resort evokes a magical atmosphere that is guaranteed to make visitors feel like they are part of an Arabian Nights' fairytale. The resort has 113 rooms and suites, and there are seven food and beverage outlets, including an authentic open-air Arabic restaurant that provides great entertainment for the whole family.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has become the latest addition to the UAE's outdoor scene, with a network of islands rich in wildlife.
Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island, 02 801 5400
Situated in the Arabian Gulf, this resort promises an unforgettable island break. With an unspoilt landscape, Sir Bani Yas Island is a showcase for nature-based tourism and animal welfare in the Middle East.
The wildlife reserve was established in 1971 by the father of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Following decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the Island is now home to thousands of free-roaming animals and birds, many of which are endangered, as well as several million trees and plants.
The resort offers a range of activities, such as wildlife drives, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and snorkelling.
