A Guide to the Emirate’s Most Scenic Camping Areas

When it comes to camping in the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers some of the most dramatic, remote, and visually striking landscapes in the country. While Dubai is often associated with accessibility and convenience, Abu Dhabi is where the desert truly opens up - wider, quieter, and far less developed.

Camping in Abu Dhabi is less about proximity and more about scale. Distances are greater, the terrain feels more untouched, and the sense of isolation is stronger. For campers looking to experience the desert at its most expansive and immersive, Abu Dhabi offers some of the best camping environments in the UAE.

Rather than relying on formal campgrounds, camping here is largely area-based. The best camping sites in Abu Dhabi are defined by landscape, atmosphere, and remoteness, not facilities or infrastructure. This guide explores the most popular camping areas in the emirate and what makes each one unique.

How Camping Works in Abu Dhabi

Camping in Abu Dhabi follows a similar philosophy to camping in Dubai, but on a much larger scale. There are very few traditional campsites. Instead, campers head into vast desert regions and set up responsibly in suitable locations.

What sets Abu Dhabi apart is the sheer size of its desert areas. Camps are often spread far apart, and once you leave main roads, the environment quickly becomes quiet and expansive. This makes site selection particularly important, as conditions and accessibility can vary significantly.

Because of the distances involved, camping in Abu Dhabi tends to feel more intentional. Trips are planned rather than spontaneous, and the reward is a deeper sense of disconnection. 

Al Qua’a Desert (Milky Way Region)

Al Qua’a is one of the most famous camping areas in Abu Dhabi - and for good reason. Known for having some of the darkest skies in the UAE, Al Qua’a is widely regarded as one of the best stargazing locations in the country.

The landscape here is vast and minimal. There are no nearby cities, no artificial light, and very little ambient noise. At night, the sky dominates the experience, often revealing the Milky Way in exceptional clarity.

Al Qua’a is especially suited to:

• Stargazing and night photography
  
  

• Quiet, low-interruption camping
  
  

• Campers seeking complete isolation
  
  

• Groups comfortable with remote environments
  
  

Because of its remoteness, preparation is essential. Supplies, fuel, and navigation should all be planned in advance. When done properly, camping in Al Qua’a is one of the most memorable desert experiences in the UAE.

Al Wathba Desert Region

Located closer to Abu Dhabi city, Al Wathba offers a more accessible desert camping option while still maintaining a sense of openness and calm.

The terrain here is flatter and more forgiving, making it suitable for a wide range of camping setups. It’s often chosen by campers who want a desert experience without committing to very long travel times.

Al Wathba works well for:

• Short overnight trips
  
  

• First-time campers in Abu Dhabi
  
  

• Groups seeking easy access
  
  

• Camps that prioritise convenience over extreme remoteness
  
  

While it doesn’t offer the dramatic isolation of deeper desert regions, it provides a balanced introduction to Abu Dhabi camping.

Liwa Oasis and the Empty Quarter Edge

Liwa Oasis sits on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world. This region represents desert camping at its most dramatic.

The dunes around Liwa are towering, sculpted, and endlessly expansive. Camping here feels cinematic and humbling, with a strong sense of scale that few other areas in the UAE can match.

Liwa is ideal for campers who:

• Want a truly iconic desert experience
  
  

• Are comfortable with long drives
  
  

• Appreciate dramatic landscapes
  
  

• Value solitude and scale
  
  

Because of its distance and terrain, Liwa camping requires careful planning and experience. When conditions are right, it delivers one of the most powerful camping experiences in the region.

Read here: dos and don'ts of camping in the UAE

Al Ain Desert and Surrounding Areas

Al Ain offers a different type of camping environment compared to the open deserts of western Abu Dhabi. Located inland near the Omani border, Al Ain combines desert landscapes with oasis-like surroundings and mountain backdrops.

Camping in the Al Ain region often feels calmer and more sheltered. The terrain is varied, and evenings can be cooler compared to open desert areas.

This region suits campers who:

• Want a quieter, less extreme environment
  
  

• Prefer shorter drives from populated areas
  
  

• Enjoy desert scenery with some natural variation
  
  

Al Ain offers a softer introduction to Abu Dhabi camping, particularly for those who value balance and comfort.

Choosing the Right Camping Area in Abu Dhabi

The best camping sites in Abu Dhabi depend largely on what you want from the experience. Some areas prioritise accessibility, others prioritise remoteness, and some offer visual drama above all else.

When choosing a camping area, it’s important to consider:

• Travel time and distance
  
  

• Terrain and vehicle access
  
  

• Weather and wind exposure
  
  

• Level of privacy desired
  
  

• Experience level of the group
  
  

Unlike smaller emirates, Abu Dhabi rewards thoughtful planning.

Nomadic’s Approach to Camping in Abu Dhabi

At Nomadic, we approach Abu Dhabi camping with intention. Because of the distances and scale involved, setups here are planned carefully and selected based on conditions, privacy, and overall experience.

Abu Dhabi is particularly well suited to:

• Stargazing-focused trips
  
  

• Multi-tent group setups
  
  

• Remote, immersive experiences
  
  

• Guests seeking true desert isolation
  
  

When done right, Abu Dhabi camping offers something that feels rare even within the UAE - space in its purest form.

Responsible Camping in Abu Dhabi

The remoteness of Abu Dhabi’s deserts makes responsible camping especially important. With fewer visitors and less infrastructure, leaving no trace is essential.

Campers should always:

• Take all waste with them
  
  

• Avoid damaging dunes or vegetatio
  
  

• Respect quiet and space
  
  

• Camp only where safe and appropriate
  
  

Protecting these environments ensures they remain accessible and pristine.

Final Thoughts: Abu Dhabi Is Desert Camping at Its Purest

The best camping sites in Abu Dhabi are not marked by signposts or facilities. They are defined by silence, scale, and the feeling of being truly removed from the modern world.

From the starlit skies of Al Qua’a to the towering dunes of Liwa and the quieter deserts around Al Ain, Abu Dhabi offers some of the most powerful camping experiences in the UAE.

For those willing to travel a little further, the reward is a deeper connection to the desert - and to the experience itself.