Choosing the Right Tent for Comfort, Simplicity, and Experience

Camping in the UAE has grown rapidly in popularity over recent years, particularly during the cooler months when the desert, wadis, and mountain valleys become ideal places to spend time outdoors. As more people explore camping, one question comes up time and time again: what type of camping tent is best for the UAE?

The answer depends far less on trends or price, and far more on how you want to experience camping. The UAE’s climate, terrain, and accessibility mean there are multiple viable ways to camp comfortably, from fully equipped glamping-style tents to simple pop-up options and even sleeping inside your vehicle.

At Nomadic, we believe the tent should support the experience, not dominate it. While comfort matters, camping is also about what happens outside the tent as well as getting a good night's sleep - sitting around a fire, sharing food, watching the stars, and spending uninterrupted time with the people you’re with.

This guide breaks down the most common types of camping tents used in the UAE, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right option for your style of camping.

Why Tent Choice Matters in the UAE

Camping tents in the UAE need to handle a specific set of conditions. Even during winter, temperatures can drop quickly at night, winds can pick up unexpectedly, and terrain varies significantly between desert, wadi, and mountain environments.

A good tent setup in the UAE should prioritise: 

• Comfort during cooler desert nights
  
  

• Protection from wind and sand
  
  

• Ease of setup and pack-down
  
  

• Suitability for the terrain you’re camping on

That said, no tent alone will make or break a camping trip. The overall experience is shaped by how comfortable you feel, how relaxed the setup is, and how much time you spend actually enjoying the environment.

Glamping-Style Tents (Nomadic Camping Setups)

Glamping-style tents are at the more comfortable end of the camping spectrum, and they are what Nomadic is best known for. These tents are larger, sturdier, and designed to feel spacious and breathable, making them well suited to the UAE’s desert conditions.

Nomadic camping setups use high-quality canvas tents that allow for proper airflow while still providing insulation during cooler nights. Inside, the focus is on comfort and simplicity rather than excess.

These setups are ideal for people who:

• Want a comfortable sleeping environment
  
  

• Prefer not to deal with setup or equipment
  
  

• Value space, proper bedding, and privacy
  
  

• Want camping to feel effortless

While these tents technically fall under the category of “glamping tents,” the experience itself is still very much camping. The tent is simply a comfortable base that allows guests to focus on the moments outside, not a replacement for a hotel room. There’s no power or AC, so it’s still very much a true camping experience. 

Rooftop Tents (An Emerging Option in the UAE)

Rooftop tents have become increasingly popular in the UAE, particularly among adventure-focused campers and overland enthusiasts. These tents mount to the roof of a vehicle and fold out to create a raised sleeping platform.

At Nomadic, rooftop tents are an option we’re excited about, and they will be available for purchase through our online store launching in Q1 2026.

Rooftop tents appeal to campers who enjoy mobility and simplicity. Because they are attached to the vehicle, setup is quick, and sleeping is elevated off the ground, which can be appealing in sandy or uneven terrain. 

They work well for:

• Solo campers or couples
  
  

• Road trips and multi-location camping
  
  

• Campers who enjoy self-sufficiency
  
  

• Those who already have a suitable vehicle

However, rooftop tents do require compatible vehicles and roof racks, and they are less social in nature, as sleeping is separated from the main camp area. They’re a great option for adventure-led trips, but less ideal for group-focused experiences unless you all have a similar setup. 

Read here: How to rent a tent in Dubai

Pop-Up Tents (Simple and Accessible)

Pop-up tents remain one of the most common camping tent options in the UAE, particularly for beginners or casual campers. These tents are lightweight, affordable, and extremely easy to set up.

For people who want to try camping without committing to more expensive equipment, pop-up tents can be a practical entry point. They work best in calm weather conditions and flatter terrain, such as open desert areas.

Pop-up tents are suitable for:

• First-time campers
  
  

• Short overnight trips
  
  

• Budget-conscious camping
  
  

• Simple, no-frills experiences

The main limitation of pop-up tents is durability and insulation. They offer less protection from wind and cold, which means bedding and layering become especially important, but they’re still a great option. 

Sleeping in Your Car (The Minimalist Option)

For those looking for the simplest and most cost-effective option, sleeping in the car is another way to camp in the UAE. With the rise of inflatable mattresses designed to fit into the back of SUVs and larger vehicles, car camping has become surprisingly comfortable.

This option works best if:

• Your vehicle has sufficient space
  
  

• You’re camping for a short period
  
  

• You want minimal setup and pack-down
  
  

• You’re comfortable with a compact sleeping area

Car camping removes the need for a tent entirely, but it also limits ventilation and space. It’s a practical option for solo campers or quick trips, though it lacks the atmosphere of a traditional campsite.

Comfort Matters More Than the Tent Itself

Regardless of which tent option you choose, comfort ultimately comes down to how well you prepare for sleeping conditions. Even the best tent won’t compensate for poor bedding or lack of insulation.

Key comfort elements that make a real difference include:

• Warm, insulated bedding and clothing suitable for winter nights
  
  

• Proper pillows rather than makeshift solutions
  
  

• Ground insulation or mattresses
  
  

• Layered clothing for temperature changes

When these basics are handled properly, almost any tent option can become comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep.

Remember: Sleeping Is Only Part of the Experience

It’s easy to get caught up comparing tents, features, and gear - but the reality is that sleeping is only the final chapter of a camping trip.

What people remember most is:

• Sitting around a fire
  
  

• Sharing food cooked outdoors
  
  

• Long conversations without distractions
  
  

• Watching the stars emerge
  
  

• Waking up in silence

At Nomadic, we encourage guests not to overthink equipment. Comfort matters, but presence matters more. A great camping trip is rarely about having the “perfect” tent - it’s about how the entire experience comes together.

Read here: Dos and Don'ts of camping in the UAE

Choosing the Right Tent for Your Camping Style

When deciding which camping tent is right for you in the UAE, it helps to think less about trends and more about intention.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want ease and comfort, or mobility and adventure?
  
  

• Am I camping solo, as a couple, or in a group?
  
  

• How much setup am I willing to handle?
  
  

• Is the experience about rest, connection, or exploration?

There’s no single right answer, only the option that best supports the experience you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts: The Best Tent Is the One That Lets You Be Present

Camping tents in the UAE come in many forms, from fully equipped glamping-style setups to simple pop-up tents and minimalist car camping solutions. Each has its place, and each can support a great experience when used thoughtfully. 

What matters most isn’t the tent itself, but how comfortable and relaxed it allows you to be. When comfort is handled properly, attention shifts outward to the fire, the food, the people, and the landscape.

At Nomadic, we believe the tent should quietly do its job in the background, so the real experience can take centre stage.