A lone ghaf tree on the desert floor at sunset

Guides

Plans, routes and the rules

Itineraries that fit this season's calendar, a clear guide to the new train, the real camping rules and how to plan a private night in the dunes.

Photo: Lxs, CC BY 4.0

The Abu Dhabi skyline at sunset from the Corniche promenade

Itinerary

Three days in Abu Dhabi, 2026-27 season

Three days covers Abu Dhabi well: a heritage-and-waterfront day, a Saadiyat culture day and a day that ends in the desert or at Sheikh Zayed Festival. This plan adjusts for race week, National Day and the new Guggenheim.

6 min read

Burj Khalifa rising above the Dubai Fountain lake at dusk

Itinerary

Three days in Dubai for the cool season

Three days in Dubai in the cool season: old Dubai and the Creek on day one, Downtown and a seasonal park on day two, and a mountain or desert day on day three, with Global Village for an evening.

5 min read

A traditional mud-brick building among the date palms of Al Ain Oasis

Itinerary

Al Ain in a day: oasis, fort and mountain

Al Ain works as a day trip from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, about 90 minutes each way. Do the oasis in the morning, the fort and a museum after lunch, and be on Jebel Hafeet an hour before sunset.

4 min read

Rippled red-gold dunes in the UAE desert

Transport

Etihad Rail: travelling the UAE by train

Etihad Rail began formal passenger service on 30 September 2026. Reported journey times are about 64 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 1 hour 45 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with fares from around Dh39. Always check the operator's own site for fares and schedules.

5 min read

Planning

UAE weather by month: when to go

November to March is the UAE's season: afternoon highs of mid-20s to low 30s Celsius and cool desert nights. April and October are warm but workable. June to September is extremely hot and humid; plan indoors and evenings.

4 min read

Baobab sculptures on the main plaza at Dubai Safari Park

Families

The UAE with children: a season guide

The UAE is easy with children in the cool season: seasonal parks have reopened, beaches are comfortable and distances are short. Pick one big day out per day, schedule outdoor time before noon or after 4pm, and take shade seriously.

5 min read

Khayal Al Sahra camp at dusk with lit tents on the dunes

Couples

A romantic weekend in the UAE

A romantic UAE weekend works best when it combines two contrasting evenings: one by the water or on a mountain, and one in the desert. This guide picks the strongest options by emirate and flags what to book ahead.

4 min read

The arched entrance to a desert camp between palm trees at dusk

Rules

Camping in the UAE: rules, permits and where it is allowed

There is no federal ban on camping in the UAE, but the rules differ by emirate and by site. Weekend camping in open desert has been tolerated in Dubai; Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have warned of fines for unauthorised camping in public places. Managed camps are the simplest route.

6 min read

A wide view of Khayal Al Sahra desert camp in Al Khatim

Planning

How to plan a private desert night

A private desert night is booked by the evening, not by the seat: you hire the camp and it is yours. Plan two to six weeks ahead, decide the guest count and the occasion first, and ask about licence, transport and what is included before comparing prices.

6 min read

Make it private

Want a private version of this?

We run a private desert camp at Al Khatim, 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi city and 90 from Dubai. One booking a day, nobody else on the dunes. Tell us the occasion and the number of guests and we will send a proposal within a working day.

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