Best Camping and Picnic Spots in Abu Dhabi
Outdoor season is just around the corner, so we’ve picked some camping and picnic spots around Abu Dhabi to add to your list. From beaches, parks, and lakes, to desert campsites, glamping, and mountain chalets, here are some spots to check out in Abu Dhabi.
Al Selmiyyah Beach
If you prefer your beach days a little quieter, head about an hour outside Abu Dhabi to Al Selmiyyah Beach. Spend the day swimming, trying your hand at fishing, or setting up a seaside BBQ as the sun goes down. There are shaded spots and washroom facilities on site, plus plenty of room to set up your picnic or pitch a tent right by the water for the night.
Location: Al Selmiyyah Beach
Al Wathba Lake
If you’re up for a picnic beside the water in the middle of the desert, Al Wathba Lake is about 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi city centre. Pack some food, grab a picnic table, and fire up the BBQ while you take in the views across the water. There are cycling lanes and a playground here, too. You can also pitch a tent and stay overnight, with public toilets and free parking on site. Dogs are allowed, so your four-legged friends can join the day out, too.
Location: Al Wathba Lake
Mirfa Beach
About an hour and a half west of Abu Dhabi, Mirfa Beach is a quiet stretch of coast in Al Dhafra, with turquoise waters and plenty of space to spread out. Bring a picnic and spend the day swimming, or pitch a tent and stay by the water overnight.
The western side of the beach has mangroves you can explore by kayak, while the nearby town is handy for picking up food and camping supplies. Entry to the beach is free.
Location: Mirfa Beach
Liwa Desert
About two hours from Abu Dhabi, Liwa Desert sits on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, with huge red dunes stretching across the landscape. It’s also home to Moreeb Dune, one of the world’s tallest dunes, rising around 300 metres above the desert.
If you’re heading deep into the dunes to camp, you’ll need a 4x4, and it’s safer to travel with another vehicle. Pack enough water, food and fuel for the trip, plus a spare tyre, recovery gear, and offline maps. Phone signals can be patchy once you’re far from the main roads.
Set up camp among the dunes, fire up the BBQ, and stay for sunset before spending the night under the stars. If you’re new to desert driving, stick closer to the main roads or join a guided off-road trip instead.
Location: Liwa Desert, Al Dhafra
Al Quaa
About 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, Al Quaa is one of the UAE’s go-to spots for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and dark skies. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars, making this a good one to add to your camping plans if you want to spend the night under the stars.
You can reach the main camping area without a 4x4, as long as you stick to the packed-sand road. If you want to drive further into the dunes, you’ll need a 4x4 and some off-road experience. There are no toilets, shops, or other facilities at the site, so bring your water, food, camping gear, and a torch, and download an offline map before you set off.
For the clearest view of the stars, check the moon phase before you go and avoid bright lights around your campsite. Set up your tent, fire up the BBQ, and spend the evening watching the sky change as the desert gets completely dark.
Location: Al Quaa Milkyway spot
Public Park Al Khaleej Al Arabi
Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon between the beach and the park at Public Park Al Khaleej Al Arabi, running from opposite Zayed Sports City, down to ADNEC. There are picnic huts and green spaces for eating, BBQ facilities if you want to grill, and a small beach where you can cool off by the water.
You can also bring a ball or racket and use the basketball, tennis, or volleyball courts. The park is open 24 hours, with toilets and parking available on site.
Location: Public Park Al Khaleej Al Arabi
Bab Al Nojoum
Skip the tent-packing at Bab Al Nojoum, a glamping collection with three very different settings around Abu Dhabi. Hudayriyat is all about the coast, with tents, beach-view chalets and over-water villas, plus watersports, beach sports, yoga, horseback riding, and a beach club.
Al Mugheirah takes you into nature, with Airstreams and cabins, mangrove explorations, nature walks, biking, horseback riding, BBQs, and campfire experiences. Then there’s Bateen Liwa, where you can stay in a private desert villa, go dune bashing or camel riding, and finish the day with a bonfire and stargazing.
Locations: Hudayriyat Island, Al Mugheirah and Bateen Liwa
More info here
Green Mubazzarah Chalets
If you prefer a chalet over a tent, head to Green Mubazzarah Chalets, around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi. Set at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, the property is surrounded by greenery, with mountain views, streams, and natural hot water springs nearby.
Spend the day exploring Green Mubazzarah Park and the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, then come back to your chalet for a night surrounded by nature. There’s a children’s play area on site, too, along with private parking.
Location: Green Mubazzarah Chalets, Al Ain
More info here
