A charming desert retreat just an hour from Abu Dhabi, offering a first-time desert experience that’s particularly nice with young kids. Al Wathba is like the desert for beginners and it's good add on to an Abu Dhabi beach stay.
Stay at Al Wathba
An escape from the city, where the sun sets behind small sand dunes and there’s a pervasive sense of tranquility. Al Wathba isn’t a big wilderness experience. It’s so easy to get to and you can enjoy a variety of experiences in just a two- or three-night stay. Ease and convenience make it a compelling addition to Abu Dhabi’s other stays.
Location
Al Wathba is one hour from Abu Dhabi or 45 minutes from the airport by road. It’s not deep inside the dunes, more like the edge of the desert, next to some small dunes. Some maybe underwhelmed by this location, others, especially families, will enjoy the ease of it.
Who is it for
Children will love it here, as will their parents, because you can enjoy a real desert experience without investing a lot of time or going uncomfortably far from civilisation. Couples can also find a place of peace and tranquility which makes a nice contrast from the Abu Dhabi beach resorts. We recommend two nights as a minimum but there’s not enough to entertain you beyond three nights.
Rooms
Skip the entry-level rooms. We recommend the premium accommodations here, like a one-bedroom suite with pool and desert view for couples, or a two-bedroom suite for families, which can be with or without a pool.
Facilities & activities
A sprawling swimming pool is at the heart of the property, looking towards the sunset with space for lots of guests to find some privacy. Walk out from here and you can drink tea in traditional Bedouin tents. Or take a horse, camel or dune buggy further into the desert. Don’t miss the chance to see a falconry demonstration and treat yourself to a private dinner or drink set up in the dunes.
Al Wathba Photo Gallery
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