The hype
A stunning location with a relaxed island vibe, but service can be disorganized and maintenance is hit-or-miss.
Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat Camp
$80-450/ night
Book this if You want a Maldives-style island escape without the flight, or a budget-friendly beach camping trip where you don't have to pitch the tent yourself.
Why People Love It
- Direct beach access from every single unit
- Private plunge pools in the Duplex and Chalet tents
- Massive array of activities: Surf Abu Dhabi, cycling tracks, and Circuit X park right next door
Quick Take: It’s a tale of two resorts: a luxurious oceanfront villa experience for some, and a 'bring-your-own-sleeping-bag' glorified camping trip for others—know exactly what you're booking.
Reviewed by @Wendybenson: I stayed in one of these chic converted containers and it was the perfect desert escape. The private pool was a dream, and cycling around the dunes made me feel miles away from the city. Highly recommend for a solo reset or romantic weekend.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'glamping' tents are showing wear and tear—cracked floors, wobbling toilets, and dim lighting are common complaints.
- You're a family who wants an active beach vacation with cycling and adventure parks
- You love the idea of camping but hate setting up a tent
- You want a private pool for under $300/night (if you book the Duplex)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally responsive but can miss details. Daily cleaning is provided, but sand tracks in easily.
- Bathroom hygiene: Private bathrooms in tents can have drainage issues and 'wobbly' fixtures. Shared blocks are surprisingly well-maintained.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Reports of peeling paint, cracks in flooring, and pool heaters not working are common.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though towels can feel a bit worn in the lower-tier units.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh sea air, but occasional sewage whiffs near drainage points or mustiness in older closed-up tents.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud music from 28 Degrees restaurant late into the night
- Nearby construction projects on Hudayriyat Island
- Wind flapping the tent canvas
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is at 3:00 PM, but the line can get long on weekends.
- Parking is free but located away from the tents; you'll need to take a buggy (electric cart) to your room.
- You cannot BBQ directly outside your tent; you must use the designated BBQ stations.
What to pack
- Sleeping bag & pillow (MANDATORY if booking Al Najim/Al Helal/Al Badr tents)
- Earplugs (for the wind and neighbors)
- BBQ tools and charcoal (if you plan to cook at the stations)
- Alcohol (if you want it, you must consume it discreetly inside your room—none sold on site)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Duplex Tent: Best value 'luxury' option with a private plunge pool and AC.
- Waghi (Camper Van): Best for couples wanting a quirky, Instagrammable stay with better sound insulation than canvas.
Rooms to avoid
- Al Najim Tents: Unless you are a hardcore camper bringing full gear, these are just empty shells.
- Tents near the restaurant/reception: High foot traffic and music noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a unit on the West side of the camp, as far away from the 28 Degrees restaurant and reception as possible to minimize noise. If booking a Duplex, please ensure the pool heater is functional prior to arrival.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there alcohol served at the hotel?
No. The entire property is dry. You won't find beer or wine at the restaurant.
Do all rooms have private bathrooms?
No. Basic tents (Al Najim, Al Helal, Al Badr) use shared bathroom blocks. Wave tents, Waghi vans, and Duplex/Chalets have private bathrooms.
Is it too hot to stay in the summer?
The luxury tents and vans have AC, but cooling a canvas tent in 100°F+ heat is a struggle. The Villas are a safer bet for summer.
Can I bring my dog?
No, pets are strictly not allowed on the property.
Is there a fee for bedding?
Yes, if you book the basic camping tents. You can rent a mattress/linen kit for ~68 AED or bring your own.
How do I get around the camp?
It's a walking camp, but staff drive electric buggies to help with luggage. Wait times for buggies can be long.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'private pool' in the Duplex tent is small—more of a plunge pool—but perfect for a sunset dip if the heater works.
- ✨
Don't rely on the on-site shop for camping gear; it's overpriced. Buy charcoal and snacks at a supermarket in the city before crossing the bridge.
- ✨
Cats are everywhere. If you leave food out on your deck, you will have feline guests immediately.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'ocean view' can sometimes be blocked by a sand berm depending on your specific tent location.
💡The shared bathrooms for the basic tents are actually kept quite clean, often cleaner than the private ones in older tents.
💡You can hear the call to prayer and sometimes construction noise from the expanding island development.
💡The AC units in the tents are loud—it's a trade-off between white noise and heat.
💡There is a 'ladies only' private tennis court nearby at 321 Sports if you want privacy.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat Camp is located and what's nearby.