Quick answer: Al Wathba Desert Resort is a five star Luxury Collection resort in the dunes, about 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s airport. It offers horse riding, archery and cycling, and guests rate it 9.3 out of 10. Book it through White Sky Travel and pay in instalments with Tabby, Tamara or your UAE bank card.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa sits in the dunes south east of Abu Dhabi city, about 45 minutes from Zayed International Airport. It is a desert escape that you can reach by car after work, with horse riding, archery, cycling and a big pool, and guests rate it 9.3 out of 10 on Booking.com from about 560 reviews. Ask us about dates.
Table of Contents
Things to do at the resort
| Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Horse riding | Arranged at the resort |
| Archery | On site |
| Cycling | Bikes available, plus hiking and walking tours |
| Yoga and fitness classes | With personal trainers available |
| Kids’ club and playground | Indoor play area, kids’ pool and a waterslide |
| Spa | Hammam, body treatments, facials and couples’ massages |
When to go
November to March is the best time, when evenings in the desert are cool enough to sit outside. In summer the resort still works for a pool and spa break, but outdoor activities move to the early morning.
Rooms
Rooms have balconies or terraces, many facing the pool or the desert, with a coffee machine and a desk. Family rooms, cribs and extra beds are available. Check in is from 3 PM and check out by 12 PM; pets are not allowed.
Getting there
Most guests drive. Allow about 45 minutes from the airport and a little longer from central Abu Dhabi, and roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from Dubai Marina. Parking is free. Nearby, the Al Wathba area is known for its wetland reserve and desert scenery.
Paying for a desert weekend
As a five star resort, Al Wathba is a treat, so many customers spread it out. A two night stay at AED 2,700 in total, including Abu Dhabi fees, is about AED 450 a month over 6 months on Tabby. Tamara and bank card plans also work. More options in our Abu Dhabi hotels guide; plan rules in our hotel instalments guide.
Al Wathba Desert Resort FAQs
How far is Al Wathba Desert Resort from Abu Dhabi?
About 45 minutes from Zayed International Airport by car, slightly longer from the city centre.
What can you do at Al Wathba Desert Resort?
Horse riding, archery, cycling, yoga, the pool and spa, and a kids’ club with a waterslide.
Is Al Wathba Desert Resort good for children?
Yes. There is a kids’ club, indoor play area, playground, kids’ pool and a waterslide.
When is the best time to visit Al Wathba?
November to March, when desert evenings are cool.
Are pets allowed at Al Wathba Desert Resort?
No, pets are not allowed.
Can I pay for Al Wathba monthly?
Yes, UAE residents can split the stay with Tabby, Tamara or a bank card plan through us.
Resort details from Booking.com, checked November 2026. White Sky Travel is not affiliated with Marriott or The Luxury Collection.
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