البداير is a red sand desert area in Al Madam, in the central region of Sharjah, about a 50 minute drive from Dubai on the E44 Dubai Hatta Road. It is home to Big Red, one of the best known dunes in the UAE, and to Al Badayer Retreat, a desert resort with private pool tents. Visitors come for dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, stargazing and quiet desert stays, mostly between October and April. White Sky can book your Al Badayer Retreat stay, transfers and flights, with Tabby, Tamara أو أقساط بطاقات الائتمان الإماراتية لمدة تصل إلى 12 شهرًا.
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What is Al Badayer?
Al Badayer (also written Al Bdayer) is a belt of tall orange dunes near the border of Sharjah and Dubai, close to the town of Al Madam. The area is open desert, so anyone can visit to enjoy the dunes. On weekends and public holidays it fills with 4×4 drivers, quad bikes and dune buggies, while weekdays are calmer and better for photos.
The name is also linked to Al Badayer Retreat, a desert resort built in the dunes as part of the Sharjah Collection. In July 2026, Gulf News reported that Minor Hotels, the group behind Anantara, would take over management of seven Sharjah Collection retreats, including Al Badayer. The resort now appears on the Minor Hotels website as Al Badayer Sharjah Resort.
Where is Al Badayer and how to get there
Al Badayer is in Al Madam, Sharjah, along the E44 Dubai Hatta Road, right next to Big Red. The drive takes about 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and around 40 to 45 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, depending on traffic. A regular car is fine to reach the retreat and the roadside area at Big Red, but driving on the dunes needs a 4×4 and off road experience.
There is no public transport to the area. White Sky can arrange a private transfer from Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, or a guided رحلة سفاري صحراوية خاصة if you prefer someone else to do the driving.
Things to do at Al Badayer
- التزلج على الكثبان الرملية: ride over the high red dunes in a 4×4 with an experienced driver. Big Red is one of the most popular dune bashing spots in the UAE.
- Sandboarding on Big Red: climb the dune and slide down on a board. Roadside shops near Big Red rent boards.
- Quad bikes and dune buggies: rental shops along the E44 rent quad bikes and buggies by the hour. Always wear a helmet and stay in marked areas.
- Camel rides and falcon encounters: a gentle way to enjoy the desert and Emirati heritage, offered at Al Badayer Retreat.
- الطيران الشراعي: Al Badayer Retreat lists paragliding among its activities, weather permitting.
- النجوم: far from city lights, the sky after sunset is clear and full of stars.
- Sunrise and sunset photos: the dunes glow deep orange in the first and last light of the day.
Al Badayer is a public desert area, so activity timings and prices may change. Planning a trip from abroad or another emirate? Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will book your flights, hotels and transfers.
Al Badayer Retreat: rooms, dining and facilities
Al Badayer Retreat is designed like a small Arabian village set around Al Bury Tower, with sand coloured walls and views across the dunes. It has 21 rooms and 25 tents with private pools, making it one of the most comfortable ways to stay in the Sharjah desert.
- Rooms and tents: rooms, family houses and private pool tents for couples and families.
- تناول الطعام: Al Madam Restaurant, a lounge and special dining at Al Bury Tower. Outside food and alcohol are not allowed.
- راحة: outdoor pool, indoor pool, Al Nadi gym, kids club and an amphitheatre.
- من الجيد أن نعرف: check in from 3pm and check out by 12pm, free WiFi, shaded parking, and pets welcome with prior reservation.
Rates change by season and are usually higher from November to March and on weekends. Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for current rates and availability. You can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card instalments up to 12 months. T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking.
Other hotels and resorts near Al Badayer
If Al Badayer Retreat is full, or you want to combine two desert stays, these nearby options are worth a look:
- ملاذ القمر: نُزُل بيئية على شكل قبة في صحراء مليحة بالقرب من صخرة الأحافير، مع شرفات خاصة وأحواض سباحة.
- منتجع الفاية: a small boutique stay in restored buildings at the foot of Jebel Faya.
- Mleiha camping: a simple overnight مليها للتخييم الفاخر night with dinner and stargazing, a budget friendly choice.
- Hatta stays: about 45 minutes further along the E44, فندق جي ايه حصن حتا and Hatta Resorts offer mountain views, lodges and family activities.
Want more ideas? See our guide to التخييم الفاخر في الإمارات العربية المتحدة for other desert and mountain stays across the Emirates.
Places to visit near Al Badayer
Al Badayer sits in the middle of Sharjah’s central region, so it is easy to add a few stops to your trip:
- الأحمر الكبير: the famous dune right next to Al Badayer, busy with sandboarders and 4×4 drivers on weekends.
- قرية المدام المهجورة: an abandoned village slowly being buried by sand, about 15 minutes away and popular with photographers.
- الصخور الأحفورية: a striking rock formation where marine fossils can be seen, a favourite for desert drives and sunset views.
- مليها: one of the UAE’s most important archaeological areas. Start at the مركز مليحة للآثار, then read our full مليحة الشارقة يرشد.
- جبل فايا: a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the oldest traces of early humans in Arabia. Read more about جبل فايا.
- XQuarry: an off road park with tracks and camping in the Mleiha area. See our منتزه إكس كواري للمغامرات يرشد.
- Sharjah Desert Park: a wildlife centre and natural history museum on the way back to Sharjah city. Plan your visit with our منتزه الشارقة الصحراوي يرشد.
- الذيد: an oasis town with farms, a fort and a wildlife museum. Explore الذيد الشارقة.
Tips for visiting Al Badayer
- Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, even in winter.
- Visit on a weekday if you prefer quiet dunes; weekends and holidays are much busier.
- Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket, as the desert gets cool after sunset.
- Do not drive onto the sand in a regular car. Book a desert safari or rent a 4×4 with an experienced driver.
- Take your rubbish with you and keep away from fenced or private areas.
- Mobile signal can be weak in parts of the dunes, so share your plans with someone before you head out.
مقالات ذات صلة
هل تخطط لزيارة الشارقة أكثر؟ ستساعدك هذه الأدلة:
- مليحة الشارقة: مواقع التراث العالمي لليونسكو، أنشطة، تذاكر وأماكن إقامة
- جبل فايا الشارقة: موقع تراث عالمي لليونسكو، تاريخه ودليل الزوار
- مليحة للتخييم الفاخر في الشارقة: الخيام، الموسم، الأنشطة، والنصائح
- منتزه الشارقة الصحراوي: مركز الحياة البرية، المتحف، التذاكر والمواعيد
- منتزه إكس كواري للمغامرات في الشارقة: مسارات الطرق الوعرة، والتخييم، ودليل الزوار
- التخييم الفاخر في الإمارات العربية المتحدة: ملاذات خارجية فاخرة
الأسئلة المتكررة
Where is Al Badayer in Sharjah?
Al Badayer is in Al Madam, in the central region of Sharjah, along the E44 Dubai Hatta Road right next to the Big Red dune. Al Badayer Retreat is at Al Badayer, Al Madam, Sharjah, on the same road.
How far is Al Badayer from Dubai?
Al Badayer is about a 50 minute drive from Dubai International Airport and around 40 to 45 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, depending on traffic. There is no public transport, so most visitors drive or book a private transfer.
Is Al Badayer free to visit?
Yes, the Al Badayer dunes and Big Red are open desert, so there is no entry ticket to visit the area. You only pay for what you use, such as quad bike or buggy rental, a desert safari or a stay at Al Badayer Retreat.
What can you do at Al Badayer?
Popular activities include dune bashing, sandboarding on Big Red, quad biking, dune buggy rides, camel rides, falcon encounters, stargazing and sunrise or sunset photography. Al Badayer Retreat also offers pools, a kids club and desert dining for guests.
Is Al Badayer Retreat good for families?
Yes. Al Badayer Retreat has family tents and houses, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a kids club. Pets are welcome with prior reservation, as the number per night is limited.
What is the best time to visit Al Badayer?
The best time is from October to April, when days are warm and nights are cool. Early morning and late afternoon are best for dune activities and photos. Summer days are very hot, so plan outdoor time for after sunset.
Can I book Al Badayer Retreat with installments?
نعم. White Sky Travel and Tourism can book your Al Badayer Retreat stay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card instalments up to 12 months. Message White Sky on واتساب على +971 4 220 2133 for current rates. T&C apply.
Is Big Red part of Al Badayer?
Yes. Big Red is the best known dune in the Al Badayer dune belt and gets its name from its deep orange red sand. It is a favourite spot for sandboarding, quad biking and 4×4 drivers, especially on weekends.
خاتمة
Al Badayer is one of the easiest ways to experience the real UAE desert. In under an hour from Dubai or Sharjah you can climb Big Red, try sandboarding or dune bashing, watch the sunset over the red dunes and spend the night in a private pool tent at Al Badayer Retreat. Add Mleiha, Jebel Faya or the Al Madam ghost village and you have a full desert weekend.
Ready to plan your trip? Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will book your Al Badayer Retreat stay, transfers and flights, with easy Tabby, Tamara أو أقساط بطاقات الائتمان الإماراتية لمدة تصل إلى 12 شهرًا.
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