All about Al Badayer Oasis

When it comes to tourism in the UAE, the first image that comes to the mind is of glitzy cities like Dubai. However, with the government’s initiative to capitalise on nature conservation and ecotourism projects, things are going to change. The trend is already taking over as the UAE’s spectacular landscapes and marvellous natural attractions have been luring a significant number of nature lovers and adventure seekers. Encompassing 24,000 sq. m. of land, Sharjah’s lively Al Badayer Oasis is one such eco-tourism project that is all set to be one of the best green holiday destinations in the country.

Everything you need to know about the Al Badayer Desert Camp Oasis

With starlit skies and sprawling golden sands, desert camping in the UAE has long been a favourite leisure activity of adventure-lovers. Located near the massive and most impressive burnt orange sand dunes, Al Badayer Oasis is a premium leisure destination developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). It comprises an array of amenities such as a luxury resort, hotel-camp, mosque, retail shops, activity tents and kiosks and a host of cafes and restaurants. Al Badayer Desert also includes an amphitheatre where live entertainment is staged with parking facilities for cars and buses. Designed like a true oasis, this ecotourism attraction also features river streams and ample palm trees.

Staying in Al Badayer Oasis

Among numerous other facilities, this destination also offers multiple accommodation options that include 21 suites and 10 tents. An Al Badayer Oasis lodge from Sharjah Collection by Shurooq, Shaza Hotel is a recently launched desert resort offering its guests a luxury camping experience. 

Guests have the option to stay in either the 1 or 2-bed tent that is inspired by caravanserai. There are also 11 deluxe rooms that come with a king-size bed and 10 deluxe rooms with twin beds. Each of these vacation residences is quintessentially Arabian in style, fitted with top-quality modern facilities.

Al Badayer Oasis hotel provides every guest access to a terrace and an indoor pool. Other suite facilities include storage space, room service, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Recreational facilities at Al Badayer Oasis

• Swimming pool: To experience recreation and relaxation, retreat guests can swim in the indoor pool that is on the ground level of Al Nadi Court. While it is opened from 06:00 am till 10:00 pm, special timings are allotted for ladies and mix-use. 
• Gym: Open 24 hours, the state-of-the-art gym is where retreat guests can engage in fitness activities under the expert supervision of a trainer. There are specific opening hours for ladies. 

Restaurants in Al Badayer Oasis

Offering an in-house culinary experience for both stayers and visitors, there are two speciality restaurants in Al Badayer Oasis. 

Al Madam

Combining local charm with contemporary design and a modern-day menu, this Al Badayer Oasis restaurant covers both regional and international dining fare. While they offer sumptuous options in their a la carte menu, guests are also in for a treat with their buffet service available for breakfast and often for lunch and dinner. Al Madam has a total capacity of 88 diners. Any large gathering or lunch/dinner party is hosted at their upstairs section. 

Nizwa

Taking cross-cultural influences from the ancient Silk Road’s culinary heritage, Nizwa restaurant in Al Badayer wows its guests with traditional taste and contemporary setting. With a facility to serve 54 guests at a time, the restaurant offers a la carte as well as sharing platters for lunch and dinner. For groups, Nizwa improvises two large dining rooms to be used as a single meeting room. 

Activities at Al Badayer Oasis

• While it holds transcendent serenity for the laid-back guests, Al Badayer offers adrenaline-fueled desert-based adventures. 
• Some of these activities include SUV drives, desert Motorcross, dune bashing, sandboarding, mountain biking and desert safari tours. 
• Suiting every raven’s adventure needs and expertise, there are purpose-built trails and unmarked mountain routes for both novice and trained mountain bikers to go off-roading along Sharjah’s borders. It is no wonder that the Al Badayer desert oasis is already a popular destination for petrol-heads and adrenaline junkies.
• For a more relaxing retreat, guests can experience the traditional art of Henna while lounging under the sun or capture the scenic views with a camera while strolling along the golden sand. 
• There are also falconry displays where you can pose with a majestic bird. Visitors get to explore the wilderness and observe wildlife in its raw, natural habitat. 
• After the sun sets, you can stargaze and admire the unadulterated beauty of the vast sky, unwind in the Majlis-styled lounges or engage in a happening evening that includes barbeques in the open-air courtyards. 

Al Badayer Oasis Location

This eco-retreat is located in Sharjah, close to the border with Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The best way to reach this spot is to drive, and use Google Maps to navigate to the right location. The Al Badayer desert location is on the Dubai-Hatta road, and perfect for road trips. 

Apart from local desert-campers, many international tourists are also exploring Al Badayer Oasis for the true Emirati experience. Offering a spectrum of recreations from serene activities to high-octane adventures, Al Badayer Oasis promises a unique outdoor experience away from the city’s busy life. As we wrap up this blog, we can confidently say that if you are looking for a fascinating eco-retreat in Sharjah, Al Badayer Oasis is your next stop!

Interestingly, desert camping is not just limited to Sharjah. Learn about Caravana Alzorah – a fascinating camping site in Ajman. Another excellent choice could be Al Hayer Oasis in Al Ain.

If you are looking for such natural retreats in Dubai, indulge in the fun activities at Al Qudra Lake, an eco-retreat spot in Dubai.

For those of you who enjoy the sun, sand and seas more, spend an eventful day for beachside fun at Longbeach Campground in RAK.