Long weekend plans in Abu Dhabi usually fall into two camps: an overbooked brunch or a sofa and leftovers. There is a third option, and it involves a lot more sand. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG sits in the Al Dhafra desert on the edge of the Empty Quarter, about two hours’ drive from the capital, and it is built for exactly the kind of reset where the WiFi gets weaker and the sunsets get stronger.
The resident offers
The resort runs UAE and GCC resident deals around long weekends. For Eid Al Fitr 2026 (stays from 19 to 22 March), the package included:
- 30% off the room rate
- A complimentary room upgrade
- AED 150 dining credit
- An Eid brunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with the dunes as the backdrop
That offer has now ended, but similar deals tend to return for public holidays. We covered the Eid Al Adha desert retreat at Aldhafra Resort too, so it is worth checking with the resort before you book at rack rate.
Desert experiences, two on the house
Stays come with two complimentary experiences per booking, picked from a menu that includes:
- Camel trekking over the dunes
- Sandboarding (falling gracefully is optional)
- Archery
- Henna art and sand bottle art
Falconry, desert excursions and stargazing are also on offer, some as paid extras, so ask at check-in what counts towards your two.
Families are covered
This is not one of those adults-only zen zones where children get side-eyed. There is a Kids’ Club to keep little ones busy while you head to the Layali lounge for something chilled, sit by the infinity pool or simply stare into the desert like you are in a film.
Dining packages
- Half board: breakfast and dinner at Al Badiya
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner, meaning zero decisions for the whole stay
Out here there is nowhere to pop out to for dinner, so one of the two board options is the sensible call.
WOW Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: Book your two free experiences for early morning or late afternoon. The dunes are cooler, the light is far better for photos and you keep the middle of the day free for the pool. In winter, time a stay with Liwa Village at Moreeb Dune for an evening at the festival.
Location and contact
Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG – desert resort, Madinat Zayed area, Al Dhafra region, about 188km (just over two hours’ drive) from Abu Dhabi Corniche. Reservations: +971 2 894 6111 or +971 2 656 2512, info@aldhafraresort.com, aldhafraresort.com
Offers and packages change by season, so confirm current rates and inclusions with the resort before booking.
More on this: Liwa Village at Moreeb Dune: Zones, Solar Power and What to Expect | Liwa Village Recap: How 100,000 People Partied in the Desert
