floating hotels
The World Islands
UAE
Unusual hotels in UAE: 3 stays worth the trip
3 hand-picked stays in UAE, from desert camps, safari lodges, floating hotels and beyond. Prices start around $400 a night at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Safari Resort; our highest-scored pick is Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.
Editor-ranked. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure. Prices are typical nightly ranges; check live rates.
Compare at a glance
| Stay | Where | Type | Typical price / night | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Floating Seahorse | The World Islands, Dubai | floating hotels | $2,000 - $5,000 (Ultra-luxury) | Ultra-luxury seekers, Couples | Check rates |
| Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa | Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve | desert camps | $900 - $2,500 (Ultra-luxury) | Check rates | |
| Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Safari Resort | Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi | safari lodges | $400 - $900 (Luxury) | Families, Wildlife enthusiasts | Check rates |
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desert camps
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
UAE
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, UAE
Located in Dubai's only protected nature reserve, 225 square kilometres of conserved desert
From $900 / night
Check ratessafari lodges
Sir Bani Yas Island
UAE
Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Arabian oryx — the national animal of UAE — free-roaming
From $400 / night
Check ratesWant more options around UAE?
Quick answers
What are the most unusual hotels in UAE?
Our top pick is Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. We list 3 standout stays in UAE, including desert camps, safari lodges, floating hotels.
What is the cheapest unusual hotel in UAE?
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Safari Resort (Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi) has the lowest typical rate on our list, around $400 - $900 per night. Rates vary by season, so check live prices.
When is the best time to visit UAE for these stays?
October to April for outdoor activity and comfortable temperatures; October to May