If you’re a happy camper fan then it’s likely Bab Al Nojoum on Al Hudayriyat Island has come to your attention in recent months.
Having opened in January this year, the star attraction is the quirky accommodation, which is made up of retired and converted camper vans and 4x4s, repurposed for guests to spend a night underneath stars.
Curiosity piqued?
Here are your questions answered.
What is Bab Al Nojoum?
Bab Al Nojoum is a glamping and camping site in Abu Dhabi.
Love a staycation? Check out Abu Dhabi’s staycations here.
Where is it located?
Bab Al Nojoum is on Al Hudayriyat Island in the leisure and entertainment district.
How do we get there?
Car or taxi is the only way to reach Bab Al Nojoum. There are no buses servicing Al Hudayriat Island at this point in time.
Why go there?
The Bab Al Nojoum site is perfect for those who love the idea of sleeping underneath the stars but don’t wish for a truly rustic experience. Also, being based on Al Hudayriyat Island means it doesn’t involve a long sojourn from the city centre. The camp is a 17-minute drive from the Corniche, under 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 35 minutes from Yas Island.
What can I stay in while glamping at Bab Al Nojoum?
Anything and everything. If you fancy pure luxury, there are two-storey duplex glamping tents consisting of a fully equipped mini kitchen, two queen-sized beds with linens and pillows, private bathroom, an AC unit, free WiFi and a private pool. Or, if you are going as a large group, the chalet tents sleep up to six people and enjoys a mini kitchen, one queen-size bed, two single beds and one queen-size mattress with linens and pillows, a dining table, an AC unit, WiFi and a private pool.
How much does that cost?
To stay in the two-storey duplex at Bab Al Nojoum, it will set guests back Dhs1,000 per night plus Dhs50 for VAT. But if you decide to plump for the chalet tent, expect to drop Dhs1,260, inclusive of VAT.
Love a deal? Check out Abu Dhabi’s summer offers here.
Are there any other options at Bab Al Nojoum?
Yes, and they are super cool. The Waghi 1 and Waghi 2 are converted camper vans that say goodbye to home comforts and hello to the great outdoors. With direct access to the beach and room enough for two campers, the vans include a kitchenette, AC unit, indoor seating area, a sofa bed and WiFi. A night in one of these bad boys starts from Dhs420 inclusive of tax. But if mellowing out under the night sky ain’t your thing, try out the Blazar. A vintage vehicle that would have conquered the sand dunes before taking residency up in Bab Al Nojoum, it contains all the facilities of the previously mentioned Waghis. A night in the Blazars has a starting price of Dhs420 including tax.
Are there any standard tents?
Yes. If you’re looking to camp the traditional way, Bab Al Nojoum provides four separate tents for those wishing to reconnect with the wild. The Al Najim tent is the cheapest option at the Al Hudayriyat Island base, with prices starting as low as Dh105 per night. Guests must bring their own sleeping bags and share amenities with other lodgers. If that’s too small, there are The Al Helal and Al Badr tents which fit up to four and six people respectively, and can accommodate air mattresses which can be rented on site. Once again, you must bring your own sleeping bag. Prices start from Dhs157.50 for the Al Helal Tent and Dhs210 for the Al Badr Tent.
We don’t have sleeping bags…
The Wave Queen or Wave Twin tents at Bab Al Nojoum might be more suiting to your needs if you don’t possess a sleeping bag. Offering access to the beach, campfire area and picnic tables, the tents contain a bed which means the sleeping bags can be left at home. Prices begin at Dhs262.50 and that is inclusive of VAT.
What amenities area available at Bab Al Nojoum?
Visitors can gaze at the stars beside the bonfire, enjoy a sing-song at the campfire or even slap on juicy slabs of tender meat on the barbecue should they wish. Kids can take advantage of the play area which includes slides, climbing frames and see-saws, and should you forget any items (always the toothbrush), there is a shop open daily from 8am to midnight for you to grab your necessities.
Want to do other stuff in Abu Dhabi? Check out more things to do in the capital here.
Is there anywhere to eat at Bab Al Nojoum?
It’s a cheeky staycation so you’re not going to want to be cooking. At Bab Al Nojoum, guests can choose between the 28º Restaurant which dishes out hearty and healthy meals including salmon and lobster, or the Snack Bar, which we are told makes some delicious sammies. Should you get peckish during the wee hours, the eateries provide a 24-hour room service.
Fancy eating elsewhere? Check out Abu Dhabi’s restaurants here.
Is alcohol served?
No alcohol is available at Bab Al Nojoum. However, you can select from an array of organic juices, smoothies and signature mock-tails from one of the five juice bars dotted around the camp.
Check out Abu Dhabi’s bars and nightlife here.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, visitors can bring their own alcohol to Bab Al Nojoum, however, it must be consumed in your own tent.
What activities are there to do?
When it comes to entertainment at the site, visitors will not be disappointed. The cinema rolls movies every day from 8pm where guests can lounge on bean bags watching the best in regional and international titles. But if lazing around in front of the big screen doesn’t sound too appealing, Bab Al Nojoum caters for those who have a more up-and-at-them lifestyle. Love the water? Get involved with kayaking, canoeing, sailing, paddle boarding, roundabout watercraft and fishing. If you’re looking to stay on terra firma, there are competitive games of beach volleyball, badminton and table tennis to get the juices flowing. There is also hoola hooping plus water guns to keep kids, big and small, very happy.
Are there any fitness classes at Bab Al Nojoum?
For those not wishing to disrupt their fitness schedule, Bab Al Nojoum hosts classes of yoga, beach aerobics and group salsa so you can work up a sweat (and not feel guilty for having an extra bite at dinner).
For more fitness ideas and classes in Abu Dhabi click here.
Is there any kids’ entertainment?
The tiny tots aren’t forgotten about either at Bab Al Nojoum. Kids can get involved in a range of activities including art and crafts, football, giant Jenga, Connect Four, tug of war and more. There is even a competition to determine the best sandcastle (note this is only for kids).
Does Bab al Nojoum accept cash?
The site accepts both paper and plastic. Cards accepted are American Express, Mastercard and Visa.
Can we bring our dog?
Unfortunately your beloved pets will have to stay with friends or families for the staycation as no pets are allowed at Bab Al Nojoum.
Is Bab Al Nojoum open all year round?
You can book a stay at the site until the end of July before it closes for the summer.
How do I book a stay at Bab Al Nojoum?
To spend a night at Bab Al Nojoum, visit www.babalnojoum.com and select your accommodation.
For more information and to book a stay visit www.babalnojoum.com.
