Exclusive Resident Offers: Reset at Aldhafra Resort in the Abu Dhabi Desert

By Rachel Miller / January 12, 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE – As the bustle of the festive season fades, the search for a meaningful start to 2026 leads many to the quiet majesty of the desert. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG, has officially unveiled its new seasonal escapes, inviting travellers to trade city lights for the starlit skies of Abu Dhabi’s legendary Empty Quarter. This sanctuary of golden dunes and contemporary Arabian design offers a restorative start to the year, focusing on slow, intentional travel and a deep connection with nature.

Explore the Liwa Oasis

While the Aldhafra Resort serves as a secluded sanctuary, the surrounding Liwa region is rich with heritage. Guests can venture out to explore the historic Liwa Oasis, home to ancient forts and lush date plantations that have sustained life in the desert for centuries. For those seeking a bit more pace, the famous Moreeb Dune, one of the highest sand hills in the world, is a must-visit for its dramatic scale and importance in local desert sports culture.

A Sanctuary for Residents
Recognising that the best way to reset is often found closer to home, the resort has introduced exclusive offers for UAE and GCC residents. These packages are designed to take the stress out of planning, pairing preferential room rates with curated dining options. Residents can enjoy 30% off their bookings and a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability). To further sweeten the stay, an AED 150 dining credit is included, perfect for exploring the traditional flavours at Al Badiya or enjoying a quiet evening at Layali Bar.

Whether you are looking for total seclusion or a base for adventure, the resort’s new board options provide a seamless experience:

Half Board Experience: Perfect for the active explorer, this includes daily breakfast and dinner at Al Badiya. It allows guests the freedom to spend their daylight hours traversing the dunes or relaxing by the infinity pool before gathering for a nourishing evening meal at sunset.

Full Board Experience: For those who wish to fully surrender to the desert’s pace, the full board journey covers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Set in a calm, garden-facing environment, it offers a complete culinary escape without ever having to leave the resort’s serene grounds.

What sets a stay at Aldhafra Resort apart is its commitment to authentic discovery. Every seasonal stay includes a complimentary programme of two desert activities per day. Guests can participate in camel treks across the sweeping landscape, witness the ancient art of falconry, or engage in creative workshops like pottery, henna art and sand-bottle crafting.

As night falls, the experience shifts upwards. Guided stargazing sessions take advantage of the Empty Quarter’s notoriously clear skies, offering a rare glimpse of the cosmos far from urban light pollution. Between these moments, the infinity pool offers a cool refuge with uninterrupted views of the dunes, ensuring every guest finds their own version of “quietly transformative” renewal.