Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah: inside Abu Dhabi's newest eco-tourism destination


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Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah Resort is set within 45 hectares of beautifully managed park and reserve in the breezy coastal town of Mirfa. It’s located 160 kilometres west of Abu Dhabi city, so is a 90-minute car ride away for holidaymakers seeking a unique experience.

“It’s an environmentally friendly tourist destination where people can enjoy their stay and at the same time experience activities that enrich their knowledge,” says Ahmed Al Shaikh Al Zaabi, director of delivery at Modon Properties, which developed the resort.

The nature reserve has 20 gleaming Airstream trailers and 20 converted cargo containers that are being used as cabins. The Airstreams feature a king bed with an option for a pull-out sofa, while campers can also choose between a one-bedroom cabin, which fits up to three adults, and a two-bedroom cabin for up to five adults. All cabins have their own sun deck and plunge pool, while both accommodation types feature a fully stocked kitchenette, bathroom, outdoor seating area, fire pit and grill. While all dwellings are equipped with air conditioning, campers are encouraged to use it minimally.

A two-bedroom cabin at Al Mugheirah Resort. Photo: Tamara Clarke
A two-bedroom cabin at Al Mugheirah Resort. Photo: Tamara Clarke

“We want to provide the most authentic outdoor adventure experience and reconnect our guests with nature,” says Siddharth Mehra, Al Mugheirah Resort's camp manager.

On the property, camp hosts are referred to as “dream makers”, as they pride themselves on tailoring an individualised experience for each camper. Upon arrival, guests receive a personalised guide compiled around booking information and special interests. The resort offers a host of activities and excursions, including biking, farming, falconry, watersports, horse riding and cooking classes. Children are incentivised to get involved, too, with a passport booklet of their own for which they can collect stamps for each activity completed and redeem them for treats.

Location-based experiences are also on offer. Abu Dhabi has an estimated 3,000 dugongs, the second highest population in the world after Australia, and most are found in the waters just off the coast of the western region. “Dugongs are protected animals and they are actually seen in the waters not too far from here. As part of our efforts to create one-of-a-kind experiences, we have our own boats that will take guests into the water to spot these majestic animals,” says Mehra.

Simply being on the property is a treat for nature watchers as the reserve is brimming with wildlife such as urial sheep, sand and mountain gazelles, foxes and several types of birds.

A lap pool overlooks the ocean
A lap pool overlooks the ocean

Sustainability is at the heart of Al Mugheirah Resort, informing everything from the way food is sourced to how people move around the expansive property. Procurement trips to the local fish market provide fresh menu items and serve well as excursions for culinary enthusiasts. Campers can choose to have the catch of the day prepared for them by a chef at their private BBQ pit or do it themselves.

Other facilities include battery-operated club cars, an education centre where movies and documentaries are screened, a cafe serving drinks and desserts, as well as a full-service restaurant. The Oasis is an outdoor pool deck complete with a lap pool situated on a ridge overlooking the ocean. Guests can settle in poolside with refreshing cocktails and light Mediterranean bites.

With all-inclusive packages, modern amenities and natural treasures, Al Mugheirah Resort is a premium environmental getaway. “The most important message I want to convey is that this is an eco-friendly destination showcasing the environment of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and we want to sustain it while enjoying it at the same time,” says Al Zaabi.

Al Mugheirah Resort is offering promotional rates for its standard and full-board stays until December 28; an overnight stay in an Airstream is between Dh600 and Dh730; a one-bedroom cabin costs Dh900 to Dh990 per night; and a two-bedroom cabin is priced between Dh1,200 and Dh1,320. Full board includes breakfast, a community dinner and guest activities.

- This story was first published in December 2021

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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

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  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

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China

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UAE

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Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Company Profile 

Founder: Omar Onsi

Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

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The specs
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Price: From Dh590,000

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
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While you're here
If you go...

Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).

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Updated: January 17, 2022, 4:06 PM`