I Spent a Night Sleeping with Dinosaurs at Dubai's T-Rex Glamping – Here's What Happened

When I first heard that dinosaurs had taken over Dubai Parks and Resorts, I thought it was just clever marketing. But after spending a night at the newly opened T-Rex Glamping – the world's first dinosaur-themed glamping retreat – I can confirm: this is unlike anything I've experienced in the UAE.​

Arrival: Stepping Into the Prehistoric Era

Pulling up to Dubai Parks and Resorts on a Friday evening, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Check-in starts at 3 PM, and the moment I arrived at the T-Rex Glamping reception, I was greeted by life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that genuinely startled me with their realistic roars. The staff were incredibly welcoming, especially with families – I watched them engage with children in a way that immediately set the tone for what would be a magical experience.​

The property features 57 tents spread across the grounds, each inspired by different prehistoric eras. I was shown to my Jurassic Signature Tent, which came with garden views and a dedicated BBQ area. At AED 959 per night (starting price), this felt like solid value considering what was included – and I hadn't even scratched the surface yet.​

The Tent: Luxury Meets Jurassic Period

My tent was spacious at over 60 square meters, fitted with two double beds that were surprisingly comfortable. Air conditioning kept the interior cool despite the November heat, and the private bathroom had all the essentials you'd expect from a boutique stay. What struck me most was how they'd managed to blend the outdoor glamping aesthetic with genuine comfort – this wasn't roughing it by any stretch.​

The patio area outside my tent featured outdoor furniture and a private BBQ setup, perfect for the evening I had planned. Vines and prehistoric-themed decor created an immersive atmosphere without feeling gimmicky. I could hear the distant mechanical roars of dinosaurs echoing through the area, which added to the ambiance in a surprisingly non-intrusive way.​

Activities: More Than Just a Place to Sleep

What separates T-Rex Glamping from a standard hotel stay is the sheer volume of activities packed into the experience. After settling in, I headed to the Excavation Site where kids (and adults, let's be honest) can dig for fossils. Watching families uncover "prehistoric artifacts" together was genuinely heartwarming.​

The highlight of the afternoon was the Dinosaur Footprint Pool. Shaped like actual dinosaur prints, this wasn't your typical resort pool. The water was refreshing, and the theming extended right down to the pool deck, which featured lava rock designs and prehistoric plant life.​

As evening approached, I fired up my dedicated BBQ grill. The resort provides everything you need for a proper cookout, and there's something special about grilling under the stars with dinosaur silhouettes in the background. For those who don't want to cook, the Roaring Dinosaur Café offers prehistoric-inspired meals, though I saved that for breakfast.​

Evening Entertainment: Campfires and Movies Under the Stars

Once the sun set, the real magic began. The property hosts campfire gatherings where families swap stories and roast marshmallows. I joined one near the main recreation area and found myself chatting with visitors from across the Emirates and beyond – everyone buzzing about the uniqueness of the experience.​

The outdoor movie screening under the stars was the perfect wind-down. Stretched out on comfortable loungers with a blanket, watching a family-friendly film with the night sky above – this is what glamping should be. The Kids' Academy kept younger guests entertained with supervised activities, giving parents a chance to actually relax.​

Breakfast and Theme Park Access

The complimentary buffet breakfast from 6 AM to 10 AM at the Roaring Dinosaur Café was far better than I anticipated. Think continental spreads with Middle Eastern touches, fresh pastries, and even dinosaur-shaped pancakes for the kids. The café itself feels like stepping onto a Jurassic World film set, complete with friendly staff dressed in expedition gear.​

What truly elevates the T-Rex Glamping value proposition is the included access to all four theme parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts: MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai, LEGOLAND® Water Park, and Real Madrid World, plus entry to RIVERLAND™ Dubai. I spent my morning at LEGOLAND before checking out at noon, making this a genuine two-day adventure rather than just an overnight stay.​

The Verdict: Who Should Book This?

T-Rex Glamping isn't just accommodation – it's a full experience. Families with young children will find the most value here. The dinosaur theming, interactive activities, and included theme park access create an all-in-one package that justifies the price point.​

That said, I saw couples and groups of friends equally engaged with the experience. There's something universally appealing about sleeping under the stars in a prehistoric-themed oasis, especially when it's delivered with this level of polish and comfort.​

If you're looking for a quiet, zen retreat, this probably isn't it. The property buzzes with energy, especially during peak hours. But if you want a memorable UAE experience that combines nature, entertainment, and genuine novelty, T-Rex Glamping delivers on all fronts.

Practical Information

Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali​

Pricing: Starting from AED 959 per room per night​

Check-in: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM​

Check-out: 12:00 PM​

Booking: Visit dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/t-rex_glamping or call (800) 2629464​

Final Thoughts

As I packed up and headed back to Dubai, I couldn't help but feel like I'd discovered something genuinely unique in a city that's constantly trying to one-up itself. T-Rex Glamping isn't perfect – it's still finding its rhythm as a new property that opened in late October 2025. But the bones (pun intended) of something special are definitely there.​

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Whether you're a UAE resident looking for a weekend staycation or a tourist wanting something beyond the typical Dubai experience, spending a night with dinosaurs is worth every dirham. Just don't forget to pack sunscreen – and maybe a sense of adventure.