11 dog-friendly places to stay in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta and Abu Dhabi

Dog-owners know all too well the guilt involved with checking your fur baby into a kennel to head off on a staycation.

Thankfully, several hotels across the UAE understand just how difficult it can be to say goodbye to your pup and are doing something about it.

From an upscale, five-star stay on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah to Bedouin-style glamping in Ras Al Khaimah, each of these properties allows guests to bring their dogs along for a pet-friendly staycation.

A paw-some city stay at ME Dubai
In-the-know pet owners can book a dog-friendly stay at ME Dubai, the only hotel designed both inside and out by the late starchitect Dame Zaha Hadid. Located in Dubai's Burj Khalifa district, the hotel's new dog-friendly packages include everything your furry friend needs for a comfortable stay.

Dogs get their own bed, blankets and doggy bowl, while owners will get a stash of bags for cleaning up any mess. The Pooch by ME package also has an optional dog-friendly menu, designed by ME Dubai’s executive chef James Knight-Pacheco. Expect canine-themed dishes such as pup-arrazzi poached chicken and the notorious DOG.

All of the hotel's suites and rooms are open for doggy stays, with prices for bringing along your pooch set at an additional Dh200 per dog, per night.

Access all areas at Radisson RED Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dogs are entirely welcome at the Radisson RED Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis, so much so that the reception staff are likely to greet your pup before you.

Check-in involves filling in an extra form ensuring that you'll clean up after your dog and keep them on a lead when required. Rooms come with dog beds, food bowls and a water dish, plus a welcome Petsecco beverage for your pooch. The lobby and corridors are dog-friendly as is the hotel's main restaurant OUIBar + Terrace, where four-legged guests get their own water bowls and can order ice cream and other snacks from the doggy menu.

Staff are all very enthusiastic about dogs and you can let them roam around the terrace freely as it's properly enclosed. There are plenty of walking spots around the hotel and handy dog drinking points and clean-up stations in the immediate vicinity. The only place dogs are not allowed to go is the rooftop pool area.

If you fancy something a little bit different, head out to Rahal Ranch in Al Wathba desert. Chalets are available for overnight stays and the entire place is dog-friendly – you'll even meet some of the dogs that stay on the ranch full-time.

While accommodation is basic, it's entirely fit for purpose and even the small chalets have a double bed, large kitchenette and a dining area. There are power showers in the bathroom and plastic seats outside each chalet, ideal for evening barbecues. You can also head up to the viewing platform to get some amazing desert views or take a walk across to the working ranch where horses, goats and sheep can be found. Don't forget to visit Harry, the live-in camel.