Dubai is a desert city, so a trip here still needs to include exploring its desert landscape.
The unparalleled sands that occupy Dubai’s desert exude indescribable beauty and serenity.
And it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see it in real life and admire it for yourself on a desert safari.
Don’t just take our words: scroll through this comprehensive guide to desert safari in Dubai to learn all about a desert expedition on your Arabian getaway.
WHAT IS A DUBAI DESERT SAFARI?
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Dubai’s isolated desert sands are a breathtaking and unspoiled natural wonder that should be visited on any Dubai vacation for its simplicity, raw allure, and diversity of indigenous flora and fauna.
A desert safari is a guided excursion that lets you appreciate the compelling desert charm in the company of an expert team.
It lets you trade all the tensions of navigating the seas of sand (on your own) for pure amusement and exhilaration.
As everything is well-curated per your preference, you don’t have to fret over vehicle choices or driving routes.
All you have to do is dive into all the actions and excitement that await you on a desert safari.
THE BEST DESERT SAFARI SPOTS IN AND AROUND DUBAI
Al Awir: It is one of the most visited spots for a desert safari in Dubai, just a 40- to 45-minute drive away. It is a haven for the most thrilling activities and cultural experiences.
Lahbab Desert: It stands out for its captivating bright orange-red sands, thus allowing for a desert safari with unmatched awe and mystery.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: It showcases an immaculately preserved desert terrain with a fascinating array of desert creatures.
It is primarily a favourite of those who want to elevate their desert adventure with a stunning hot air balloon ride.
Ras Al Khaimah: An approximately one-hour drive from Dubai will take you to the sprawling desert in the UAE’s northernmost emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, which is extraordinary in its own right.
Liwa Oasis: There is no better way to heighten your desert safari than with a Liwa Oasis safari.
Located in the world’s largest sand desert (Rub Al Khali), it offers the ultimate sanctuary to escape from all.
TOP DESERT SAFARI PICKS
Morning Desert Safari: It’s a relatively shorter-duration desert safari ideal for both early risers (eager to witness the awe-inspiring desert dawn) and those short on time.
Evening Desert Safari: This seven- to eight-hour desert safari is rife with electrifying and traditional activities, allowing visitors to experience the Arabian Desert’s grandeur and long-standing heritage in all its glory.
Overnight Desert Safari: It promises an epic desert adventure by blending all the staples of a morning and an evening desert safari.
Complementing it is a treasured overnight camping session beneath the desert sky.
DESERT SAFARI ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES
Dubai’s desert is an absolute playground for pulse-racing action and fun.
Depending on your chosen desert safari, here is a list of things you can expect to do on an Arabian desert safari.
4×4 Dune Bashing
It is the most adrenaline-fueled inclusion of a desert trip. You will speed through the undulating low and high dunes aboard a mighty Land Cruiser or Hummer.
With an expert driver at the helm, you can rest assured of a thrilling yet highly safe drive across the pristine desert.
Camel Ride
It is undoubtedly one of the most authentic desert activities transporting you to a bygone era.
Yes, feel the real essence of exploring a desert on a camel ride.
Every sway gives you a slice of how ancient settlers traversed these endless, untamed sands.
More Desert-Exclusive Activities: Dune Buggy Ride, Quad Biking, and Sandboarding
Want to jazz up your desert exploration? Sign up for a quad biking tour, which lets you ride a latest-model ATV with minimal guidance—joined by your friends or family.
You can set out on a desert adventure in a four-seater dune buggy.
A sandboarding session is perfect for anyone who wants to test their balancing mettle on the shifting sands.
Desert Sunrise and Sunset Views
One thing you can’t miss out on a desert safari is the astonishing views of the sun lighting up the desert or sinking into the horizon.
But if you are fortunate, you can treat your eyes to both of these sights on a single desert trip with an overnight desert safari.
Cultural Activities
Beyond taking part in various adventures, a desert safari is a journey through time that unveils the timeless customs, wisdom, and enduring spirit of the Bedouin people.
You can also look forward to enjoying many activities that honour the ancient Emirati traditions.
Shisha smoking, henna tattooing, falconry, and capturing souvenir pictures wearing an abaya or kandura are just a few of them.
BBQ Dining
It’s included in most evening and overnight desert safaris.
Following all high-intense actions, you will retreat to a modest, cozy desert camp for a lavish dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.
It mostly features a multi-course menu, offering soul-soothing soups, colorful salads, delightfully cut fruits, aromatic bread and specialties (like biryanis), and decadent traditional Arabic desserts.
Traditional Entertainment
A desert safari is about more than just the above activities and a delicious dinner.
It also showcases the unmatched energy and talents of some brilliant performers.
See the belly dancer’s graceful artistry, immerse yourself in the hypnotic twirl of the Tanura artist, and spectacle the intricate fire dance, among other traditional performances.
Air-Borne Adventures
While dune bashing, quad biking, camel riding, etc., add much-needed delight and thrill to your desert trip, you can take it to the next level with an aerial activity.
Feel the majesty and tranquillity of floating like a cloud with a hot air balloon ride, or treat yourself to the ultimate rush of a powered paramotoring session.
IMPORTANT THINGS AND TIPS TO CONSIDER FOR CHOOSING A DUBAI DESERT SAFARI
- The experience and knowledge of your desert safari company determine the quality of your desert trip in Dubai. So, select a provider with an established track record in the industry.
- The best time to go on a desert safari is during the winter months, from November to March.
- Wear breathable, modest clothing and shoes that accompany your desert safari’s activities.
- Slather on sunblock cream or lotion, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use shades to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. You will be exposed to direct sunlight throughout your desert trip.
- Be sure to hydrate yourself during the entire desert safari duration.
- Avoid joining activities like dune bashing if you are pregnant, have undergone any surgery in recent times, or are suffering from any heart-related ailments.
- Choose the ‘Dinner in the Desert’ package for a desert exploration without intense activities.
Conclusion
Whether planning a Dubai trip for adventure, leisure, or even a honeymoon, a desert safari can easily be fitted into any travel program.
It combines amusement, thrills, nature, and entertainment in one fantastic getaway.
What’s the best part? It’s within easy reach, adding convenience to your desert trip.
So, throw all your assumptions and worries about a desert safari to the wind with this desert safari Dubai guide and prepare for an unforgettable off-road experience on your upcoming Dubai holiday.
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