A Few Quick Facts about the Arabian Desert
- The desert is a national treasure that significantly affects the Dubai’s culture, history, and economy. The vast majority of UAE landmass sits below sea level which makes up for over 80%.
- Dunes are just one of many types of landforms you’ll find when exploring the deserts of the United States’ Arabian Peninsula, such as jebels, mesas, plains and mountains.
- It may seem dry, desolate, and dead-looking – but the Arabian dunes house one of the richest ecosystems found anywhere. With so many different kinds of animals, plants, birds, and bugs – it could only be discovered in this desert landscape.
- Some of the animals, birds and reptiles that live in this region’s desert include the Arabian Oryx, Falcon, Spiny-Tailed Lizard, Sand Gazelle, and Houbara.
- The Arabian gum tree is a type of tree that grows in the Arabian Desert.
Best Places in and around Dubai for a Desert Safari
Al Aweer: This is one of Dubai’s best and most popular desert safari spots. It is about 40 kilometers from the city center and shares a border with Ras Al Khor. Nearby are Emirates Road (E611) and E612.
Al Lahbab: This little known secret of Dubai is just a short 50 kilometer trip outside the city center. And while it’s on the other side of the Al Lahbab Desert, it never ceases to fascinate with its rich red sand dunes.
In the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you can take a hot air balloon ride and experience one of the regions many plant species and animals who are dying out. Located about 60 kilometers from Dubai and almost 225 kilometers long; this reserve allows for great wildlife viewing within its borders.
Al Khatim: The stunning sand dunes at Al Khatim are just a few kilometers away from the E22 highway, connecting Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. A perfect spot for an awe-inspiring off road journey, these dunes offer one of the most exciting things to do while traveling in this region.
Empty Quarter: Take a Liwa Safari, which has given me the opportunity to explore one of the world’s biggest deserts – empty quarter, also known as Rub Al Khali. It stands about 330 km away from Dubai.
Self-Packaged or Guided Desert Safari in Dubai?
Like self-packaged desert safaris and guided ones, both have advantages and disadvantages. Self-driven is best for those familiar with the Arabian Desert and know where to stop, camp, and what to see there. On the other hand, you need a reliable yet powerful four wheel vehicle that can handle traversing over sand without pause – which many people find hard to come by.
So if you decide on driving yourself around in a desert safari Dubai, make sure you bring your international driver’s license! And when it comes to a guided tour through the desert – this is perfect for first time visitors who would rather let someone else take care of everything while they relax and enjoy every twisty turn they go down. For instance a shared tour or even one made just for your party only; but whichever way you choose please make sure to contact Rayna Tours & Travels because they are experts at handling such matters.
Top Dubai Desert Safari Categories
You can choose from the following desert safari types based on your tastes.
Morning Desert Safari
This two hour tour of the desert is perfect for those who are short on time. Sunrise tours of the desert will allow you to experience what it would feel like if you were there at first light – which is an essential part of experiencing this region’s charm.
Evening Desert Safari
An evening desert safari is one of the best ways to see what this vast, peaceful and beautiful place has to offer. Unlike morning trips which last only three hours at most, we spend much more time here in order to make every moment count. With so many exciting activities – from traditional bedouin fare to dune bashing – we’ll experience it all!
Overnight Desert Safari
This is precisely what both morning and evening desert safaris are all about. Yes, it gives you a rare chance to see a sunset and sunrise, even though many people don’t do this because they’re too scared of sleeping in the dark or being alone out there. But those who do see its beauty–they’ll never forget such an experience.
Things to do on a Dubai Desert Safari that you Shouldn’t Miss
No matter what kind of desert safari you choose, make sure it has the following:
Dune Bashing
This driving experience is invigorating for those looking for a thrill. You’ll cross over a sea of sun-baked sand in either a Hummer or Land Cruiser as you’re lead through unpredictable terrain, at times feeling completely out of control but still safe thanks to an expert driver behind the wheel.
Camel Ride
This activity will provide you a new perspective of Dubai’s desert, while giving insight into what life was like for the Bedouins living in this region long before oil was found here.
Getting on a sandboard
Do you want to see if you’re skillful enough at balancing the dunes of the desert? This enjoyable activity in the desert is one not to miss.
Quad Biking
Want to experience something different during this vacation to the desert? Go on an adventure and go across the vast land of sand at top speeds. What’s even better is that you don’t need any prior experience when riding a motorcycle. This activity would be perfect for teenagers who are over the age of 16 years old.
Traditional Entertainment and Cultural Activities are also Available.
These adventures only take place during the evening and overnight hours. If you book a Luxury Desert Safari Dubai, for example, there are many different cultural experiences including getting an Arabic tattoo (henna), smoking shisha, or training falconry. Your photo album is sure to be full with pictures of yourself wearing traditional Emirati clothing in front of an authentic backdrop. A typical meal while on this type of safari includes a buffet-style BBQ where everyone can indulge their appetite without being restricted by dietary restrictions! Traditional entertainment includes stunning performances by belly dancers, Tannouras performers, and pyrotechnics experts.
Best Dubai Desert Safari Tips
- Desert safari tours are available anytime, but the best time to go on one in Dubai is during the winter months.
- Don’t drive yourself if you don’t know what you are doing or where to go in Dubai’s vast desert.
- Don’t choose a desert safari company based on cost alone. Instead, search online for reviews from unbiased sources such as TripAdvisor to determine whether or not the package you’re looking at includes what you want.
- Make sure you choose a desert safari that includes transfers from and back to your hotel. This makes for a stress-free trip through the desert.
- For your desert safari, wear a comfortable, modest dress. Pair it with a comfortable pair of shoes and bring things like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen lotion.
