When we think of Dubai, imposing skyscrapers, futuristic buildings, and state-of-the-art infrastructure come to mind. It’s easy to forget that Dubai has a long history, was once a small fishing village, and is located in the middle of the desert. Anyone visiting Dubai should not only explore the spectacular sights in the city but also plan a side trip into the desert. The distances are short, and a desert adventure will become a lasting vacation memory.
How big is the desert near Dubai?
When you look at the Dubai skyline, it’s hard to imagine, but Dubai is located in the desert. It covers a vast area. The emirate itself spans 4,000 square kilometers. About 90 percent of that area is desert.
When is the best time to go on a desert safari in Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is from November through March. As the days grow shorter in Germany and the temperature drops, the peak season begins in Dubai. The desert climate brings hot and dry summers. With temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, outdoor activities in the desert metropolis are kept to a minimum, and life shifts indoors to air-conditioned spaces.
The climate in the desert is different from the weather in the city. Temperatures in the desert drop in the evenings and at night. A desert tour in Dubai is therefore possible even in the summer. To make things more comfortable for tourists, tour operators provide air-conditioned vehicles and offer ice packs at the campsites. If you want to take advantage of the lower prices and fewer tourists in the summer, keep in mind that many tour operators do not offer morning desert tours during the summer months.
Dubai & the Desert: What Should You Wear?
Anyone who wants to explore the desert in Dubai should prepare accordingly and make room in their suitcase for the necessary gear and supplies.
For a desert safari, it’s best to wear clothing made of fabrics that retain less heat and thus make us sweat less. Light-colored clothing made of cotton or linen is ideal for a trip to the desert.
Wearing long-sleeved tops and long pants will provide you with better protection from the sun. Covering your legs and arms is also advisable when riding a quad or taking a camel ride. Skirts or dresses, on the other hand, are not suitable for a desert adventure.
It can cool down quickly in the desert in the evening, so be sure to pack a light jacket. A scarf can protect you from the wind and dust kicked up by the wind and can also be used as sun protection. Sunglasses should be worn to protect your eyes. A sun hat is also a must-have in your luggage. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen with a high SPF before your desert tour. Closed-toe shoes are recommended in the desert. If you wear sandals, you’ll have the advantage of being able to easily shake the sand out.
Adventure in Dubai: Discover the Desert
Every visitor to Dubai should make exploring the desert part of their itinerary. The contrasts between the vibrant metropolis and the vastness and solitude of the Arabian Desert are simply indescribable and incredibly intense. There are various ways to explore the deserts of Dubai. You’re sure to find the perfect desert adventure to suit your needs.
The Desert Tour at Sunrise
Early risers shouldn’t miss out on this experience. For a morning desert tour, set your alarm for 4:30 a.m. The tour operators will pick up guests from their hotels. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility and pleasant temperatures of the early morning hours. The highlight of every tour is the spectacular sunrise in the desert. The desert tour can conclude with a traditional breakfast at a Bedouin camp. Participants return to their hotel in the early afternoon and have the rest of the day at their leisure.
An Evening Desert Safari
An evening desert tour offers an equally impressive and immersive way to experience the landscape. The tour usually departs in the late afternoon. The desert adventure is accompanied by a variety of activities. You can watch falconry demonstrations or be captivated by fire shows and belly dancing. You can watch the sunset at the Bedouin camp. There, you can enjoy a traditional barbecue and let yourself be swept away by the art of henna painting. You’ll see how the desert near Dubai comes to life after dark and return to the hotel with many lasting memories.
Dubai Desert Tour XXL
If you can’t decide whether you’d rather visit the desert near Dubai in the morning or in the evening, you don’t have to compromise. Both options can be combined on an overnight desert safari. On these tours, you’ll spend between 14 and 18 hours in the middle of the desert and spend the night there as well.
We set out in the late afternoon. Various activities help pass the time until evening, when a traditional meal is served in the Bedouin tent and various live shows take place. After spending the night in the tent, guests are invited to enjoy an Arabic breakfast. After returning to the hotel, the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.
Desert Tour and Action
The desert tour can be combined with exciting activities. You’re sure to get an adrenaline rush, and unforgettable experiences await you.
Sandboarding
Winter sports enthusiasts know what they’re talking about. Sandboarding is a bit like snowboarding. The board resembles a snowboard. Once it’s strapped to your feet, the sand becomes a slope. You pick up quite a bit of speed, and an extra dose of thrills is guaranteed. There are various tour operators that specialize in adventure safaris into the Dubai desert. If you can’t get enough of boarding, you can strap on a snowboard at Ski Dubai and cool off a bit in terms of temperature.
Hot-air balloon ride
You can experience the desert from above on a hot-air balloon ride. Rides take place in the morning or evening, allowing you to enjoy either the sunrise or the sunset. The desert offers great photo opportunities from a bird’s-eye view. With a little luck, you might encounter herds of gazelles or oryx antelopes, which have become rare in the Arabian Desert.
Bike Ride
If you want to go for a bike ride while enjoying a stunning view of the desert, Dubai won’t disappoint you either. The Al Qudra Cycling Track is 86 kilometers long and is used by both amateurs and professional cyclists. Here, too, early morning or evening rides are recommended.
The Desert Near Dubai in Winter
In winter, Dubai enjoys pleasant temperatures, and the emirate is very popular. As a result, more and more tourists from Europe are taking advantage of the Advent and Christmas season to take a trip to the desert. The desert comes to life in its own unique way. Cozy pop-up concerts create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. One example is The Uncommon at Al Marmoom. Visitors can expect a sunset impressively staged with mirrors and lights, as well as numerous culinary surprises.
Dubai Desert Safari – Important FAQs
Before your desert tour in Dubai, we’d like to answer a few questions you may have about the trip.
How far is the desert from Dubai City?
Most desert safaris head to the desert camps. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from the city’s hotels takes about 40 to 50 minutes.
Can children also go on a desert tour?
As a general rule, children can also participate in desert tours. For detailed information, please contact the tour operator. There are often no age restrictions, and the tour operators provide child seats. For group tours, children should be at least five years old. For some special tours, the minimum age for participating children is ten years.
Can you take desert tours in your own rental car?
You are not allowed to drive a rental car off public roads. It would also be far too dangerous to drive on your own in the desert near Dubai. Always rely on tour operators and book group tours. The appropriate vehicles will be provided.
Are there any dangerous animals waiting for me in the desert?
The likelihood of encountering spiders, scorpions, snakes, or other creepy-crawlies in the desert is very low. The Bedouin camps are inhabited, and the animals stay away from people.
Where can I use the restroom in the desert?
On the drive to the desert, you can use the restrooms at restaurants or gas stations. Let the driver know so he can make a stop. Restrooms and washing facilities are available at the desert camps.
Find a hotel in the desert near Dubai
If you’re looking to stay at a hotel in the desert near Dubai, there are several options to choose from.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
The newly renovated hotel is located about an hour from Dubai. The hotel is centrally located and serves as an ideal starting point for desert tours by jeep or ATV. Guests can enjoy views of the desert landscape from the infinity pool and relax in the spacious gardens.
- Price per double room per night: starting at 148 euros
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
This resort is nestled in the seclusion of the Liwa Desert, about a three-hour drive from Dubai. The palatial building stands out against the desert landscape. The rooms offer magnificent views of the desert. The hotel features a spacious outdoor pool and offers a wide range of recreational activities for all ages.
- Price per double room per night: starting at 182 euros
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
This luxury hotel is modeled after a traditional Bedouin camp. Guests can expect 5-star accommodations and can swim in a private pool. The resort is located just 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai. The exclusive meals are served directly to your room.
- Price per double room per night: starting at 785 euros
Photo credit: Depositphotos.com – Mr.zara (Moez Zarai)
