Things to do in Dubai Desert Safari
Soaring skyscrapers, unequaled man-made islands, and endless leisure attractions are probably the first things that come to mind when imagining a Dubai trip. But the Arabian Desert surrounding Dubai and its untouched landscape are equally fascinating. Yes, it’s a treasured gem that you can discover in detail on a Dubai desert safari. If you have an impending Dubai holiday, going on a desert safari should be at the top of your Dubai program, and this read will enlighten you on the things to do in desert safari Dubai.
WHAT IS A DESERT SAFARI IN DUBAI?
A Dubai desert safari is a dedicated trip for the region’s desert exploration at Al Awir or Al Lahbab, about 45 to 50 minutes’ drive from the city center. You can self-explore, but it’s highly recommended to sign up for an all-inclusive desert safari for a safe and hassle-free experience. Depending on your unique interests, select from a morning, evening, or overnight desert safari. Each of them is unique, as several activities and experiences encompass them. Do join the fun! 🙂
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The Best Things to do in Dubai’s Desert
- Get Set for a Heart-Racing Desert Drive
A desert drive aboard a 4×4 vehicle is an adrenaline-pumping session that most adventurists look forward to on a desert safari. It is an exhilarating experience that journeys you across the low and high sands that envelop you from all sides. With an experienced driver, you can rest assured that you will be absolutely safe during this 45-minute nerve-wracking drive. That said, avoid this activity if you are pregnant, have back pain or heart-related diseases, or were recently injured.
- Take a Camel Ride
Nothing is probably as authentic as exploring the desert on a camel ride. It allows you to navigate the dunes just like the ancient settlers did when camels were the only source of transport in the region. You can expect a thrilling, wobbly ride as you mount a friendly, gentle camel under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. Rest assured of an impressive and unobstructed display of the desert beauty and serenity.
- Watch the Magnificent Sunset, Sunrise, or Both
Subject to your chosen package, the best part of a desert safari is that it lets you witness the colorful sunrays illuminating the desert sands or gracefully retreating beyond the horizon. If you want to catch the breathtaking sightings of both sunset and sunrise, go on an overnight desert safari that lets you camp in the desert and admire these views, besides enjoying all other standard inclusions.
- Try Quad Biking
Looking for a personalized ride to discover Dubai’s desert? Hit the unparalleled golden sands on a quad biking adventure. It is an all-terrain vehicle, featuring easy-to-maneuver specifications. Yes, you don’t have to be a pro! Following a brief orientation and a few safety tips, you’ll be all ready to take control of a quad bike. All you need to make sure is that you’re over 16 years old to indulge in this activity.
- Ride a Dune Buggy
It’s another exhilarating activity that awaits you on your desert retreat in Dubai. Sign up for a 30-minute or one-hour dune buggy ride aboard a two-seater or four-seater dune buggy, guaranteeing a fast-paced, bumpy adventure with your group. Get ready to encounter massive dunes and exciting twists and turns as you zoom across the endless sands. As with a quad bike, you don’t require any prior experience to ride a dune buggy. Besides access to an experienced team, it offers all safety instructions and gear (including goggles and helmets) for the ultimate dune buggy experience in Dubai.
- Test Your Balancing Skills with Sandboarding
It’s another must-try activity on a Dubai desert safari. For those unversed, it’s similar to surfing, snowboarding, etc., with the only difference being the terrain. Before the experience, you’ll strap into a purpose-built, sturdy board. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; your service provider will provide essential guidance to get you started amid compelling desert environs.
- Connect with the Local Culture and Heritage
A desert safari is not all about marveling at the unspoiled desert and participating in various action-packed adventures. It’s also about appreciating the ancient Bedouin culture and traditions through a spectrum of activities, such as henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, and watching falconry, to name a few.
- Dine Under the Desert Sky
It’s one of the major highlights of an evening desert safari Dubai. After all the action, you will wind down in the modest desert camp to relish a BBQ dinner enriched by local and international delights. Being a multi-course dinner with live cooking stations, you can expect to satisfy your taste buds with crunchy snacks, soups, fruits, salads, rice specialties (including biryanis), vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, different types of breads, and traditional desserts (like Umm Ali).
- Watch Traditional Shows
You can watch live traditional performances, especially on an evening or overnight desert safari. They are as lively and exuberant as belly dance, Tanura performance, and fire dance. The most brilliant and talented performers come together to ensure unrivaled entertainment during your desert safari.
- Fly Over the Desert Flora and Fauna
The list of desert-exclusive activities in Dubai is not just limited to 4×4 dune bashing, a camel ride, quad biking, a dune buggy ride, etc. You can heighten your desert adventure with pulse-racing airborne activities like paramotoring and a hot air balloon ride. Paramotoring is a one-of-a-kind adventure, allowing you to feel the thrill of powered paragliding, while a hot air balloon ride lets you soak up incomparable desert allure and fascinating creatures inhabiting the region from a height of over 4,000 feet.
TOP TIPS FOR A DESERT SAFARI DUBAI
- Pick a desert package that fulfills your unique expectations. For instance, if you want to skip all the high-octane experiences on a desert safari, choose the ‘Dinner in the Desert’ package.
- Wear appropriate clothing for your desert trip (according to the season and activities you plan to engage in) and pair it with a comfortable pair of shoes.
- Keep yourself hydrated through the trip, and apply sunscreen cream or lotion to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- The best time to enjoy this activity is in winter months (November to March).
So, will you do the desert safari in Dubai?
Dubai’s desert may not appeal to you at first glance, but as you venture deeper, you’ll realize that it’s a natural splendor adorned by rugged, modest charm. But, make sure you take a fully-guided desert safari in Dubai, as it allows you to make the most of your desert exploration without worrying about losing the route or encountering unpleasant circumstances, like vehicle breakdowns, dealing with transportation hassles, activity planning, etc.