VISITING THE DUBAI DESERT: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Located between the desert and the warm sea of the Arabian Gulf, the emirate is also appreciated for its fine sandy beaches, its continuous sun and especially for its trips to the dunes! To help you on your adventures, we show you in this guide all the ways to visit the Dubai desert!
The Dubai desert in a nutshell
The desert remains an important part of the cultural and local heritage of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Modern Emiratis descend, of course, from the Bedouins, who once roamed the desert from oasis to oasis. Although they no longer live there, they are still very attached to this desert that stretches across the seven emirates. Therefore, many Emiratis own a villa or second residence near the desert. They spend their weekends there, for example, and spend a night with friends around a wood fire. In short, they continue some of the ancient traditions of the Bedouin of Arabia.
1. The 4 × 4 safari
To visit the desert of Dubai, the most chosen option is a 4 × 4 excursion. Most of the excursions start around 3 in the afternoon. The trip from your hotel to the desert takes just 45 minutes. The 4 × 4 has, of course, air conditioning, so you don’t have to worry about the sun. If you love cruising sports cars, it’s a great place to fulfill your desire, as there are a lot of luxury and supercar rentals. They offer you to rent Ferrari Dubai or any luxury car with a quite easy policy.
A desert safari usually includes the crash of the dunes, that is to say, skidding and accelerating in the dunes in a 4 × 4. You can also do sandboarding, or sand surfing in French. But above all, you can enjoy one of the highlights of the tour: a sunset over the desert dunes. An ideal time to take beautiful photos!
2. The camel ride
For a true return to the Bedouin era of the 1920s, you can also opt for a camel ride. At that time, this animal was the only means of locomotion. With this excursion, you will experience a little more of Bedouin life.
3. The quadruple session
To experience the thrills and visit the Dubai desert, you can also choose a quad bike tour. Unlike 4 × 4 excursions or camel rides, here you are in control and can cross the dunes at high speed and in complete freedom. At the beginning of the excursion, you will be given some instructions on how to use your quad correctly and safety tips. Then you are free to go to this fabulous desert!
The program of a quad session usually includes pickup from your hotel, with a round trip in 4 × 4 to the base camp where the quads and their guide are located. After some instructions and lessons, they will go out to explore the dunes as they wish. Skidding, steep descents and thrills form the basis of an unforgettable memory!
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The horse carriage ride
For a crazy off-road experience, you can also opt for a buggy tour. Like the quad, you will experience unique emotions in the middle of the dunes and a spectacular landscape. This type of buggy excursion usually lasts an hour or even two.
As with all excursions, your driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel or place of residence in Dubai. Then it will take you to visit the Dubai desert in a 4 × 4. The camp where the buggies are parked is usually only an hour’s drive from the city. At the scene, the cars are lined up and ready to greet you on an epic ride through the desert. After a short safety briefing, you will be seated in your stroller for the day.
5. Flying over the Dubai desert
To admire and visit the Dubai desert, there is nothing like flying over the dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Like all other ways to visit the Dubai desert, you will be picked up from your hotel. The excursions usually take place very early in the morning to be able to enjoy the sunrise. The lucky ones will observe the enchanting and magical desert landscape from the sky as the sun sets on the dunes. Without a doubt, this experience will leave you with great memories.
6. Mountain bike tour in the desert
Quads, buggies and 4 × 4s do not fit the philosophy of all travelers. Fat bikes are used for these outings. These bikes are specially designed for riding in sand and on shaky ground. They have oversized tires for better grip.
These excursions also include refreshments and breakfast. So halfway through, you can rest and enjoy sandwiches, fresh fruit, and other snacks. Usually your guide will use this time to teach you more about Bedouin culture, but also about the benefits and uses of the local flora.
7. The motocross ride
Do you want to visit the Dubai desert in a different way? Do you like the idea of a good dose of adrenaline on the handlebars of a motorcycle? Because yes, to discover this vast desert, you have all possible means of locomotion! Lovers of dirt bikes and thrills will be delighted, as of course there are excursions with this type of vehicle.
8. Walk
Although organized walks in the desert itself are rare, it is nevertheless possible to hike through the mountains of southern Dubai, the Hatta.
This rugged region is located on the border with Oman. For example, you can walk down from Hatta Dam to Hatta Valley and then to Hatta Wadi. As with all organized tours, you will be picked up and dropped off at your place of residence in Dubai.
9. One night in the desert of Dubai
Some 4 × 4 or camel tours offer this option. If you want to sleep in a Bedouin camp, you can book your night with your excursion.
How to get to your hotel in the desert of Dubai?
When booking a Dubai desert tour, transfers are always included. The route question is not relevant as it is done by the tour operator. If you choose to sleep a night or more in a hotel in the Dubai desert, you will have to take care of this part. Fortunately, it is quite easy to go to the Dubai desert with your own car or by taxi.
When access is difficult, private parking is available before the “difficult” part of the journey. Then you will have to leave your car and the hotel staff will transport you in a 4 × 4 to your cozy nest.
