The Arabian Desert reflects the authentic Dubai. It’s what Dubai was aeons ago before it developed into a mega-futuristic global city. Yet, a vast portion of the desert landscape remains untouched as a reminder to locals and tourists of the city’s origins. A portion of what was once simply sand dunes now dazzles and shimmers as a chic, contemporary city along the Persian Gulf. But the remaining Dubai desert doesn’t exist merely as an unused landscape. Globetrotters leave the vibrant city behind and venture into the desert to enjoy the solitude and serenity of its vast expanse. To make it exciting, the desert becomes an adventure playground hosting a myriad of adventure and cultural activities. So, to give you a comprehensive overview of what you can experience on a desert safari in Dubai, let’s count the ways the desert is going to amaze you with incredible activities and experiences.
Desert Adventures
Dune Bashing
Your ride from Dubai City to Dubai desert would be a breezy, soothing ride, but the pace changes dramatically once you reach the golden dunes. Brace yourself as the 4×4 shifts gears for a wild ride up and down the undulating dunes. This fast, jerky ride is sure to give you an adrenaline rush as the vehicle zooms, swerves and shoots up the slanting dunes. However, the ride isn’t for the faint-hearted or those with a weak stomach. If you want a rollercoaster ride in the endless desert, the dune bashing Dubai experience is the perfect desert adventure to try.
Sand Boarding
For sandboarding, you don’t need any special driving skills. You only need to trust your feet, avoid falling off the board, and roll down the sloping dunes. Sandboarding is one of the desert sports that suits all age groups. It is quite like snowboarding except you are balancing on sand dunes instead of snowy slopes. Don’t worry if you have never tried it before! Sandboarding is easy to pick up, though it might be challenging at first. Once you get the hang of it, you will want to try it again and again!
Dune Buggy Rides
Dune buggy rides offer another heart-racing experience. It is similar to a desert safari with a quad biking experience but with the added thrill of sharing the adventure with family and friends. This wild ride experience is done on a specially designed vehicle with large and wide tyres that handle tricky dune slopes. You can choose to drive alone or take a couple of people along with you on a bumpy, zigzagging speedy ride. They are powerful, fast, and built for the sand, giving you an adrenaline rush like no other. Whether you are a seasoned driver or a total newbie, dune buggy Dubai experience is designed for all skill levels.
Quad Biking
The Dubai desert in the daytime transforms into an extreme motorsport arena. If you prefer to feel the power of steering and riding sandbanks on your own, try quad biking. A quick lesson on how to handle the bike and you will be revving the engine and conquering the dunes in no time! Take charge of your 4-wheeled ATV and ride as you wish, swerving and spraying sand. Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your veins as you zoom across the dunes. The quad biking Dubai ride is thrilling with unexpected twists and turns, offering an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. Feel the rush as you manoeuvre through the vast desert landscape while maintaining balance and control.
Camel Rides
When it comes to exploring the desert, try the traditional way! Camel rides offer a natural adventure, a mode of transport used for centuries to traverse the Arabian desert. You can hop on a camel and sway your way through the desert. As you ride through the desert, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the golden sands and the endless horizon. A camel ride is soothing yet exciting and an experience for everyone.
Bedouin Cultural Experiences
BBQ Dinners
Desert safaris are more than just adrenaline-pumping activities. It is culturally enriching as well. Afternoons are all about high-speed chases and thrilling rides, but once the sun mellows and turns orange, ready to set at the horizon, it is time to unwind and enjoy the traditional folklore and a fantastic spread of lavish BBQ dinner. Famished after the adventure, you refuel with a lip-smacking array of traditional Arabian cuisine. The food is freshly prepared and served hot in a Bedouin setting.
Henna Painting
There are plenty of other cultural activities to enjoy as well. A popular activity on a Dubai desert safari is getting beautiful henna designs applied to your hands and legs. This natural dye, made from henna leaves, is applied as a thick paste in pretty patterns. Once dried, it peels and crumbles away, leaving behind dark orange stains. Completely natural and painless, it is an ideal way to create temporary tattoos to show off after your Dubai trip.
Belly Dancing, Tanoura And Fire Shows
The traditional dances of Arabian heritage are the highlight of evenings in the Dubai desert safari. The belly dancers are incredibly talented, showcasing mesmerizing movements in vibrant costumes. You will be captivated by the rhythm and grace as they sway to the music. Adding to the dazzling ambience, the tanoura performers with long, flowing colourful skirts make you gape in awe with their endless spinning and twirling hypnotic moves. Skilled fire performers will have you catching your breath as they twirl flaming staffs, creating a dazzling display of light and heat. Many desert safari venues offer dinner shows where you can indulge in tasty dishes while being entertained by captivating belly dancing, tanoura, and fire performances.
Overnight in Bedouin Style Tents
With such an exciting time in the desert, why would you want it to end? Instead, take it further with an overnight experience in traditional Arabian-style tents. The tents are cosy and equipped with all the amenities for your needs. Additionally, you can try glamping in the desert or enjoy premium desert tents as well to up your comfort quotient. This way, you can start your day in the desert with high-energy adventures. In the evening, slow down and experience Arabian hospitality, beautiful sunset views, and captivating folklore with dinner. Finally, enjoy the serenity of the desert night. It is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the silence and beauty of the desert night after a long adventurous day.
Nature Experiences
Stargazing in the Desert
For an extraordinary desert overnight experience, add stargazing to your Dubai Overnight desert safari. The Arabian deserts at night offer the ideal darkness for stars to stand out and shine brightly. On a clear night, you can even spot various constellations. Exploring the quiet of the night and viewing the sky sheathed in a blanket of stars like sequins is absolutely peaceful. But spotting shooting stars and constellations offers a different kind of thrill. For nature lovers, this Desert activity is a must-try. So, get ready to trade Dubai city lights with some starlit skies as you venture out into the Arabian desert for an evening under the stars.
Sunset Viewing
A sunset viewing activity is one of the most extraordinarily worthwhile experiences to enjoy on a Dubai desert safari. The beauty of the changing colours, as the sky tries to match the golden red dunes as the sun dips on the horizon, is marvellous to witness. The desert looks spellbinding and it is the perfect time to capture some wonderful sunset photographs. Alternatively, you can opt for Morning Desert Safari Dubai tours which provide a unique opportunity to witness the desert’s beauty at sunrise, making for an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to enjoy Dubai desert adventure activities?
Since these are outdoor activities, it is best to book them during cooler months from November to March.
2. Do BBQ dinners always have non-vegetarian cuisine?
Though mostly you will find Middle Eastern cuisine during BBQ dinners on a desert safari, it doesn’t mean there will be only non-vegetarian dishes. Some tours are flexible to incorporate meal preferences as per the guest’s choice.
3. Are there restrictions on who can enjoy dune bashing adventure?
Dune bashing is an extreme desert sport. It’s a high-speed ride with many unpredictable manoeuvres. Hence pregnant ladies, tourists with motion sickness, anyone who has undergone surgery recently, or has issues in the back and neck are not allowed on dune bashing rides.
4. What should one wear to a Dubai desert safari?
Considering that the weather would be sunny and hot, the best attire to wear for desert safari is airy, lightweight cotton or linen tops with shorts or trousers. Make sure you wear comfortable closed shoes and lather sunscreen for sun protection. Sunglasses and hats are non-negotiable items to carry.
Conclusion
There is a reason why experienced Dubai travellers say that you shouldn’t miss Dubai deserts on your visit. A desert safari is not just about adrenaline spiking adventures. It’s also a chance to experience the deep-rooted Arabian culture in an authentic setting. There are ample choices for you to enjoy your time in the Arabian desert. You can select an early morning experience or try only the adventure experiences in the afternoon. But for a complete tour take an overnight desert safari where you can enjoy the desert adventures and relax in cultural entertainment and serene natural elements of the desert. Whatever you choose, a desert safari in Dubai will be one of the experiences you will reminiscence for a long time.
