The deserts are such an integral part of Dubai that the emirate loses a fragment of its identity if the deserts are not mentioned. A journey to the desert, therefore, is an experience you should definitely include in any Dubai trip. It is one of the simplest ways to know the city’s authentic and humble beginnings. The vast expanses of golden dunes also transform into an adventure playground for thrill-seekers to enjoy desert sports.
An evening spent in the desert will definitely be a memory, living rent-free in your mind. If you are not sure about what to do on an evening desert safari, we have got you covered. Below are some of the most exciting activities you can enjoy on an evening desert safari Dubai experience.
Dune Bashing
The highlight of any Dubai desert Safari, dune bashing is a roller coaster ride in the desert. Swerving and zooming up and down the undulating dunes offers an indescribable thrill. You have to experience it to truly understand. In a 4×4 vehicle, a skilled driver expertly meanders steep inclines, sharp drops, and sandy curves in the desert, kicking up clouds of sand. If you don’t have the stomach for it, then this isn’t your thrill. But if you love a high-speed ride, with no rules of traffic regarding skidding and speeding, by all means, you should go ahead for this high-speed adventure in the desert. Typically lasting 20-30 minutes, dune bashing is both exhilarating and scenic, showcasing the desert’s dramatic landscape, especially during late afternoons.
Sunset Views
You might have come across many sunsets in your life, but the ones you experience in the desert are something surreal. The deserts stretched endlessly before you, a sea of beige dunes that was intensely hot, now emanating a soothing coolness, the light slowly drenching them in amber hues of golden hours. The vast, surreal canvas of sky, streaked with violet and coral, captivates your attention, so unlike the neon illuminations of the city beyond the desert. The scenery is so spellbinding that you would stay without tearing your gaze away from the beauty. Nature paints the sky in a burst of crimson, indigo, and gold, then softens into a deep, velvet blue right before your eyes. The sky grows a shade darker as each moment passes, slowly turning to pitch-inky black skies. Once you witness it, no other sunset scenery feels the same anymore.
Camel Rides
Another constant you witness in Dubai is the ship of the sea – camels. These gentle animals have seen the city rise from the sand. In the desert, enjoy the vast expanses with a camel ride. It starts with a lurch forward and a jerk backwards as it stands, but then eases into a swaying gait for a tranquil journey through the dunes. Perhaps you’ve wondered how a camel ride feels in the vast, golden Arabian desert? A desert safari Dubai adventure lets you enjoy this experience that blends culture, nature and mild adventure into one. Don’t forget to take a few selfies with these cute gentle animals, especially a picture-postcard perfect shot of its hump silhouetted against the bright orange skies in the evening. Apart from the views, it’s a chance to soak in the desert’s soothing silence. It is one of the best activities in the Dubai desert that everyone on the trip can enjoy.
Belly Dancing
Once the sun dips below the horizon, the desert comes alive with traditional dances and music. A desert safari doesn’t end with desert sports. After the adventure, it is time for entertainment. Among the vast lineup of recreational experiences, the dazzling, hypnotic sway of a belly dancer steals the show. With sparkling costumes, extravagant flair, and flamboyance, the professional belly dancers cast a spell on visitors as they perform this Middle Eastern dance perfectly to the beats of drums. The synchronized body movements and the embellished attire amid the warm glow of lanterns in a silent desert have an enchanting aura. That aura lingers in your mind long after your desert adventure comes to an end.
Dabka and Drummers Show
The silence of the desert, unperturbed till now, shatters with the first beat of drummers. The Bedouin ambience comes alive with its energetic beats and the raw energy of Arabian drummers. Joining along are dabka dancers, in vibrant attires, matching the rhythm with enticing, energetic steps. The choreography of the electrifying beats of the drummers adds a vivacious element to the ambience. This ancient folklore dance features dancers linking their hands and stomping their feet in unison to the drumbeats. It’s a unique experience on the sandy desert stage, enhanced by the Bedouin accents.
Khaliji Show
One of the reasons for selecting the evening Desert Safari Dubai is the dazzling and lively performance that takes place after the sun sets. Among the many Middle Eastern folklore shows you can also enjoy Khaliji dance in a vibrant ambience. In this ethnic dance, women dressed in bright, flowing robes decorated with gold embroidery present a dynamic performance. As the music starts, a catchy fusion of Gulf instruments plays. The dancer moves in sync, their flowy fabric mimicking every sway and twirl. This offers a hypnotic allure for the watchers. It’s a kind of entertainment that sticks with you even after your journey back to the glistening city.
Sufi Music and Dance
Experience soul-stirring melodies under a starlit desert sky with Sufi music and dance at a Dubai desert safari trip. Feel lighter as the Sufi music helps you connect with the divine through sound and rhythm. A group of singers churn out rhythmic vocals with poetic lyrics, often in Urdu or Persian. Accompanied by beats and claps, the music amid the serene ambience of the Arabian desert feels otherworldly. By the time the final notes fade into the desert’s hush, a profound sense of peace settles within you, leaving your heart full and your soul deeply moved.
Fire Shows
Most desert safaris also have fire shows as part of their entertainment. It’s one part of the night that completely shifts the whole ambience. The performers are skilled pyro artists who wield fire in various formations such as juggling torches or spewing fire from their mouth, drawing gasps and awes from the crowd. What makes these shows stand out in a desert safari is the setting. The dark, open desert amplifies every flicker and crackle. The final burst of flames often lights up the camp, filling the air with cheers and applause from guests who secretly wish the show would go on till dawn.
Shisha Sessions
As the sun dips on the horizon and you get cosy and comfortable at the Bedouin camp, you can destress and relax further with a shisha session. If you have a liking to the sweet aroma of shisha swirling around you, by all means, go ahead and take a long puff. Enjoy a laid-back experience with your friends passing ornate hookahs gleaming in the firelight, their glass bases filled with water that bubbles as you draw exotic flavours, mild yet rich. Along with Arabian music and cultural melodies, you feel as if you have been transported to an Arabian tale you heard when you were young. The sweet shisha scent, the soft glow of lanterns, the vast silence of the dunes – it all weaves together into a moment of pure relaxation.
Traditional Dinner
Wind up your time in the desert with a scrumptious BBQ Arabian dinner. It feels wholesomely traditional as you take your seat in a large tented camp with fellow guests. Get a gist of traditional Arabian hospitality as they welcome you with Arabian coffee/tea and dates. Settle down on cosy, cushioned majlis-style seating of low tables set across patterned rugs. Take in the comfy ambience and relax before you begin your culinary experience under the brightly illuminated tents. Desert moonlight and stars accentuate the ambience. The glow of lanterns, the bonfire in the centre, and the scent of smoky grilled meat and spices all enhance this charming ambience. Once the dinner starts, tuck into a spread of Middle Eastern cuisine. It consists of kebabs, shawarma, side dishes of salads, and a main course made of fragrant rice infused with aromatic spices. All the dishes are traditionally barbecued to perfection. The highlight of the menu is often whole roasted lamb cooked in a sand oven – a time-honoured recipe passed through generations, originally created by Bedouin natives. At a desert safari dinner, you are not just having a meal; you are sharing a tradition that’s been around for centuries.
Henna Painting
Add a bit of Middle Eastern glamour to your hands and feet with a henna painting experience. Henna art, native and quite extensively used in the Middle East, offers a cultural touch through intricate designs that a professional artist skillfully applies. From swirling designs, delicate florals, or bold geometric patterns, pick your choice of design and the artist, often a local Arabic woman, would delightfully paint it on your palm with a henna cone that glides smoothly but with precision. The henna stains and lingers for weeks, giving you a mild nudge of your fantastic time spent in the desert long after you have returned back to your daily life. It stays on you as a reminder of a night where culture, art, and adventure intertwine under the Arabian starry sky.
Conclusion
The Arabian desert’s beauty is a prominent reason to visit, as it leaves a lasting impression on a visitor’s mind. Its mesmerizing beauty comes alive imminently in the evening during the sun’s westward journey to sink below the horizon. The desert hums the sounds of silence in the evening, a silence that you would never expect in the bustling city. Only the rhythmic beats and sounds of Arabian folklore break this silence. The evenings are the best time for Dubai desert safari because the desert offers memorable moments of tranquillity and vivacity in a perfect dose that the bustling Dubai city can never manage to offer.
FAQs
1. What other activities can one partake in during the evening Dubai desert safari trip?
Guests can enjoy more adventures such as sandboarding, quad biking, or trying out traditional Arabic costumes for photo opportunities. Some evening desert safaris also organize stargazing experiences during clear nights.
2. Is there a dress code?
No, there is no dress code for desert safaris. However, we recommend sticking to cotton and linen attires, preferably long-sleeved and long pants to avoid the sun. Deserts tend to have a cooler temperature at night, so carry a shawl or light jacket.
3. Are there private or exclusive activities for a more intimate safari experience?
For a more intimate experience, many tour operators offer private safaris or premium upgrades. You can book a private 4×4 for dune bashing. You can also reserve a secluded dining area with personalized BBQ service, or arrange exclusive activities like a private falconry session or a guided stargazing tour with an astronomer.
4. Can I extend my time at the camp for a later return to Dubai City?
Standard evening safaris wrap up by 9 to 10 PM. However, if you want to spend more time in the desert, an overnight desert safari tour would be a better option to consider.
