How To Make The Most Out Of Your Dubai Desert Safari
According to Global Media Insight, Dubai welcomed 10.12 million international visitors from January to September in 2022. From its futuristic, towering skyscrapers and manmade islands to its ultra-luxe shopping and vibrant nightlife scene, Dubai is emblematic of the modern world's ability to grow megacities seemingly overnight. While it's hard to gauge whether Dubai's speed of growth represents a world of the (perhaps near) future or merely an unprecedented mirage in the desert, Dubai is still a uniquely fascinating place to experience.
When visiting, most tourists will climb the Burj Khalifa, which is the world's tallest building per ArchDaily, and stroll through the massive Dubai Mall — both worthwhile activities. But along with experiencing modern Dubai, you should also uncover the natural beauty, mystery, and cultural richness hidden in the surrounding desert.
A guided safari through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an ideal way to explore the scenic landscape and better understand the area's fascinating history. However, to make the most out of your Dubai desert safari, you should keep a few things in mind.
Explore the desert at your speed
If you plan on taking a desert safari, choose what you'd like to do. Many of these tours can be customized to your interests and preferences. Per Visit Dubai, desert activities can include riding a quad bike (ATV), "dune bashing" in a four-wheel SUV, and sandboarding.
But if you're not exactly an adrenaline junky, you can choose a tour that simply drives you to a traditional Bedouin village to experience the lifestyle of the nomadic Arabian people.
Here, visitors are typically invited to ride a camel, eat a traditional Arabian meal, and simply lounge on low cushions under desert tents. The visit may also include traditional entertainment, folk dances, falconry demonstrations, and more. The goal of the village experience is to introduce visitors to traditional Bedouin culture.
However, Dubai desert safaris can typically include both the adventure and cultural aspects within a single tour. Many overnight tours also feature sunset and sunrise rides, as well as stargazing experiences. When considering a Dubai desert safari, simply find a tour that you can customize to your preferences.
Always choose responsible eco-tourism
According to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve's website, the natural reserve is the United Arab Emirates' first national park and encompasses 87 square miles. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDRC) is a protected eco-system, and the organization provides its own DDRC Approved Tours. To experience the reserve responsibility, it's important to choose one of these approved tour.
According to its website, these vetted safaris must meet certain criteria to ensure sustainability, mitigate environmental impact, as well as promote natural and cultural interests. So, to be a responsible desert guest, make sure your guide is a responsible desert host.
Lastly, let's focus on one keyword of the Dubai desert safari — desert. To make the most of your safari experience, it's crucial you're well-prepared for the desert's unique ecology. You'll be dealing with sun, sand, and heat, so loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are all recommended. Unlike downtown Dubai, shopping is a bit more limited when exploring the Arabian Desert.