Lonely PlanetNov 2
Guide to Taking a Desert Safari in Dubai
Here’s how to get the most out of a desert adventure in Dubai: the best time to go, what to wear, dune bashing, Bedouin hospitality and stargazing.
desert retreat with 42 private pool villas
22 things in this story
- Al Marmoom Bedouin ExperiencePlacemorning camel caravan over dunes, Arabic coffee and dates
- Dubai Desert Conservation ReserveSightUAE’s first protected national park
- Big RedSightone of the area’s biggest dunes for dune bashing
- Arabian AdventuresPlaceoffers door-to-door pickups, cultural entertainment
- Platinum HeritagePlaceluxury tours with knowledgeable guides, night safaris
- Sand SherpaPlaceeco-conscious adventure with camping amid dunes
- Hot Air Balloon UAEPlacetakes guests 1200m above desert at sunrise
- Nomad GardenRestaurantreimagines safari dinner with design-led setting
- Sonara CampPlaceblends sustainability with theater, sunset lounge, camel rides
- OceanAir TravelsPlaceoffers Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience
- Camel FarmSight1-hour Bedouin-style camel ride
- Al Thuraya Astronomy CentreSighthosts stargazing and solar-observation sessions
- Al MahaHoteldesert retreat with 42 private pool villas
- Bab Al ShamsHotelDubai’s longest-running desert resort
- Elsewhere
- Desert Rose TourismPlaceAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirateswell regarded in Abu Dhabi
- Classic SafariPlaceUmm Al Quwain, United Arab Emiratesuses convertible "Landis" for day trips
- Ezba ExperiencesPlaceAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratessmall-group visits to family-run desert retreat
- Al Quaa Milky Way SpotSightAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesclearest Milky Way views in the Emirates
- Al Sadeem ObservatorySightAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratescombines telescope viewing with astronomy talks
- Hatta Camp SitePlaceHatta, United Arab EmiratesDIY mountain setup with marked pitches
- Pura Eco RetreatHotelAl Ain, United Arab Emiratesheritage tents and futuristic domes
- Bab Al NojoumHotelAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesready-pitched canvas tents, communal fire pits