Dubai Desert Safari

The Arabian Desert covers most of the United Arab Emirates. Near Dubai, the dunes take a deep red colour from the iron in the sand, especially around Lahbab and the Al Marmoom area, where several safari camps are based.

For centuries the Bedouin crossed this desert with camels, moving between wells and oases. Many safari camps recreate that life with tents, carpets, Arabic coffee and dates, falconry displays and traditional dress, side by side with modern additions such as sandboarding and quad bikes.

A driver collects you from your hotel and drives out of the city, usually 45 to 60 minutes. On an evening safari, the dune bashing starts in the late afternoon, followed by a stop to watch the sunset and a drive to the camp.

At the camp you can ride a camel, try sandboarding, get a henna painting and take photos with a falcon. Dinner is usually a BBQ buffet with a vegetarian choice, followed by a fire show, a Tanoura dance and, on many nights, a belly dance. You are back at your hotel at about 21:00 to 22:00.

Dune bashing is bumpy. It is not suitable for pregnant women or for people with back, neck or heart problems, and some safaris set a minimum age. Eat lightly in the hours before.

The best season is from October to April, when the evenings in the desert are mild and the nights can be cool. Bring a light jacket in winter.

From June to September the desert is very hot. Morning and evening safaris still run, but the middle of the day is best avoided. During Ramadan, the camps do not hold belly dance shows and some services change.