Visit Dubai Desert: the best activities & excursions

Travel to the UAE? In 4×4 or buggy, Wanderlix takes you to visit the Dubai Desert, precious local heritage!

At the crossroads between the East and the West, Dubai unmistakably evokes luxury and demeasure with its futuristic buildings emerging from the desert, its artificial islands, its luxurious hotels and its projects more crazy than others. Once a barren desert populated by Bedouins and a small fishing port renowned for its beads, the emirate of Dubai has imposed itself as an exceptional tourist destination, a Hong Kong with a breeze of Vegas!

Located between the desert and the hot sea of the Gulf of Arabia, the emirate is also appreciated for its fine sandy beaches, its continuous sunshine and especially for its transfer to the dunes! The Dubai desert is often one of the most important things to do in Dubai. To help you with your adventures, we will inform you in this guide all the ways to visit the Dubai desert!

1. The safari in 4×4

To visit the Dubai Desert, the most popular option is a 4×4 excursion. Many formulas exist for these experiences: 4 hours in the desert, one afternoon and one evening, with or without barbecue dinner, or even one night in the desert. Most excursions start around 15 hours. The journey from your hotel to the desert lasts only 45 minutes. The 4×4 is obviously air-conditioned, which avoids the sunlight!

In the programme of a safari in the desert, there is usually a dune bashing, i.e. stripping and acceleration in the dunes in 4×4. You can also make sandboarding, or surfing on sand in French. But above all, you can then enjoy one of the highlights of the visit: a sunset above the dunes of the desert. An ideal moment to make beautiful photographs!

If you have chosen this option, you will reach a Bedouin camp at night. Coffee, treats, fruits and other refreshments are generally used. This entry will be followed by a delicious barbecue. You can also attend a belly dance show or other animations. If you have chosen this option, it is also possible to stay in the camp. Otherwise, you will be brought back in 4×4 to your hotel!

At what price?

For a 4×4 excursion in the Dubai desert, count on 30 to 100€ based on program and activity options.

2. The camel ride

To make a real return to the past in the Bedouin period of the 20s, you can also opt for a camel ride! At that time, this animal was indeed the only means of locomotion. With this excursion, you will experience a little more the life of the Bedouins.

Such a tour usually follows the following program. The activity starts with a short 4×4 ride from your hotel to the starting point of the walk, located in the desert. You will then enjoy a first walk, followed by a break during which several activities are offered. Depending on the chosen excursion, you will observe a hunting falcon. The Bedouins can also present to you their faithful hunting companion: the sloughi dog! Some finally offer surf on sand, some slips in the dunes in 4×4, etc.

The ballad then continues to a typical camp. Here you will enjoy a typical meal as well as shows and demonstrations related to the emirate traditions. The camel ball usually lasts one hour. On this occasion you can admire the dry landscapes of Dubai, away from the hustle around skyscrapers.

Modalities

This camel walk can take place in the morning, to enjoy sunrise, or in the afternoon to experience a similar experience on the 4×4 excursion! Rest assured, if you prefer to rise at sunset, you will still have the possibility of breakfast in a Bedouin camp.

Note that this activity is for everyone and can last from 4 to 7 hours. It is also possible to sleep in a Bedouin camp, as well as for the 4×4 excursion.

At what price?

Prices must be counted 40€ to 100€ on average and per person for a trip of this type. Just like the output in 4×4, the price depends on the selected options.

3. The quad session

To experience strong sensations and visit the Dubai desert, you can also choose a quad tour! Unlike excursions in 4×4 or camel ballads, you are here at the controls and can cross the dunes at high speed, free. At the start of the tour, you will be given some instructions to use your quad correctly and you will be notified of the safety instructions. You are then free to leave on the assault of this fabulous desert!

The program of a quad session usually includes support at your hotel, with a 4×4 go and return to the base camp where quads and your guide are located. After some instructions and lessons, you will go to the exploration of the dunes as you like. Flags, peak descents and strong sensations form the foundations of an imperishable memory!

This quad session is at the same time a sporting moment, a relaxation and discovery activity! At the end of this trip, you will also be entitled to some refreshments. This is the right time to sit and observe the desert, chat with the locals and learn more about this wild space.

Modalities

The visit to the Dubai desert in quad can last from 3 to 7 hours. These excursions usually take place early in the day. Most of the time, it starts at 8 a.m. in the morning. The conduct of quads is only accessible to over 14 years. Don’t miss out on the age and prerequisites for this quad tour.

At what price?

Count 50 to 80€ for a quad tour in the Dubai desert. The rate obviously varies depending on the options and the selected program.

4. The trick in buggy

For a crazy and all-terrain experience, you can also opt for a buggy trip. Like the quad, you will experience strong and unique sensations in the middle of the dunes and a spectacular landscape! This type of buggy trip usually lasts one hour or two.

As with any excursions, your driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel or place of residence in Dubai. He will then take you to the desert in 4×4. The camp where buggys are parked is usually only one hour away from the city. On site, buggys are aligned and ready to welcome you for an epic trip in the desert. After a short security briefing, you will take a place in your buggy of the day.

During this sporting tour, you will be able to explore the huge dunes of the region at all speeds! The convoy obviously takes a few breaks during the adventure. On these occasions, you can enjoy the landscape and take some beautiful souvenir pictures. Refreshments will also be offered during this release. At the top of the dunes, you will also be offered to try the practice of surfing the dunes or even other activities!

Modalities

These powerful buggys have been designed to customize to face the local terrain and to have greater grip on the sand. Note that most buggys are made for 2 people, so you can take a passenger. These powerful machines are obviously secure. Most of the excursions have machines with safety bows, anti-roll cages, safety harnesses, helmets and extinguishers. You are accompanied by your guide throughout the activity. There is usually a 4×4 vehicle opening and closing to secure your adventure.

Note that to be able to drive a buggy, you must be at least 18 years old. Children can sit in 2-seater buggys as a passenger from 8 years old. A minimum size is often required, usually 1 metre 60.

At what price?

For a quad tour in the Dubai desert, count on 100 to 170€ depending on the duration of the tour and the additional activities selected.

5. The overflight of the Dubai desert

To admire and visit the Dubai Desert, there is nothing like a fly-over of the dunes that extend to a loss of sight. This option is certainly the most spectacular, but also one of the most expensive.

Like any other way to visit the Dubai desert, you will be taken care of from your hotel. The excursions usually take place very early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise. The lucky ones will then observe from heaven the desert landscape, enchanting and magical when the sun sets its first rays on the dunes. No doubt that this experience will leave you great memories!

To visit the Dubai Desert from the skies, you can opt for a balloon or helicopter flight.

The overflight of the Dubai desert in the hot-air balloon

For a balloon flight in the Dubai Desert, two options are generally possible:

• A balloon flight followed by a breakfast,
• A balloon flight, with breakfast and safari in 4×4 in the desert.

This last option is obviously the most sympathetic, since it combines both the spectacular overflight of the desert and the exploration to the floor in 4×4. If your budget allows you, we recommend this second option. At sunrise, the colours of the dunes are really impressive, combined with the two visits thus offer two beautiful perspectives!

The Dubai Desert overflight by helicopter

As with hot air balloon flights, you can choose a single flight from the desert, usually for an hour. Or you can opt for a helicopter flight followed by a 4×4 excursion.

At what price?

• In the hot air balloon: 300 and 400€ average
• Helicopter: 200 to 350€ average

6. The mountain bike tour in the desert

The quads, buggys and 4×4 do not correspond to the philosophy of all travelers. Whether you want to take time to visit the Dubai Desert or limit your impact on nature, then know that you can opt for a mountain bike ride! For these outputs, Fatbikes are used. These bikes are specially designed for driving on sand and moving terrain. They have oversized tires for better grip.

As with other excursions, transfers from and to your place of residence in Dubai are included. Once at the doors of the desert, your guide will give you your bike and a protective helmet. After a few tips and instructions, you can start a beautiful adventure through the desert. It should be noted that mountain bike hikes occur frequently in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, an animal nature reserve located in the middle of the Dubai desert. In the latter, gazelles, oryx and other endemic animals of the desert live freely. You will have the chance to be able to observe them! It is one of the highlights of this bike trip: far from the engines, you can admire the local fauna quietly.

These excursions also include refreshments and breakfast. So, halfway, you can rest and enjoy sandwiches, fresh fruit and other snacks. Generally, your guide will enjoy this moment to learn more about Bedouin culture, but also about the benefits and uses of local flora.

Modalities

The excursions usually start very early in the morning. The goal is obviously to avoid the heavy heat of the afternoon, especially for such a physical activity.

This activity also requires strong sports skills. In the event that a support vehicle is often available for those wishing to rest, including return. Generally, this activity is available for children and adolescents. A minimum size may however be required.

At what price?

For a mountain bike hike, the rates oscillate from 100 to 150€ per person depending on the duration and program chosen.

7. Cycling in motocross

Would you like to visit the Dubai desert differently? Do you like the idea of a good dose of adrenaline to a motorcycle handlebar? For yes, to discover this vast desert, all possible means of locomotion are available! The fans of motocross and thrills will be delighted, as they obviously exist excursions with this type of vehicle.

You can book a motorcycle-cross trip with qualified instructors and professional drivers. You can combine strong sensations, extreme sports and discovering beautiful landscapes. These excursions also allow you to easily reach exceptional sites in the Dubai desert, such as the Fossil Rock (mountain Massif), the Big Red Dune (the largest dune in the United Arab Emirates) or the Pink Rock. Unlike other excursions, you will not be confined to the dunes or to some tourist activities.

Modalities

There are different types of outputs and for all levels: beginner, intermediate or advanced. Whether you are an expert or a novice, you will find your happiness! Tours can last from two hours to four hours, see a day.

As with all excursions, transfers from your place of stay in Dubai are included in the fare of the trip. At the starting point, all the necessary equipment will be provided to you: pants and top, boots, gloves, protective glasses, helmet and body armor. So you don’t have to take your equipment!

At what price?

Prices, excursions cost 200€ for a 2-hour excursion 475€ for a full day.

8. A hike

If hiking tours in the desert are rare, it is possible to walk the mountains of South Dubai, the Hatta.

This steep region is on the border with Oman. For example, you can descend from the Hatta dam to the valley of the same name and then reach Hatta Wadi. You can find organized hikes, including sometimes mountain biking or kayaking sessions. As with all organized excursions, you will be taken care of from and to your place of residence in Dubai.

You can also choose to visit this region by your own means. However, it is recommended to be accompanied by a guide.

Note that this activity requires good sports skills. These hikes are not recommended to young children and pregnant women. Organised or unorganized hikes, you will usually have to carry your own equipment. Please also make sure to check your weather conditions upstream.

9. One night in the Dubai desert

To visit the Dubai desert, you can also opt for a night in the desert, in a Bedouin camp or in a charming hotel. Some excursions in 4×4 or camel obviously offer you. To sleep in a camp, just book your night with your excursion.

But you can also choose your accommodation directly in the desert. So you can enjoy serenely and calmly this desert experience! For one or more nights in a hotel, you simply have to book your nights in the establishment of your choice. The latter will obviously be luxurious since we are in Dubai. However, the surrounding desert offers a particular touch. The difference between a hotel in the lively city is palpable.

If you are afraid of your budget, know that the rates are lower in summer. As a general rule, count as a minimum 100 euros per night for this experience. The latter will be much more charming than for a night in camp. You can better capture the charm of the Dubai desert. Indeed, Bedouin camps certainly offer a cultural dimension, but experience can be “too” tourist.

By booking your night in a hotel, you will fully enjoy the beauty and serenity of the landscapes. Some hotels even offer activities and excursions to visit the Dubai desert.

But what establishments do you choose? You are particularly recommended Bab al Shams or Al Wadi Desert . The first is a charming hotel with typical design, which has a beautiful swimming pool and whose rates are more accessible. The second is just as luxurious. However, it offers many activities in the Dubai desert.

How to reach his hotel in the Dubai desert?

By booking a trip to the Dubai desert, transfers are always included. The question of the trip is therefore not given that it is carried out by the tour organizer. If you choose to sleep a night or more in a hotel located in the Dubai desert, you will have to take charge of this part. Fortunately, it is quite simple to go to the Dubai desert with its own car or taxi.

Whether you have rented a car or not, and no matter what its model, you can usually easily access your hotel. When access is complicated, private parking is located before the “hard” part of the journey. You will then have to leave your vehicle and the hotel staff will transport you in 4×4 to your nesting!

The Dubai desert in a few words

The desert is still an important part of the cultural heritage and local heritage of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. The modern Emiratis, of course, descended from the Bedouins, which once shone the oasis desert in oasis. Although they no longer live there, they are still strongly attached to this desert that extends over the seven emirates. Many Emiratis thus own a second villa or residence near the desert. They spend the weekend there, go there to spend an evening with friends around a wood fire. In short, they lost some ancient traditions of the Bedouins of Arabia.

The city of Dubai is fully built in the desert, unfortunately there is no desert space with dunes. To visit the Dubai desert, you will have to drive a few kilometers out of town to see the real desert. For travelers, this experience can be cultural or simply a great opportunity to admire unique natural landscapes. There are various ways to visit the Dubai desert, discover the ensembles!