10 Desert Activities in Dubai That Had Us Playing in Sand Like Never Before
I’ve always been captivated by Dubai’s deserts. My first experience was a rollercoaster ride in a 4×4, but it was the stunning sunset and quiet moments that made me appreciate the desert’s true magic.
In this article, I’ll share the best desert activities in Dubai—whether you’re seeking thrills, luxury, or nature, these experiences will leave you enchanted!
1. Go on a Desert Safari
Media Credit: nomad.rdh
Website: https://royalarabiansafaris.com
Address: Marina Promenade – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 52 827 2700
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Start at 130 AED per person
If you want a thrilling desert activity in Dubai, go on a desert safari! This tour takes you through Dubai’s biggest desert, where you’ll see the stunning red dunes and enjoy one of the best desert experiences around.
The main highlight is dune bashing! In a 4×4 vehicle, you’ll race up and down the tall dunes, feeling the thrill of fast drops and sharp turns—it’s like a roller coaster in the desert! Afterward, you can slow down with a camel ride and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
If you can still keep your balance, try sandboarding, where you ride a board down the sandy dunes, almost like surfing on sand!
At the camp, you can relax and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. After the meal, you can also try getting a henna tattoo as a special souvenir!
The tour includes live shows at the desert camp, such as belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and fire shows, giving you a taste of Middle Eastern culture! There are also great opportunities for photography with camels and falcons, so don’t be shy about getting your photos taken!
Pro Tips:
Dress comfortably and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun!
If you’re doing the desert safari in the afternoon, make sure to manage your time well so you won’t run out of sunlight for your pictures!
2. Stay in a Five-Star Luxury Resort in the Middle of the Desert
Media Credit: almaha_resort
Address: N 55° – 24°47’21.3 – 36’27.8″E Al Ain – Dubai Rd – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 832 9900
Price Range: $$$$$
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, offers a unique desert experience just 45 minutes away from Dubai. Located in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the resort is a peaceful and luxurious escape from the city.
The resort features 42 private villas, each with its own swimming pool and breathtaking views of the desert and Hajar Mountains.
The resort also offers different packages to enhance your stay! The Pool Package includes access to the infinity pool with stunning views, as well as a delicious three-course lunch.
If you’re looking for relaxation, the Spa Indulgence Package includes a soothing massage along with pool access.
For the best experience, the Bedouin Package offers a full day of adventure with exciting desert activities, beautiful views, and tasty meals.
Pro Tips:
Try going on a wildlife drive and see the local desert wildlife, including Arabian Oryx and gazelles.
For a more intimate experience of the desert, try going horseback riding or going on camel trek.
3. Watch a Camel Race
Media Credit: dubaicrc
Website: https://www.dubaicrc.ae/
Address: Dubai – Al Ain Road, Al Marmoom – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 718 8888
For a unique and exciting experience in Dubai, the Dubai Camel Racing Club offers a chance to witness one of the UAE’s most beloved traditions—camel racing!
Located at the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track, deep in the desert, this venue showcases a key part of Emirati culture.
Here’s what to expect: Sixty camels sprint down the track, with robot jockeys guiding them to the finish line. The energy is high, and the excitement spreads through the crowd as trainers follow in 4×4 vehicles, encouraging their camels to race faster.
Before the races, visitors can walk around the camel zone, where friendly handlers allow you to pet and take photos with the camels.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, with races typically running between 6 AM and 9 AM. Here’s the best part—watching the races and parking are both free, making it an easy and affordable activity!
Pro Tips:
Don’t forget to bring binoculars to get a better view of the action!
There are few food options at the site, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks.
4. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Media Credit: hotairballoonuae
Website: https://hotairballoonuae.com/
Address: Tiffany Tower – Suit no: 1202 – Cluster W – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 285 5682
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Start at 1100 AED per adult and 1000 AED per child (5 to 11 years old)
If you’re looking for a breathtaking and unforgettable desert activity in Dubai, you can ride a hot air balloon!
The adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Dubai, followed by a trip to the take-off site. There, you’ll have the chance to watch the balloon inflate and hear a safety briefing from the expert pilot.
Once in the air, you’ll glide over the dunes for up to an hour!
Standard hot air balloon packages usually include other highlights, such as an in-flight falcon show.
For those seeking more adventure, there are other packages that offer additional experiences, like a traditional breakfast in a Bedouin camp, camel rides, and exciting dune bashing and quad biking.
Pro Tips:
Make sure to set up an alarm early for your pick-up (around 4:00 AM) to make the most of your day!
Keep in mind that this experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain health conditions.
5. Visit Love Lake Dubai
Media Credit: lovelakedubai
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/love-lake-dubai
Address: Saih Al Salam, Dubai
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM; Sunday – 12:30 AM to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Free
Love Lake Dubai is a beautiful and peaceful spot in Dubai’s desert, located in the Al Qudra area. This heart-shaped lake is surrounded by mesquite trees and is home to many types of wildlife, making it a great place for both locals and tourists to visit.
There are plenty of outdoor activities for those who like to stay active! There is a jogging path around the lake where visitors can enjoy a peaceful run while taking in the scenery.
For cyclists, the nearby Al Qudra Cycling Track offers a great route to explore the area on two wheels.
The lake is also a great place to have a picnic or barbecue. Designated spots are available for barbecues, so you can enjoy a meal in the desert. Just be sure to bring your own charcoal and clean up afterward to help keep the area clean!
If you’re looking for more desert adventures, Love Lake is close to activities like camel riding and quad biking. There are also nearby resorts such as Bab Al Shams and Al Maha Desert Resort.
Pro Tips:
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and the best wildlife sightings.
Visiting Love Lake is free and it’s accessible by car. The parking is free too!
6. Go Stargazing with Astronomers
Media Credit: dubaiastronomy
Website: https://dubaiastronomy.com/
Address: Mushrif Park – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 221 6603; [email protected]
Admission Costs: Start at 100 AED
For a memorable desert activity in Dubai, stargazing with the Dubai Astronomy Group is a top choice. Their events, held in places like Al Qudra Desert, offer a chance to view the night sky through powerful telescopes and learn about space from expert astronomers!
The Dubai Astronomy Group promotes astronomy in the UAE through educational projects and partnerships. Both kids and adults can participate in their events, even those held in the middle of the desert at night.
They host events like Planetary Alignment Viewings, where attendees can see a rare alignment of planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, with the chance to spot Uranus and Neptune using powerful telescopes.
In addition to planet viewing, they also offer sky mapping sessions to identify constellations, providing both educational and awe-inspiring experiences with expert insights into celestial bodies.
To deepen your astronomy knowledge outside their events, visit the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre in Mushrif National Park, home to the UAE’s largest public telescope! It offers programs for all ages and is perfect for exploring space in the desert.
Pro Tips:
The desert can get very cold at night, so pack appropriate clothing!
The events are family-friendly, so remember that kids under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult, and those under 5 don’t require a ticket.
7. Ride a Paramotor in the Sky
Media Credit: paraflydubai
Website: https://paramotordesertadventure.com/
Address: E66, Dubai-Al Ain road, Al Margham – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 208 7422; [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 7 PM
Admission Costs: Start at 950 AED
For an unforgettable desert experience in Dubai, try flying with Paramotor Desert Adventure! You can enjoy stunning aerial views of dunes, camel farms, and wildlife like gazelles and oryx.
Located at the Skydive Dubai Desert Campus, this is the only company in Dubai officially allowed to offer paramotor activities, ensuring that every flight is safe and of high quality.
The tandem paramotor flight is especially popular. It lets you fly 1,500 feet above the desert, offering incredible views! If you’re looking for some excitement, you can even try aerobatic flights with fast spins and low-level flying.
For an awe-inspiring experience, try booking a flight at sunrise or sunset. The soft light makes the desert look even more beautiful!
The company also has more to offer for those who can’t get enough of flying. They offer training courses, glider rentals, and equipment repair services. They also organize airshows for events.
Pro Tips:
Make sure to check the weather conditions before booking to ensure an optimal flying experience.
Don’t forget to take a selfie from the sky – it’s the perfect memento.
8. Dine at a Desert Restaurant
Media Credit: sonara_camp
Website: www.nara.ae/sonara/
Address: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 50 336 7909; [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 to 10:30 PM
Price Range: $$$$$
If you’re looking for a unique desert experience in Dubai, dining at Sonara Camp is a fantastic choice! This eco-friendly retreat combines delicious food, entertainment, and exciting activities for a memorable evening.
The food here is the highlight. French chef Franck Sanna has created a menu that blends local and international flavors. Popular dishes include herb-crusted lamb rack, white risotto, and sticky toffee pudding.
There’s also a kid-friendly menu with favorites like wagyu sliders, chicken tenders, and assorted sweet desserts, so you don’t have to worry about picky eaters!
During dinner, you’ll be treated to live entertainment showcasing the local culture! You can look forward to hawk shows, fire performances, and falcon displays. For kids, there’s also a movie under the stars in the dedicated kids’ area!
Depending on the package you choose, you can also enjoy a camel ride at the camp, along with sandboarding, volleyball, soft archery, and more!
Pro Tips:
For any dietary restrictions, make sure to inform the camp at least 24 hours before your scheduled dinner.
Alcohol and shisha are available but not included in the base price, so make sure to budget accordingly!
9. Enjoy the Pools at Terra Solis
Media Credit: terrasolisdubai
Website: https://www.terrasolisdubai.com/en/
Address: Dubai Heritage Vision, Lehbab Rd, Jebel Ali – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 456 1956; [email protected]
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 7 PM; Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 3 AM
Price Range: $
If you want to cool off in Dubai in a special way, the pools at Terra Solis by Tomorrowland offer an amazing desert getaway!
Located in the middle of Dubailand, this spot is well-known for glamping and some of the best desert parties. However, those who are on a budget can enjoy day visits to their amazing pools!
You can start your day by relaxing on a sunlounger or their signature Butterfly Pool Bed. Fifty percent of the day pass can be redeemed on food and beverages, so you can enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks served poolside!
For extra comfort and privacy, you can book a private cabana or a roomy Sofa Lounge, which are great for small groups! For an even more exclusive experience, you can try booking their Orion Lodge, where you’ll have a private pool and enjoy views of the entire resort!
If you visit on a Sunday, check out the Solarae Brunch! Whether you choose the poolside “Drunch” or the brunch at their restaurant, Mesa, you can look forward to a fun and laid-back experience with great music and delicious food and drinks!
Pro Tips:
Plan your visit on weekdays for lower entry rates and a more relaxed vibe.
Keep an eye on Terra Solis’ new offers and seasonal specials!
10. Go Camping
Media Credit: sandsherpa
Website: https://www.sandsherpa.com/
Address: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Margham Gate – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 58 560 6926; [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Admission Costs: Start at 895 AED
If you’re looking for a special desert adventure in Dubai, Sand Sherpa provides an amazing camping experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve!
This 225-square-kilometer protected area has been preserved for over 23 years and is full of stunning dunes and wildlife.
The camping setup offers modern comfort in nature, with rooftop tents, soft bedding, coolers, and dining essentials. It’s eco-friendly and simple, keeping you connected to the desert without sacrificing basic comforts.
The adventure begins with a guided desert drive, where Sherpa guides point out wildlife. At camp, each group gets a private, fully equipped trailer.
Evenings bring campfire fun with freshly made meals like fire-grilled burgers and pizzas. A nighttime walk offers a chance to spot animal tracks or even a scorpion.
The next morning features a hawk walk in a Ghaf tree forest, where you can interact with trained birds of prey and learn more about desert life.
Pro Tips:
Bring some head lamps or torches are essential for night time navigation!
Note that bookings are non-refundable, so make sure plans are confirmed before reserving!