We Got to Run Wild at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and Absolutely Loved It
You can’t say that you have been to Dubai if you haven’t experienced the desert. But we’re not just talking about endless sand dunes and camels here – or at least not if you’re talking about the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
In fact, we thought we knew what to expect when visiting the desert, but this reserve exceeded all our expectations.
And since we’re not the ones to gatekeep our experience, we created this guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve just like we did!
What is the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve?
The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is a massive reserve in the Saih Al Salam desert that makes up 10% of Dubai’s total land area.
It’s the United Arab Emirates’ first unfenced nature reserve covering more than 40 hectares of desert and 10 kilometers of lakes including the famous Al Qudra Lakes.
The reserve is also home to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a 77-kilometer solar farm that’s the largest renewable energy project in the Middle East.
The famous Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site, which contained artifacts from the Iron Age, is also located within the reserve.
But the real star of the show here is the reserve’s rich wildlife including the highest concentration of flamingos in the country and one of Dubai’s largest populations of the Arabian oryx.
Within this vast desert, you’ll also find more than 204 species of native birds, 158 species of migratory birds and 19 species of endangered animal species.
Al Marmoom is home to some very rare animals including the giant skipper butterfly that’s native to Yemen and the Egyptian nightjar.
Before 2018, the reserve was just a vast desert that was explored by tourists for its natural wonders.
But after reports of tourists trashing the place and animals found dead, the Dubai Municipality took over managing the reserve putting in rules that would help preserve the place and its residents.
Today, visitors have to follow strict regulations when visiting Al Marmoom and the Marmoom Biosphere Center was established to study the management and preservation of the reserve.
Best Time to Go
Since you’ll be out in the desert when visiting Al Marmoom, it’s best to plan your trip during the winter, which runs from December to March.
You should also visit early in the morning if you want to see most of the creatures living in the reserve or late in the afternoon if you’re planning to spend the night in the desert.
Things to Know
For sure, visiting UAE’s largest unfenced reserve is exciting. But since this will be a new experience for you, it’s best to keep these tips handy dandy:
How to Get Around
Trains: There are no direct train lines going to and from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Buses: Take bus line 104 and stop at the Seh As Shuyeb bus station. From here, you can ride a taxi going to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Taxis: A taxi ride from Dubai to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve will take about 40 minutes and cost you between AED 77 and AED 95 one way.
Car service: This is the most convenient way to travel to and from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and you have the option to book transfers with your hotel or rent a self-drive car.
Where to Stay Near the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort
Address: Al Qudra Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 809 6100
Pricing: $$$
Bab Al Shams is the nearest resort from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and it’s definitely worth a try, especially if you’re looking for the quintessential luxury Arabian experience.
If budget isn’t a worry, you can retreat in one of the luxurious rooms and suites that have been fitted to make you feel like Arabian royalty.
After spending a day out in the reserve, you can relax in your room, get some spa treatments and enjoy a good meal at one of the restaurants in Bab Al Shams.
Terra Solis Dubai
Address: Dubai Heritage Vision Exit – 29 Jebel Ali Lehbab Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 459 8300
Pricing: $$$
Terra Solis is one of the newer desert resorts near the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve that promises a luxurious oasis for you to relax after being outdoors for the day.
This resort re-defines desert glamping with its beautiful rooms nestled right in the dunes and an ultra luxe pool where you can cool down.
Rove Expo City
Address: Horizon Avenue – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 879 2020
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a modern accommodation that’s a few minutes drive away from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and other attractions, Rove Expo City would be the perfect fit.
The first hotel in Expo City puts you right in the heart of Dubai’s modern mini city where you get to enjoy different attractions from the Expo 2020 right outside your accommodation.
But you also have the convenience of being near the reserve, so you can spend the day on the desert and relax in your accommodation without traveling far.
Where to Eat Near the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Anwa Sunset Lounge
Address: Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort – Al Qudra Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 809 6194
Pricing: $$$
Anwa Sunset Lounge is a chic Pan-Asian restaurant and lounge located at the rooftop of Bab Al Shams, a resort near the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Here, you get panoramic views of the desert while enjoying delicious Pan-Asian bites paired with the most amazing cocktails. What could be better than that?
Al Hadheerah
Address: Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort – Al Qudra Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 809 6100
Pricing: $$$
To dine in Al Hadheerah is to experience an Arabic feast. In fact, you’re not just eating here, but you’re in for a culinary show for the senses.
Located in the middle of the desert, this open air dining experience has cooks creating their culinary masterpieces right in front of you while dancers and musicians going around the tables to entertain you.
But that’s not it because you also get to see camel riders and falconers putting on a spectacular show under the stars.
Last Exit Dubai
Address: Al Qudra Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Pricing: $$$
If street food is what you’re craving for after exploring the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, you need to make a pit stop at the Last Exit.
In fact, this place is street food heaven with all the food trucks where you can find everything from burgers to ice cream.
We especially love Hardee’s, Nash Hot Chicken and Cupagahwa! And the best part is, you get to feast on all these foods in a stunning retro-style space complete with vintage cars, food trucks and neon signs.
What to Do at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Get Up Close with thw Wildlife in Al Qudra Lakes
The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve may have 10 lakes, but Al Qudra Lakes has to be the best among them for one reason – the rich wildlife.
If you want to spot migratory birds, Arabian oryxes and other mammals, you should head to these lakes where you can get up close with these animals in their natural habitat.
Al Qudra Lakes has several observation platforms where visitors can observe the lakes’ wildlife safely.
There are also designated picnic and camping areas in the lakes if you want to spend more time there.
Go Cycling in the Middle of the Desert
Address: Al Qudra – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
You might think that the idea of cycling in the middle of the desert is crazy, but not when you’re in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve that has one of the best cycling tracks in the country.
The Al Qudra Cycle Track spans more than 86 kilometers that runs through the desert. Its major 50-kilometer track starts in Seih Al Salam and extends for up to 20 kilometers with one running through Al Qudra Road.
What’s great about cycling at this track is that it’s not only safe for both amateurs and professionals, but it also offers some panoramic views that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
And don’t worry if you didn’t bring your bicycle or any gear because you can always rent everything you need at the Trek Bicycle Store.
See the Camels in Action at the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track
Address: Dubai – Al Ain Road – Al Marmoom – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 718 8888
What’s a trip to the desert without watching camels race? Yes, these gentle creatures are also competitive and the racetrack at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is the best place to see them.
Make your way into the grandstand and be part of the crowd cheering as 60 camels make their way to the track at speeds of 40 kilometers per hour.
You’ll surely feel like a local shouting for your bet to get to the finish line first. And if you want to make the most of your visit here, go during the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival for more activities after the race.
Fall in Love at Love Lake
Address: Al Qudra – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
From the name itself, you’ll already know that Love Lake is the most romantic spot at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
This manmade lake in the middle of the reserve is shaped like two intertwined hearts and the word “love,” making it a great spot for taking photos, especially early in the morning or right before sunset.
But more than the scenic lake, Love Lake is also home to more than 100 species of animals, plants and flowers.
Here, you have plenty of space to walk around, take photos, enjoy a picnic and even spend the night at the campsite.
Experience Life as a Bedouin
Address: Al Qudra – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 900
Since you’re already at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, why not go all out and experience life like a Bedouin? Yes, you can do that with the Ultimate Bedouin Experience.
Travel back in time to how the Bedouins lived life in the desert with this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Here, you get to explore the reserve and all its attractions, feast on a traditional meal, spend time with the Bedouins and even spend the night in a Bedouin village.
Now, if you want to make the experience more special, hop on a hot air balloon ride and bask in the beauty of the desert and the wildlife in it.
See the Stars from the Desert
Address: Al Qudra – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
You may have gone stargazing before, but believe us when we tell you that there’s nothing quite like stargazing at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Spending the night at a camping site or at the Bedouin camp, you’ll be able to appreciate the vast night sky that perfectly complements the vast desert.
You can even book an atstro tourism tour organized by the Dubai Astronomy Group where you can see constellations using the group’s modern telescopes.
Cuddle a Camel at the Camel Farm
Address: Al Qudra – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
You can’t be in Dubai and not meet its most famous animal, the camel. But when you’re at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, you even get to hug and ride them!
The Camel Farm is operated by French expat Viviane Paturel-Mazot who has a strong passion for camels.
Here, you can see how camels live on a daily basis including the food they eat and their routines.
The best part is, you can ride a camel, hug one as part of the hug therapy and let the kids pet them.
What to Expect from Weather at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Winter: From December to March, Dubai experiences winter with temperatures dropping to as low as 16 degrees Celsius at night. This is the best time to explore the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve because of the warm weather.
Summer: From June to September, Dubai experiences its hottest months with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, making it difficult to spend a long time in the desert.
Transition period: From April to May and October to November, Dubai experiences transition periods when the weather gets unpredictable as the city switches seasons.
Apps to Download When Visiting the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Visit Dubai: The best app to use if you’re planning an itinerary in Dubai because it has all the information you need about the city’s top tourist attractions
Uber: Booking a car service to take you to and from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
RTA Dubai Drive: A useful tool when you’re driving around Dubai since it contains detailed maps of the city including parking suggestions
Careem: Dubai’s local alternative to Uber for booking a private car service
S’hail: the app to use if you’re commuting in Dubai since it has the schedules, fares and other useful information about the city’s trains, buses, trams and even water taxis