We Almost Buried Ourselves in Lahbab’s Desert to Skip Going Home
When I was a kid, I was the biggest fan of the city. The sparkling lights, towering skyscrapers, luxury cars—everything blew my mind! I even had a mini Dubai city set that I played with, and pretended to be a giant monster stomping around it.
But growing up, I made many friends from all over the UAE and beyond. Chatting with them opened my eyes to how little I’d traveled, and that kicked off my love for exploring new places. Since then, I’ve always tagged along with my travel buddies.
We have been to many spots, but among our top picks will always be Lahbab. Its stunning red desert dunes, amazing camels, and golden sunsets—it’s just so special! If you want to see it yourself, we believe our travel guide can help you. Check it out below!
What is Lahbab known for?
Lahbab is known for its endless stretch of beautiful, red sand dunes. This makes it a popular spot for desert safaris, camel rides, quad biking, dune bashing excursions, and a lot more.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Lahbab is from October to March, when it’s cooler and more comfortable to enjoy the safaris and outdoor activities. When visiting during the other months, we recommend going in the desert at night.
How to Get Around
What to Do in Lahbab
Ride a Camel
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One of the most traditional ways to enjoy the desert, especially at Lehab, is by riding a camel. It’s easy to do this by joining a guided tour, so you can have a proper itinerary.
For us, riding a camel is a lovely way to immerse yourself in the old ways of traveling. Plus, the views are magnificent! You’ll see the sun glow all over the landscape. We think you can’t fully capture this in a single photo but you can try anyway.
There are also camel rides in the morning and at night, depending on the type of experience you prefer. Either way, we believe the ride will be just as enchanting as you imagined it (if not better).
Explore Dune Bashing
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Website: https://www.getyourguide.com/dubai-l173/from-dubai-private-6-hour-desert-safari-dubai-w-bbq-t67792/
Dune bashing is a way to get your heart pumping by hopping in a 4×4 vehicle and driving into the gorgeous desert!
To those unfamiliar, dune bashing basically means driving at increasing and decreasing speeds over sand dunes. Of course, it takes a special skill (and experience) to be able to navigate the sandy terrain—so we say let the pros drive this one for now.
This is a thrilling bumpy ride that lasts about an hour. So if you’ve got motion sickness, we think you should probably reconsider. Otherwise, all the spinning and screaming would be enjoyable, especially if you score the front or window seat for the best views.
Learn to Sandboard
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Website: https://captaindunes.com/attractions/dubai/sandboarding/
Swap the snow or skate for some sand, and try sandboarding for a change! You just need the proper board provided by the sandboarding company, and the instructors will teach you how to glide down the dunes in style.
If you’re a beginner, it might take a while to learn the proper techniques. After all, this sport works best on a steep location. But once you do, we think this is all worth it. For us, sandboarding is a therapeutic way to bask in Lahbab’s glorious landscape!
Visit a Bedouin Camp
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Website: https://www.arabian-safari.com/tours/lahbab-desert-safari
Ever thought about the life of a Bedouin, a traditionally nomadic Arab tribe who rely on herding livestock in the desert? It’s actually a lot fancier than one might think.
At the campsite, you’ll see the fancy life of Arabs. Besides doing every exciting desert activity (as in previous listings), you can cool down, dress up with costumes, get henna, and watch some belly dancing as you dine.
Of course, you’ll be eating all sorts of authentic Arabic and continental food. It’s a buffet, so we say help yourself, but watch out for indigestion!
Stargaze with your Date
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Looking for the most romantic date idea? We say, what could be more romantic than stargazing with your significant other?
Stargazing is most enjoyable when the skies are clear—this means no moons! It’s best to check the lunar calendar before booking your desert adventures. If unsure, give the tour company a call for assistance on the best schedule.
And though the desert can be scorching hot during the day, keep in mind that it can get freezing cold at night. Bring lots of warm clothing and blankets, and enjoy!
Go on a Hot Air Balloon
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Website: https://www.arabiandesertsafaris.ae/lahbab-desert-safari-dubai/hot-air-balloon-rides-in-lahbab/
But if you still want to take your romantic plans up a notch, follow it up with a magnificent hot air balloon experience! You’ll have the best view of the red dunes and the golden sunrise (or sunset), which we think is pretty hard to forget.
Packages for this usually include a free pick up from your hotel or where you’re staying. You’ll then ride in a nice 4×4 which will take you to the balloon and begin your exhilarating journey.
This would all take 45 minutes to an hour, which we believe is just enough time to marvel at the beauty of nature.
Where to Eat in Lahbab
Salim Marhoon Cafeteria & Restaurant
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Address: Dubai-Hatta Rd
Contact Details: +971 50 887 7916
Pricing: $
Salim Marhoon Cafeteria & Restaurant serves Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine near Lahbab center. It has a big menu, so you can get anything from fried rice, noodles, and pastas to finger foods like fries and wraps—one day might not be enough to try ‘em all!
And although it’s mostly known for its chicken tikka masala (curried dish) and boneless chicken chilly, this eatery is also known for its fresh milk tea! Well, there are several spicy dishes here, so we think there’s no surprise there.
But if milk isn’t enough to combat the spice, we recommend the falooda (ice cream) shakes. Our top pick is the mango flavor, but you can also go for avocado or strawberry.
Wadi Zam Zam Restaurant
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Address: Lahbab
Contact Details: +971 4 328 2858
Pricing: $
Wadi Zam Zam Restaurant offers a big selection of Pakistani and Indian dishes, with the most of it being burgers, grilled wraps, and rice dishes.
If you’re chowing down with friends, we suggest getting the club special for a good mix of sandwiches on a sharing platter. Otherwise, there are big combo burgers and hearty biryanis (mixed rice) that we think could last you the whole day.
Dessert-wise, don’t miss out on the fruit salad with ice cream! There are tons of healthy fruit cuts and juices here too. For us, the beverages look very colorful and diverse, making them even more tempting during hot days.
Lehbab Restaurant
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Address: Dubai-Hatta Rd
Contact Details: +971 56 891 6006
Pricing: $
Lehbab Restaurant is a small Indian place that we reckon is suitable for a quick, casual bite. The food here is cheaper too, and we heard many of the customers here are drivers and laborers.
We like that you can order coffee or tea, and the staff can deliver it to your car. For us, you should pair that with a mutton biryani (mixed rice dish), chicken karahi (tomato and ginger-based curry), along with a roti (flatbread).
Just note that this is a cash-only restaurant, so it’s best to bring extra dirhams to make your transactions a breeze.
Ali Hamad Restaurant
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Address: 2HMW+M57 – Dubai-Hatta Rd
Pricing: $
Ali Hamad Restaurant might seem like just an old and worn-out dining spot to some, but we say don’t judge the book by its cover. In our view, there are several affordable and tasty eats here that can get you through your Lahbab trip.
For starters, we reckon the roti (flatbread) and vegetable dishes are great for a light meal. Also, we think the chicken curry and omelet are great picks for brunch or snacks any time of the day. There are lots of dips or sauces too!
Console
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Address: Habab – Reem Emarat Petrol Station 2
Contact Details: +971 55 880 9990
Pricing: $
Those who aren’t really into a heavy meal yet might opt for a coffee shop like Console. It’s just a food truck along Lahbab, so we feel it might be easy to miss if you’re new.
Our favorites are the waffles and brownies—this is among other sweet delights with chocolate, matcha, or nuts. As for savory, we like the burgers and fries too. The buns aren’t too small or too big, just moderately-sized for a hearty snack.
Where to Shop near Lahbab
Emirates Cooperative Society
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Website: http://www.emcoop.ae/
Address: Lahbab
Contact Details: +971 4 591 8934
Emirates Cooperative Society is a supermarket in Lahab where you can stock on some last-minute snacks, drinks, and other essentials before your camping trip.
We recommend getting some canned goods for emergencies, protein bars and sports drinks for energy boost, and other snacks you might like on the road.
It’s also handy for us that the store is well-lit and every item is neatly organized. Just note that the prices lean on the more expensive side.
Lahabab Pharmacy
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Address: Lahbab
Contact Details: +971 4 832 5400
Lahabab Pharmacy is the only drugstore in the area. We think this is very convenient, because as you’re nearing the desert here, it would feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere!
So, we say use this opportunity to double-check your first aid kit, including your medications, hygiene products, or sick care supplies. You never know when you’ll need those, so we believe it’s good to have them anyway.
On top of that, we find it incredible that this spot is surrounded by other establishments. Check out the electronics store, men’s salon, coffee center, and other shops nearby in case you find something you need.
Where to Stay around Lahbab
Damac Hills 2 Hotel
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Website: https://www.rotana.com/edge/unitedarabemirates/dubai/damachills2hotel
Address: Madinat Hind 4 – Damac Hills
Contact Details: +971 4 418 0000, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Damac Hills 2 Hotel is a fancy, vibrant accommodation that’s about a 23-minute drive from the center of Lahbab.
We like that there are many spacious rooms here (some are even interconnected!). Apart from the Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and coffeemakers, there are balconies too! If you need more space, we suggest upgrading to a 1-bedroom suite to get a separate living room.
Another thing we love is the 2 temperature-controlled outdoor pools! The other one’s for kids, so we think your “me time” won’t easily get interrupted by noise or distractions.
Pyramisa Hotel Apartments
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Website: https://www.pyramisahotels.com/pyramisa-dubai-hotel-home
Address: Dubai Land
Contact Details: +971 4 249 7700, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Pyramisa Hotel Apartments is a casual 4-star spot located in a residential area that’s a 30-minute drive from Lahbab’s center.
For us, everything here looks so relaxed, with the studios offering basic necessities with kitchenettes. We think this could save you some dirhams—you can dig into your guided tour meals at certain times and cook your own food at others.
But if you don’t want to fix your own meals, no worries. There’s a restaurant, cafe, and rooftop bar onsite to cater to many preferences.
Abidos Hotel Apartment Dubailand
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Website: https://abidoshotels.com/
Address: Dubai Land Residence Complex
Contact Details: +971 4 437 8500, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Those taking their little ones in tow might enjoy Abidos Hotel Apartment Dubailand. Apart from being a 30-minute drive from the Lahbab area, this 4-star haven is also an hour drive from IMG Worlds of Adventure (an indoor amusement park)!
Plus, the 1- to 3-bedroom apartments here showcase colorful spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and kitchens—wonderful for the family, in our opinion. There are also private balconies, living areas, and dining tables for a more convenient stay.
We also suggest dropping off the kids to the play area as you head over to the sauna and steam room for a nice break. Win-win!
VOGO Grand Hotel Dubai
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Website: http://vogogranddubai.com/
Address: Al Ruwayyah First – Vogo Grand Hotel – Academic Road – Academic City
Contact Details: +971 4 873 0000, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
VOGO Grand Hotel Dubai is a 4-star place fit for the business travelers as well as the leisure adventurers. Not only is it a 30-minute drive to Lahbab, but it’s also not too far from the Burj Khalifa Tower and Al Maktoum International Airport.
The rooms all have the basic amenities, but we suggest upgrading so you can also get the cozy sofa beds. The hotel offers 12 meeting rooms too, so we think you’ll be comfortable while dealing with work stuff.
And when the day is over, take advantage of the pool and sun loungers there as you catch the sunset. However you want to destress for the day, we think either the 24-hour bar or game room will spoil you.
Terra Solis Dubai
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Website: http://www.terrasolisdubai.com/
Address: Dubai Heritage Vision Exit – 29 Jebel Ali – Lehbab Rd
Contact Details: +971 4 459 8300, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Looking for a different type of accommodation? Terra Solis Dubai is 5-star, but not in the usual hotel experience kind of way. It offers lodging with a distinctive curved or cave-like structure, giving off a very chic vibe.
Each lodging is named after a meteor shower or constellation, which we think symbolizes its otherworldly structure. One of these is the Perseid lodge, offering a double bed, bathroom, mini fridge, and other essentials in a cozy spot in the desert.
We think this accommodation is immersive yet elegant—much like glamping or glamorous camping!
Tips When Visiting Lahbab
Now that you’re all clued in about Lahbab, check out these tips so you can desert your doubts as you live your sandy adventures:
Make your own first aid kit.
Different people have different needs, and who would know you better than yourself? Whether you’re dune bashing or not, accidents can happen. We suggest bringing a small kit with your personal medicines, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and the like.
Start your day as early as possible.
though you’re in vacation mode, we recommend waking up early to maximize your Lahbab desert experience. You’ll be on time for guided tours, avoid unnecessary heat, and even capture the sunrise or sunset with loved ones!
Dress for the part.
Being in the desert is no joke. Wear light and breathable clothing (complete with a hat and sunscreen) to protect yourself from sun damages.
And if you’re participating in the dune buggy excursion, it’s best to wear a pair of durable sunglasses. This will protect your eyes from the windy sand, and more importantly, the blinding sun!
Follow the guidelines to the tee.
For your safety (and others), it’s smart to not get too cocky and stay on the marked paths. Guests can typically snap pics of the local wildlife at designated areas, but don’t get too close to avoid disturbance.
Try as much local fare as possible.If you’re a traveler, one of the best ways to embrace the Emirati culture is through its food. We recommend choosing or requesting for traditional Arabic food as much as you can to get your money’s worth!