Behind all the glitz and glamor of Dubai, the city is a desert land. The desert is where the Arab tribes lived in the past. Although the population in the desert is dwindling, the Emiratis of Dubai have not let go of their Bedouin culture and traditions completely. This can be seen through the desert safari tour in Dubai. The desert safari in Dubai is your opportunity to visit the desert and enjoy the beauty of the place and get to know about the Bedouin culture. Moreover, the desert safari is also filled with fun and adventurous activities that will keep you engaged and entertained. With this note, let us look at some of the most entertaining things to do on a Dubai desert safari for family and friends.

Dubai Desert Safari

Adventure

One of the highlights of the desert safari is the adventurous activities it offers. From simple fun to heart-pounding activities, the desert safari is filled with things that will kickstart your desert safari tour with a bang.

Dune Bashing

One of the most sought-after desert safari activities, dune bashing is akin to a rollercoaster ride. The dune bashing session happens in a 4×4 vehicle where a professional driver expertly maneuvers the vehicle over the high and low sand dunes of the desert. It is exhilarating, yet completely safe, as the dune-bashing vehicles are equipped with safety equipment. The dune bashing session usually lasts for 30 minutes and the up and down movements of the vehicle will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Camel Riding

The camel is such an integral part of the desert that the desert safari cannot be complete without riding on one. As you climb on a camel, you will get to experience how it feels to travel in the desert while riding on a camel. Most morning and evening desert safari Dubai offers camel riding that lasts just for a couple of minutes. However, if you want to ride on a camel for a longer time, it is best to opt for a camel riding desert safari, where you will get to ride on a camel for 30-40 minutes.

Sandboarding

While camel riding on the desert is exciting, you can make it a little more adventurous by trying sandboarding. Sandboarding is like snowboarding but on sand. You attach your legs to a sandboard and try to slide down the sand dunes. While anyone can try sandboarding, it may take a bit of practice to finally get it. Most desert safaris have a tour guide who will give you instructions about how to sandboard on the desert. Listen to their advice carefully, and you will have more chances to make it a success.

Quad Biking

If you love dune bashing and want to have the experience of driving a vehicle over the sand dunes, quad biking is something you will enjoy. Quad bike is an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) that will give you the chance to drive on the curvy sand dunes of the desert. Instructions and safety gear will be provided at the desert camp. Similarly, buggy rides are also available at the desert camp for those interested.

Hot Air Balloon Riding

The hot air balloon ride is not a part of the typical desert safari. You need to book it separately, and it usually comes with the morning desert safari Dubai. The hot air balloon ride starts early in the morning, even before sunrise. As you float above the desert, you get to enjoy a glorious sunrise and also the sight of the beautiful desert. Moreover, if you are lucky, you will also get to witness the flora and fauna of the desert during your hot air balloon ride.

Entertainment

The Dubai desert safari is action packed with so many adventurous activities. But that is not it all about. Several entertaining activities await you at the Bedouin-style desert camp. 

Sunrise And Sunset

Both sunrise and sunset in the desert are glorious. While sunrise is a part of the morning Dubai desert safari, you will get to watch the sunset during the evening desert safari. If you want to witness both, you must opt for an overnight desert safari. The sun coloring the entire desert in an orange hue is something you can witness at sunrise. Likewise, the beautiful sunset in the desert soaks the place in a golden hue, making it ideal to click some gorgeous photographs.  

Fun Activities

Once you are done with adventurous activities (even if you do not want to indulge in them), you can head inside the desert camp where various fun activities await you. You can click pictures wearing the traditional Arabic attire (kandoura for men and abaya for women). You can also get a henna tattoo on your hands or arms. Another fun thing to do here is getting clicked while holding a falcon on your wrist. Those interested can also try shisha smoking at the desert camp.

Dance Performances

As the sun sets and the desert camp glitters in artificial lights, you get ready for some marvelous dance performances. Here, you will get to see some stunning moves by a belly dancer. A fabulous dance performance by a Tanoura dancer as he spins around innumerable times will not fail to awe you. Some desert safari tours also include the incredible fire show in their itinerary.

BBQ Dinner

If you are going on an evening desert safari, you will get to enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner. The dinner at the desert safari includes a three-course meal comprising appetizers, main course, and dessert. The menu consists of both Emirati dishes and international dishes. Most desert safari tours include dishes that cater to people of all age groups, including children. Moreover, you will also find vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at the desert safari dinner. If you are going for a morning desert safari, you may be treated with a delicious Emirati breakfast along with Arabic tea and coffee.

Final Thoughts

So, you see, the Dubai desert safari is an amazing combination of adventure, entertainment, and good food. Whether you choose morning, evening, or overnight desert safari, you are sure to have an amazing time in the deserts of Dubai. 

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.