Complete guide to making the most of your Dubai desert tour
Among the unmissable experiences in Dubai, a desert tour is at the top of the list. I admit that, initially, we were apprehensive about the famous 4×4 rally in the dunes, but we opted for a private tour for greater comfort and safety. This choice was ideal for our family, and also allowed for more fluid interaction with a Spanish-speaking guide.
In this article, I share all the details about this unique experience. If you are planning a trip to Dubai, get ready for an unforgettable desert exploration!
The Desert Walk
What is the Dubai desert experience like?
Our tour started at 2pm, with the company picking us up promptly at our hotel. This professionalism was one of the first positive points. The guide, an Egyptian fluent in Spanish, shared fascinating stories about the local culture, from traditions to traditional weddings.
The first stop was brief, to drink water and adjust the preparations. Some people offered scarves for sale, but we did not buy any, since at Al Khayma camp traditional costumes are provided at no extra cost.
As we began our journey through the dunes, the feeling was indescribable. Although exciting, the car’s swaying was intense, which reinforced our satisfaction in having chosen the private tour. We were able to ask the driver to slow down whenever necessary, which made the experience more comfortable and personalized.
Desert Activities
Fun and culture in a unique setting
The Dubai desert offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Options include sandboarding, skibunda, camel riding, sunset photography, henna painting, falcon photography and cultural performances.
We went sandboarding down the dunes, which was a fun and challenging activity. The camel ride was a unique experience for my husband and son, who described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The sunset was one of the most memorable moments. We climbed a dune to photograph the sky painted in orange tones, creating unforgettable images.
At Al Khayma camp, we were greeted with traditional sweets, Arabic coffee and karak, as well as freshly baked Arabic breads – all delicious! There was also the opportunity to take photos with a falcon, a very popular activity among tourists.
Our space at the campsite was exclusive, with a private table and comfortable seating. We had the chance to dress up in traditional clothing for photos, courtesy of the site.
Dinner was served buffet style, with Arabic, Emirati, Moroccan and barbecue dishes. Everything was organized, with guests being called in groups, avoiding queues. While we waited, we watched two cultural performances that further enriched the experience.
Tour Tips
What to bring and how to prepare for the desert
To get the most out of it, follow these tips:
- Wear light, comfortable clothing.
- Apply sunscreen, even on winter days.
- Bring a light sweater as the temperature can drop at night.
- Choose open-toed or easy-to-clean shoes, as sand is inevitable.
The best time to go on the tour is in the afternoon, because in addition to the pleasant weather, you can enjoy the sunset over the desert. Our tour lasted until 8 pm, allowing us to enjoy every moment.
Choosing the Ideal Tour
Dubai Desert Tour Options
Dubai desert tours cater to different profiles and budgets. Here are some options I recommend:
- Dubai: Premium Safari, Camel Ride and Al Khayma Camp 3-Buffets (luxury)
- Dubai: Quad Bike Safari, Camel Rides and BBQ Dinner at Al Khayma Camp (average)
- Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Biking, Camel Ride and Al Khayma Camp (economic)
All of these tours are offered by the company OceanAir, which provided us with an impeccable experience. In addition to the desert tour, we also hired the airport transfer with them, which reinforced our confidence in the quality of the service.
Conclusion
Why you can’t miss the Dubai desert tour
The Dubai desert is one of the most authentic and memorable experiences the city has to offer. From the thrilling drive through the dunes to the cultural richness of the camp, every moment is unforgettable.
Click on the suggested tour options above and make your reservation.
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