Everything You Need to Know About Experiencing Your First Dubai Desert Excursion

When planning your Dubai itinerary, one of the most important things to include is a Dubai desert excursion usually a simple day trip to the desert.

For most visitors to Dubai, spending some time in the dunes and seeing Bedouin life with their own eyes is a highlight of the trip as you can experience the desert first-hand.

During a Dubai desert sexcursion, you not only have a chance to ride camels, but you can also revel in the local culture in an exciting and engaging way. There is a good chance that this type of ecosystem doesn’t exist where you live, which makes it not only an exhilarating experience, but also a challenging one to prepare for.

To help you out, here is everything you must know about experiencing your first Dubai desert excursion.

1. There is a lot included in the package.

Despite there being hundreds of companies that offer desert safaris, generally, they all provide the same basic packages. This includes:

● A transfer with a minibus from a meeting place in Dubai
● A Middle Eastern meal buffet-style
● Dune bashing
● A camel ride
● Unlimited tea, coffee, and other non-alcoholic beverages
● Hookah
● Henna painting
● Belly dancing and fire shows

When choosing a company, it is unlikely you will make a wrong decision, as Dubai has incredibly strict regulations on the quality of tours that are allowed to operate.

2. Different times have different focuses.

Usually, tours can be taken either in the morning or in the evening; however, the preferred option for many people is in the evening, as you can watch the sunset while sitting in the desert then. These later safaris are more focused on dining and entertainment.

On the other hand, daytime safaris are known for their adrenaline-pumping activities, such as sand boarding, dune bashing, and quad biking, giving you a thrilling experience.

Another option is to choose a Dubai desert excursion that allows you to spend the night in the desert, sleeping under the stars.

3. Opt for as much adventure as you want.

While some travellers want as many adrenaline-pumping activities as possible, others would prefer to experience a softer, more traditional side of the dunes. For this reason, you can choose from a wide array of desert safaris. If you want dune bashing, sandboarding, dune buggy riding, and ATV riding, that is all possible and well worth a go!

On the other hand, you can opt for a safari that allows you to take some more time to relax in the desert, while trying on traditional Arabic dresses, decorating your body with temporary henna tattoos, smoking some sheesha, taking lots of photos, and thoroughly enjoying the adventure.

4. The food is delicious.

In addition to riding camels and witnessing displays of local culture, the food that you will devour is one of the best parts of this excursion. A traditional Middle Eastern buffet will be unlike any other meal you have experienced before, so it is beneficial that you can self-serve and eat as much as you want! Most tours will also offer vegetarian food.

Additionally, most desert safari companies will allow you to purchase alcohol for an additional price.

During the feast is when the entertainment will begin, so you can watch world-famous belly dancing while chowing down on plates of hummus, tabbouleh, falafel and Baba ghanoush. Other popular dance forms that will be shown include tanoura dance, puppet and horse dance and the fire dance. Incredible!

5. Dress appropriately!

No matter which desert safari you decide to go on, you certainly should dress in loose, comfortable clothes, and don’t forget your sunglasses.

To ensure you are comfortable and prepared for all activities, men should wear shorts or baggy cotton pants, while women should opt for Salwar Kameez or pants with a T-shirt and minimal jewellery. Everyone should wear sandals to make sure the sand doesn’t get into your shoes and bother you!

In general, you want to carry as little luggage and personal belongings as possible. Only pack a small bag with your essentials. And make sure your camera is packed up safe so that the sand doesn’t ruin the lens while you’re snapping desert safari photographs.

Have you ever been on a desert safari? Would you like to visit Dubai? Let us know in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Thomas Grundner is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JA Resorts & Hotels. He has more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry – across international markets including Germany, Egypt and Spain. Grundner oversees all sales, marketing and revenue efforts as the company continues to build on its key growth and development strategies and further cultivates its unique blend of “Heartfelt Hospitality” and “Casual Luxury.”

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