Dubai Desert Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Dubai Desert showing desert views as well as a small group of people
Trek through the desert on camel or horseback, observe native wildlife and camp under the stars at the United Arab Emirates’ first national park.

Dubai may be more famous now for its skyscrapers and huge shopping malls but the emirate’s biggest project is the preservation of the region’s natural ecosystem. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an 87-square-mile (225-square-kilometre) protected area of Arabian desert that’s nearly 5 percent of Dubai’s total land area.

To maintain a balance between Dubai’s rapid growth and the need to preserve its natural heritage, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Prime Minister, purchased the land. It was previously a camel farm. Today it’s a shelter for hundreds of plant and animal species.

The only way to explore the park is with one of the reserve’s approved tour operators. They offer a range of different experiences including resort stay, camel treks, archery, falconry displays and SUV journeys over dunes and through the desert terrain. 

Take a slow drive out into the desert to observe the free-roaming herds of Arabian gazelles and a wide variety of bird species. During your trip the tour guide will explain the desert ecology. Watch for some of the park’s other animals including nocturnal sand cats, Ethiopian hedgehogs and side-winding vipers.   

Over the years, endangered Arabian oryx, Macqueen’s bustards and a number of other wildlife species have been successfully reintroduced to the desert here.

Take part in desert sporting activities. Strap on a sand board and slide down dunes toward the valley floor. Try your hand at archery with a traditional bow.

As the sun starts to dip over the horizon, enjoy a dune dinner of grilled meats and Arabic sweets and drinks in Bedouin tents. Then, stay for the night and camp in this exotic environment. In the morning you can enjoy breakfast while watching the sun rise.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is located approximately an hour’s drive inland from Dubai.

Where to stay in Dubai Desert

Jumeira Beach and Park showing a beach as well as a small group of people

Academic City

While there might not be top attractions in Academic City, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Dubai Outlet Mall and Dragon Mart.

Academic City
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Dubai World Central

When in Dubai World Central, consider checking out the beaches and restaurants.

Dubai World Central
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Damac Hills 2

The Camel Farm is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Damac Hills 2 and the surrounding area.

Damac Hills 2
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Endurance City

Visitors to Endurance City enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Dubai International Endurance City is worth a stop.

Endurance City
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Town Square Dubai

While Town Square Dubai isn't home to many top sights, Dubailand and Dubai Autodrome are some notable places to visit nearby.

Town Square Dubai
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