DESERT ESCAPES
The Emirates’ desert is sublime in parts and a trip here is incomplete without experiencing its myriad textures and colours. Not far out of the cities, camels graze on desert grass. If you don’t have a 4WD and off-road driving skills, the best way to experience the desert is at the magical desert resorts Al Maha or Bab Al Shams. Or take a desert safari, which allows you to tick off a range of experiences you otherwise would not get a chance to do. If you have time, stay overnight, sleep under the stars and enjoy the silence.
NEED TO KNOW
Arabian Adventures: 04 303 4888/343 9966 (Dubai), 02 691 1711 (Abu Dhabi); open 9am–6pm; from AED 250; www.arabian-adventures.com
Balloon Adventures Emirates: 04 388 4044; open Sep–May; www.ballooning.ae
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: www.ddcr.org
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: Sweton Rd; tours 10am & 2pm Sun–Thu; www.falconhospital.com
- Unless you want to experience the scorching heat, it is best to visit the desert in spring, autumn or winter.
1. Desert Safaris
Tour agencies such as Arabian Adventures organize desert safaris. Activities may include a thrilling drive in a 4WD, sand skiing, henna painting and sheesha, Arabic buffets and belly dancing.
2. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
The palm-shaded gardens and trickling ponds make this resort enchanting. A wonderful infinity pool overlooks the desert.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
3. Ballooning
Drifting over the desert in a hot-air balloon is an incredible experience. Balloon Adventures Emirates fly over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Ballooning
4. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Experience the unspoiled desert at this reserve, with dunes and rare wildlife, including oryx and mountain gazelle. Visit on a day tour or stay at the Al Maha resort.
5. Al Maha Resort
Book a romantic tent-like luxury suite (see Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa), and get your own plunge pool with the golden desert as your “backyard”.
6. Belly Dancing
Belly dancing is known as Oriental dancing in the Middle East, and it has a long history. Try to pick up some moves from the dancer at the desert safari – she may even pull you up for a dance.
7. Bedouin Feast
Tuck into a delicious Arabic buffet, such as the Bedouin feast at Bab Al Shams’ Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant. You can experience local specialities including roasted baby camel.
8. Dune Bashing
Experience an exhilarating “dune bashing” session – a white-knuckle 4WD desert drive crashing over huge dunes and wheel-spinning out of dips. It is not for the faint-hearted.
Dune Bashing
9. Anantara Qasr al Sarab Resort
A secluded oasis nestled in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, this retreat has authentic hammams and outdoor pools, and exquisite Arabic food (see Anantara Qasr Al Sarab). Unwind with arresting views of the desert, and dine under the stars.
Anantara Qasr al Sarab Resort
10. Desert Camels
Trek through the sand dunes with a local guide, the way Bedouins once did with the stately, majestic camel, a steadfast inhabitant of the desert. Visit Heritage and Diving Village in Dubai for more interactions with camels.
Desert Camels
LIWA OASIS
The most spectacular desert scenery can be enjoyed at Liwa Oasis, just a few hours drive from Abu Dhabi. The sand dunes here are the largest in the UAE. Beautifully coloured in pretty shades of peach and apricot, the sand dunes look at their best shortly after sunrise or just before sunset.
