If this is your first time in the Dubai desert, keep these basic tips in mind for your visit.
Camels in the desert of Dubai | © Fernando Jorge
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Rub al-Khali desert is one of the most impressive deserts in the world. An indispensable visit when you travel to Dubai. However, it is important that you follow a number of tips so that you are safe and can enjoy your visit to the fullest and in the most pleasant way possible.
Nevertheless, before planning your visit to the desert, I recommend you read the article What to see and do in Dubai, which describes a wide range of plans and activities.
1.- What is the best way to visit the Dubai desert?
The Dubai desert can be visited either as an individual trip or as a group trip. The advantage of a solo tour is that you get to enjoy the vastness and solitude of the desert, and it's a memorable activity. However, there is a downside: the level of safety will always be higher than for a group trip.
On the other hand, if you opt for a group excursion, you will have a wider range of activities to choose from. These include a desert buggy or quad tour, sandboarding over the dunes of the Dubai desert, a barbecue, sleeping in the Dubai desert or a desert dance show. The biggest disadvantage is that you will be accompanied by a larger group, and it can always be a bit annoying to walk around with more people.
- Solo tour
- From 100 euros
- Advantage: Enjoy the desert in solitude
- Cons: Safety and a more limited range of activities
- Group outing
- From 36 euros
- Advantage: Wide range of activities
- Disadvantage: Depends on a large group
2. What security recommendations should I keep in mind when visiting the desert of Dubai?
Internationally, the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world. Still, there are a few recommendations you should keep in mind when hiking in the desert, such as. B. Drink water constantly to stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke.
It's also a good idea to take out insurance, especially if you plan to do an adventure sport like dune bashing or buggy tours. Trips that include such activities usually have insurance in case of an incident, but don't hesitate to check the clause when you take it out, as health insurance in this country is very expensive.
I also recommend that you wear appropriate clothing on a desert tour, whether you are a man or a woman, to avoid skin damage. Ideally, you should wear light clothes and cover your body. Also, be sure to bring something to cover your head.
And just in case, I advise you to take a biodramine tablet, because a large percentage of desert visitors suffer from motion sickness because the ride over the dunes is a bit bumpy and unpleasant. Forget your camera at this point and focus on the scenery.
3. how should i dress if i want to visit the dubai desert?
If you are taking a trip to the Dubai desert, there are a number of recommendations for appropriate clothing for visiting Dubai, both to avoid skin damage and for your own comfort.
As for clothing, it is best to choose linen and cotton clothes that are as light and loose fitting as possible. These fabrics are the most comfortable and protect you as much as possible from the high temperatures, which can reach 50ºC in the summer months. It is also important to cover your entire body to avoid sunburn.
As for footwear, ideally you should opt for a covered shoe as this will make walking more comfortable. Sandals or open-toed shoes tend to get clogged with sand and are more uncomfortable when hiking in the desert.
In addition, be sure to take a number of accessories, such as. B. Sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun during the middle hours of the day, and a scarf, cap or hat to protect your head to avoid possible sunstroke.
The traveler's advice
I recommend that you choose your clothing for your visit to the Dubai desert. Cover your entire body and choose loose fitting clothing made of comfortable fabrics such as linen or cotton, wear covered footwear and don't forget a hat and sunglasses.
4 – What are the most recommended activities in the Dubai desert??
The Dubai desert offers not only stunning landscapes and spectacular surroundings, but also a full range of activities to suit all tastes. Do you feel like visiting?
The more adventurous can go sandboarding over the dunes, take a buggy ride or ride a camel through the desert. There is also the possibility of taking a quad tour.
There is also the option of getting a henna tattoo or dressing up in Arabic clothing and creating a photo album to remember it by. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset or even smoke a sisha.
Other popular experiences include camping in the desert or having a barbecue while watching an evening show, usually belly dancing or Tanura dancing.
- Sandboarding over the dunes
- Take a buggy tour
- Ride a quad bike
- Camel trekking in the desert
- Camping in the desert
- Getting a henna tattoo
- Dress up in traditional clothes
- Smoke a Sisha
- Learn about the customs of the locals
- Enjoy a barbecue
- Enjoy a show
5 – When is the best time of year to visit the Dubai desert?
The best time to travel to Dubai is between November/December and March, as during these months the temperatures are cooler and the heat is not so oppressive and scorching. This allows you to enjoy the tour more comfortably and you don't have to worry so much about protecting yourself from heat stroke.
Note, however, that the high season in Dubai coincides with the months of December and January, so it can be a bit more inconvenient to travel, as the destinations and main attractions will be busier with tourists and you won't be able to enjoy the tranquility of the desert like at other times of the year.
It is also very important to check the weather forecast before booking your tour, because although temperatures are lower in January and February, sandstorms are more likely to occur, and if you are in the desert, they can be very unpleasant and ruin your day.
6 – What recommendations should you take into account when traveling to the Dubai desert with children??
And if you are traveling to Dubai with the youngest members of your family, do not hesitate to book a day trip to the Dubai desert. This is an experience they will love. Everyone who travels with children agrees with this opinion. Being able to see the vastness of the desert is a movie experience for them. Playing in the sand or sliding down the sand dunes.
Of course, if you decide to go for it, I recommend you to go by off-road vehicle, because buggy or quad excursions are not allowed for children under 16 years old accompanied by an adult and even up to 18 years old. You can also enjoy a barbecue in the desert, get a henna tattoo or pet camels – don't hesitate! They will love this experience.
7. how can we protect our personal property in the Dubai desert?
During your trip to the Dubai desert, be sure to protect your electronic devices such as cameras and cell phones as much as possible, as they can suffer scratches that are completely avoidable.
To do this, in addition to the bag or backpack you can carry it in, I recommend using a plastic bag that fits tightly and is sealed airtight so it doesn't get damaged by the fine sand. This way you will avoid a nasty surprise at the end of the tour.
It is also important not to keep them in the pocket of a pair of pants or clothes, as they often suffer more there than in the backpack. If you do not have it with you, leave it with your companion.
8.- What products and medicines are essential for your visit to the Dubai desert?
If you are traveling to the Dubai desert, be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen , preferably factor 50, as the sun is very intense and it is easy to get sunburned, even if you are wearing clothes that cover your entire body. It is also advisable to take some kind of isotonic or hydrating drink in addition to water.
It is also advisable to have a tablet or gum for dizziness in your pocket or backpack, because it is complicated to arm yourself against the ride over the desert dunes, and it is common to feel dizzy or even nauseous on the trail. You may also want to take a pill for a headache caused by the intense heat and the strong sun.
However, the list of medications travelers can bring to Dubai is very limited, so I recommend checking the list or buying the medications right when you land.
9. how to get to the Dubai desert?
The best way to visit the Dubai desert is to tour it by car. It is important to book this experience well in advance, especially during the months of December and January, which coincide with peak season, as this is one of the most popular trips and ensures you don't miss out on this important activity as it is the only way to visit the desert.
The Dubai desert is about an hour's drive from the city. About three quarters of an hour after getting into the car, you will witness the dry landscape.
One final piece of advice: it is very important to follow the guide's instructions and respect the desert inhabitants at all times. Their way of life is very different from ours, and it is important that we respect their way of life, their beliefs and their customs.
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