Dubai Desert Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dubai Desert
Dubai Desert
Dubai Desert
Dubai Desert
Dubai Desert
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

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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
Panorama of Dubai at night

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
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
East Crescent Road Dubai
The price is ₹14,079 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
₹14,079
per night
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this luxury resort in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,286 reviews)
Overall a clean and calm experience

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Paramount Hotel Midtown

Paramount Hotel Midtown

5 out of 5
Al Mustaqbal St Dubai Dubai
The price is ₹6,790 per night from 10 May to 11 May
₹6,790
per night
10 May - 11 May
Stay at this luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (326 reviews)
Great hotel, close to good areas, clean, attentive staff, great breakfast, big rooms. Loved it and hope to come back again

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026

Paramount Hotel Midtown
Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel

Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel

4 out of 5
Al Waha St Dubai Dubai
The price is ₹2,827 per night from 5 May to 6 May
₹2,827
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this spa hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (182 reviews)
Excellent staff and very helpful

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026

Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pearl Executive Hotel Apartments

Pearl Executive Hotel Apartments

Riggat Al Buteen Street Dubai
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
Pearl Executive Hotel Apartments
Royal Continental Suites

Royal Continental Suites

5 out of 5
No. 41 - 27th St, Business Bay Dubai
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
I had a wonderful stay thanks to the incredibly kind and helpful team. They made me feel truly looked after with regular check-ins, and I was really impressed by how quickly room service arrived each time

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Royal Continental Suites
DAMAC Maison Aykon City Dubai

DAMAC Maison Aykon City Dubai

5 out of 5
DAMAC - AYKON CITY Dubai
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates ...
DAMAC Maison Aykon City Dubai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Mashriq attractions

Cities near Dubai Desert

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