15 Amazing Things To Do In Dubai Desert You Have To Try Once

During last year approximately 46% of all visitors to Dubai engaged in desert activities. This number is increasing day by day due to the popularity of adventures in the Dubai desert. If you are planning a trip to Dubai, the desert is a must-visit. It is not just sand heat but a home to many exciting activities. If any of your friends have visited Dubai, they must have told you amazing stories and asked you to do this adventure and leave out that activity. You are confused, right? Do not worry, this is normal when you are visiting the Dubai desert for the first time. We have written this blog to tell you about 15 amazing things to do in the Dubai desert that you must try and take home lifelong memories. 

List Of Top 15 Things To Do In Dubai

Here is the list of the top 15 things to do in Dubai with friends and family. 

-Dune Buggy Dubai Adventure

-Thrilling Sandboarding

-Try Traditional Camel Riding

-Bedouin Camp Experience

-Must-try Quad biking in Dubai desert

-4x4 Desert Dune Bashing

-Enjoy BBQ Dinner Under the Stars

-Live Tanoura Dance Show

-Overnight Desert Camping

-Desert Wildlife Safari

-Sunset Photography Tour

-Sand Art Workshop 

-Traditional Henna Painting

-Archery in Dubai Desert

-Belly dance show

Below are the details of these things:

1. Dune Buggy Dubai Adventure 

If you love speed and adventure, then the first thing you should try is a dune buggy Dubai ride. Dune buggies are the superheroes of desert rides which are built to handle rough desert terrain. A standard dune buggy ride lasts for 30-60 minutes and costs you between 450-950 AED, depending on the type of buggy you are riding and the duration of the tour. There are many options available for solo riders where they have the freedom to explore at their own pace. If you are visiting the Dubai desert with your partner, family, or group of friends, there are packages for each of them.  The dune buggy operators provide family friends buggy packages at the cheapest prices so that everyone can the thrill of a desert tour. 

Protip: Book with ESA tours.

2. Thrilling Sandboarding 

You can surf on desert sand in Dubai. Sounds surprising? Well, it’s true, sandboarding Dubai is a popular activity in the Dubai desert and people from around the world travel here to try this amazing adventure. You go up the dune and come down sandboarding on an amazing surfboard. Kids like it very much because of the fun attached to it but it is equally popular among people of all ages. There is no need for  fancy safety gear, just a helmet is enough to protect you in case you have a fall. It is also one of the low-priced adventures in Dubai. In less than 100 AED, you can have this splendid experience in the heart of the Dubai desert.

3. Try Traditional Camel Riding 

For a more relaxed experience, take a camel. It’s the traditional way to explore the desert, and it is so much fun. Camels are gentle creatures, and riding one gives you a feel of how people traveled in the old days. The camel rides are slow as compared to other adventures like dune buggy tours. This gives enough time to have a comprehensive view of the amazing beauty of the desert from the back of the camel.  Camel rides in Dubai can cost between AED 50 and AED 350, depending on the duration. You get to see the soft dunes and even learn a bit about the history and traditions of the local people.

4. Bedouin Camp Experience 

If you want to experience the desert like a local, visit Bedouin camp. These are exclusive camps set up by desert adventure providers to give you the feeling and touch of Arabic tradition and culture. You can enjoy Arabic coffee, and dates, and even try on traditional clothes. It’s a unique and enriching experience. You can visit the camp exclusively or combine it with desert safari and dune buggy adventures. This will save you a lot of money and time and have exciting activities in one place. 

5. Must-Try Quad Biking In Dubai Desert 

Quad biking in Dubai is one of the most popular desert activities. It’s easy to learn, and you can ride through the dunes at your own pace. Quad biking Dubai can cost between AED 150 and AED 750, depending on the tour duration, type of quad bike, and number of riders. There variety of quad bikes available with rentals in Dubai and you can choose one based on your age or skill. If you are visiting with family and your kids are crying, there are options for them as well. Never miss quad biking in Dubai no matter whether you are visiting the desert alone, with your partner or family, and have fun. 

6. 4x4 Desert Dune Bashing 

Dubai is a popular destination for dune bashing for experienced riders. But if you do not know how to drive, then dune bashing on a 4x4 Landcruiser driven by an expert driver is your best shot. You can take your friends and family with you and enjoy 1-2 hours of riding across the towering sand dunes of the Dubai desert. The cost of dune bashing in Dubai varies depending on the tour you choose but typically ranges from AED 150 to AED 300 per person. It comes with a variety of other activities like camel riding, quad biking, and a falconry show. When in Dubai, this is a must-try adventure to experience the real vibe of the desert. 

7. Enjoy BBQ Dinner Under The Stars 

After a full day of adventure in the desert you must be tired and want some rest and food. There is nothing better than a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars in the Dubai desert. It gives you the most beautiful settings nature can offer. People often think that it must be very costly to have such a lavish dinner in the desert. This is not the case. The BBQ dinner options are budget-friendly without taking much into your pocket. Many tour operators give you the option to include the dinner in your desert safari package. You can avail of this option and have an experience that fills your heart with joy. 

8. Live Tanoura Dance Show 

Entertainment is a must for a fun-filled adventure and for this purpose, the desert adventure providers arrange for you the performance of a live Tanoura dance show. Sitting in the cool desert night and watching this performance, you appreciate the performance and enjoy the show. The show takes place in a comfortable setting at a desert camp, where you can also enjoy some refreshments and traditional snacks.

9. Overnight Desert Camping 

Make your dreams a reality by spending a night in the desert camp. It is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. Imagine camping in the desert with your loved ones by your side, waking up together with the first light of the sun. It will be an astonishing experience and it does not cost you much. Overnight desert camping in Dubai can cost between AED 350 and AED 1,299, depending on the package and activities. In a few dirhams, you get to spend a night under the starry sky of the desert. It brings you closer to your loved ones, creates a bond of love, and gives you many happy moments. 

10. Desert Wildlife Safari 

Desert wildlife safari is best for nature lovers. The Dubai desert is home to many kinds of wildlife and you can spot animals like gazelles, desert foxes, and even falcons. It is a great way to learn about the desert ecosystem and its inhabitants. Early mornings are best for spotting wildlife and taking amazing photos. When on this amazing tour, keep your camera ready because you can spot lovely creatures anytime. 

11. Sunset Photography Tour 

 Golden hour in the desert is pure magic for photographers. The sunset tours enable photographers to capture amazing scenes and test their skills on a vast landscape. The guides in the desert have become pretty much experts on the subject and they will guide you where to place and at what time to capture the shot for an amazing photo or action-packed video. You can include the photography tour with your private dune buggy ride and combine the adventure with your passion. 

12. Sand Art Workshop 

You must have watched an Instagram reel of an artist creating amazing designs of the sand. Now you want to learn about art and draw something beautiful for your loved one. A sand art workshop is one such experience where you can let your imagination run free. In this workshop, local artists guide you through the process of creating designs using colored sand. The activity is both fun and relaxing. You will be given all the tools and materials needed to create your own masterpiece on a flat surface of the desert.

13. Traditional Henna Painting

Henna painting is a beautiful tradition and trying it out in the desert is an amazing experience. Professional Henna artists draw various designs and add a touch of beauty. Unlike permanent tattoos, this is a temporary form of body art famous mostly among women. You can decide among different designs during your stay in the desert. It adds to the beauty of your look and becomes a lifelong memory of cultural experience. 

14. Archery in Dubai Desert

Archery is an ancient sport people used to practice back in ancient times. It takes you back to the days when people used archery for hunting and protection. An expert will introduce you to the basics of using a bow and arrow. The cool desert breeze and vast landscape are perfect for learning this amazing skill. Archery in the Dubai desert can cost between AED 100 and AED 250, depending on the location and the length of the session.

15. Belly dance show

Finally, no visit to the desert will be complete without a belly dance show. As you settle down in a comfortable seating area in a desert camp, the music starts and performers start the show. The belly dance show is usually part of your desert safari package. If it is not included, you can add it as an exclusive addon and enjoy the dance and music in the Dubai desert. 

Top 5 Alternatives to Desert Activities in Dubai

If you're not fond of desert adventures and want to try something else, check out the following alternatives for a thrilling time in Dubai:

1. Yacht Party in Dubai at Night – Enjoy luxury on the water with skyline views, music, and good vibes under the stars.

2. Jet Ski Adventure at JBR – Ride the waves with a high-speed Jet Ski experience against the backdrop of Dubai’s skyscrapers.

3. Helicopter Ride Dubai – Get a bird’s-eye view of iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.

4. Hot Air Balloon Safari – Drift over the golden desert at sunrise for a peaceful, breathtaking adventure.

5. Dhow Cruise Dubai Creek or Marina – Relax with dinner and live entertainment on a traditional wooden boat.

Conclusion 

Many rentals in the Dubai desert provide these tours and services but none matches the class of ESA Tours. There are various family-friendly desert tour packages available. You can visit our website and choose a suitable package for a dune buggy ride, quad bike tour, and Dubai desert safari. With top-class services, enjoy the most with ESA Tours.