What Secrets Do Dubai’s Desert Dunes Hold?

Nothing quite completes a holiday in Dubai like a thrilling and adventure-packed desert safari that is sure to have anyone holding onto the edge of their seat! From thrilling rides over sand dunes to belly dancing to authentic Arab fare, this carefully curated guide explores six must-do things on a desert safari in Dubai! 

1. Dune Bashing Like a Professional 

Thrill-seekers will love nothing more than buckling up and preparing for a rollercoaster ride across the vast sands. Dune bashing is a truly heart-pounding activity that kicks off most desert safari experiences. Experienced drivers will take safari-goers on a wild ride through towering sand dunes in 4x4 vehicles, which is sure to get one’s adrenaline rushing in seconds. It’s exhilarating, slightly chaotic, and incredibly fun, but safari-goers should be sure not to eat a heavy lunch before! 

2. Catch a Breathtaking Desert Sunset

By default, sunsets are magical, but a desert sunset is an entirely different experience altogether. Safari-goers will find themselves mesmerised by how the sand seems to change colour with each passing minute. Cameras should not be forgotten, simply because this experience is a one-of-a-kind! 

Far from the city’s lights, the desert also happens to offer one of the clearest views of the night sky. Tourists can lie back on a cushion, sip warm Arabic tea, and gaze upward as the stars twinkle, making it the perfect, quiet ending to a fun-filled day. 

3. Ride a Camel Across the Sands 

Safari-goers can step back in time and experience the desert like the Bedouins once did—on the back of a camel. These animals provide a slower, steadier journey through the dunes, allowing one to appreciate the stillness and vast beauty of the desert at a quiet pace. It's a peaceful contrast to the thrill of dune bashing and gives people a real sense of what ancient desert travel might have felt like. Additionally, it makes for a perfect photo opportunity! 

4. Try Your Hand at Sandboarding

Just like snowboarding, sandboarding is also plenty of fun and packed with adrenaline. Sandboarding allows one to surf the dunes just like going down a snowy slope—only warmer. After a quick climb to the top of a soft-sand hill, people can hop on their boards, lean forward, and let gravity do the rest. Sandboarding is all about balance, boldness, and a little bit of laughter (especially when someone falls, which people are bound to, especially if it’s their first time). It’s a great activity for both beginners and thrill-seekers alike. 

5. Enjoy a Traditional Bedouin-Style Camp Experience 

Once the sun sets, the safari immediately shifts from action-packed to relaxation at a traditional desert camp. Here, people can sink into floor cushions, sip sweet Arabic coffee, and nibble on dates as the night slowly comes alive. Visitors will be treated to plenty of live entertainment, like fire shows and belly dancing. The dinner buffet is a feast of sumptuous local flavours, featuring plenty of grilled meats, fresh salads, and sweet desserts. Planning a holiday to Dubai and searching for hotels in Sheikh Zayed Road? Tourists can book a comfortable stay at properties like La Suite Dubai Hotel and Apartments. 

6. Get a Henna Tattoo or Dress Up Like an Emirati

Want a keepsake that doesn’t come from a souvenir shop? Try getting a delicate henna tattoo—an ancient art form using natural dyes to create beautiful, temporary designs on hands or arms. Or, visitors can step into traditional Emirati attire for a fun photo shoot. Women can wear elegant, flowing abayas, while men can wear kanduras and headscarves.