Dubai Desert Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dubai Desert which includes desert views, vehicle touring and land animals
Dubai Desert showing desert views as well as a small group of people
Dubai Desert showing desert views and land animals as well as a small group of people
Dubai Desert which includes land animals and desert views
Dubai Desert featuring land animals and desert views

The first national park in the United Emirates is a vast desert with trekking trails, camel and horseback tours and Bedouin camping experiences under the stars.

Dubai is best known as a destination to experience some of the world's most impressive modern-day skyscrapers, massive shopping malls and luxurious lifestyle resorts. Yet, the biggest project in the United Emirates is the preservation of the region's natural ecosystem. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a protected area of Arabian Desert, 225-square-kilometres (87-square-miles) in size: An area of land that equals almost 5 percent of Dubai's total land area.

Formally a camel farm, today the reserve is abundant with plants and animal species. The land was purchased by the UAE's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in an effort to balance Dubai's rapid urban growth with the preservation of the natural ecosystem.

The only way to explore the park is through an approved tour operator. There are a range of experiences to choose from, including camel treks, SUV tours through the desert terrain and over sand dunes, resort stays, Bedouin camping experiences, as well as archery and falconry displays.

Some of the region's most fascinating wildlife can also be discovered here. See herds of free-roaming Arabian gazelles and an array of bird species. Look out for nocturnal sand cats, side-winding vipers and Ethiopian hedgehogs. Since the park has been established, endangered wildlife species have been reintroduced, including the Arabian oryx and Macqueen’s bustards. Tour guides are informative and will talk about the desert ecosystem and the history of the park.

Other tour options include desert sporting activities: Slide on a sand board down dunes or pick up a traditional bow and arrow and practise hitting the target in a game of archery.

When the sun starts to set over the horizon, settle into a Bedouin tent for a desert meal of grilled meats, rice, yogurt, Arabic sweets and teas. Stay the night and camp under the desert stars. When the sun rises in the morning, enjoy a Bedouin breakfast.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is inland of Dubai, approximately 1 hour from the city centre.

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
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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
Millennium Place Marina

Millennium Place Marina

4 out of 5
Al Marsa Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai
The price is AU$286 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$286
per night
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,227 reviews)
"Everything is amazing"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Millennium Place Marina
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront

5 out of 5
Al Abraaj Street, Business Bay, Dubai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$313 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$313
per night
30 Oct - 31 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,133 reviews)
"It was great!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
Shangri-La Dubai

Shangri-La Dubai

5 out of 5
Sheikh Zayed Road, P.o. Box 75880, Dubai
The price is AU$412 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$412
per night
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,482 reviews)
"Loved the facilities (the outdoor pool was stunning) and the staff treated us with the most respect and kindness. Everyone was so helpful and made our stay in Dubai worth it."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Shangri-La 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.
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Business Bay Apartments

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Business Bay Apartments

6B Marasi Drive, Dubai, DU
Stay at this aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (192 reviews)
"I had a pleasant stay, with a special mention for Rue at the reception. Thank you for the great care."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Business Bay Apartments
Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites

Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites

5 out of 5
P.O. Box 502624, Dubai Media City, TECOM, Dubai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (475 reviews)
"Great stay, I would recommend for anyone. Restaurant was nice. Room was nice. ATM right past the lobby. Grocery store right across the street. Super convenient."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
Marina Hotel Apartments

Marina Hotel Apartments

5 out of 5
Marina Walk El Emreef Street No 14, Dubai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (504 reviews)
"Nice stuff Very nice clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Marina Hotel Apartments
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.

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