Dubai Desert

Travel Guide

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

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-kilometer) 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
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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
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5 out of 5
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€427
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5 out of 5
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€116
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5 out of 5
Casablanca Road, Al Garhoud, Dubai
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€69
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8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
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Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
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Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Downtown Towers Apartments

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Downtown Towers Apartments

Tower 3, 43 34c Street, Dubai
Stay at this aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Dubai Cruise Terminal ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (131 reviews)
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Riggat Al Buteen Street, Deira, Dubai
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.2/10 (418 reviews)
"It was a very good choice to stay there. Buffet breakfast was so good. served freshly made omlet and 'parota'. A yong man in the restaurant was very caring person to take care of his guests. The bell boy provided services when needed."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

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Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy JBR The Walk Apartments

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy JBR The Walk Apartments

0 The Walk, Dubai
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free parking, 9 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Marina Beach and Mall of the Emirates ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (224 reviews)
"Honestly this place exceeded my expectations. My children and I booked a 3 bedroom apartment and all I can say is - WOW! It was absolutely amazing and had all of the comforts of home. It was so spacious and had amazing views of the Dubai and the bustling JBR. The pool was spectacular and had great ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy JBR The Walk 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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