Dubai Desert

Travel Guide

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

Default Image

Damac Hills 2

Check out nearby sights like The Camel Farm while you're spending some time in Damac Hills 2 and the surrounding area.

Damac Hills 2
Default Image

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 P2,781 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P2,781
P3,639 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,147 reviews)
"Great value. Breakfast didnt have many vegan options but overall great stay."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Millennium Place Marina
Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm

5 out of 5
Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P22,867 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P22,867
P28,322 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,528 reviews)
"Food unbelievable- cater for everyone. Full board was too much I would recommend going half board. Staff very friendly and accommodating. Room staff do nice little gestures such as cable tidies. They fold clothes and clean your room."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Atlantis, The Palm
Shangri-La Dubai

Shangri-La Dubai

5 out of 5
Sheikh Zayed Road, P.o. Box 75880, Dubai
The price is P6,044 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
P6,044
P7,714 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,398 reviews)
"Very nice hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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 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! (132 reviews)
"The apartment had plenty of room; and the bigger rooms were excellent, the smaller room was too small and the bed uncomfortable; we ended up not using it and sharing the bigger bed. Location was great. Staff was helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Downtown Towers Apartments
Pearl Executive Hotel Apartments

Pearl Executive Hotel Apartments

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 Aug 3, 2025

Pearl Executive Hotel Apartments
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! (225 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 Aug 8, 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.

Popular places to visit