The Best Desert Escapes Around Dubai

Visiting Dubai, you would expect to see and be directed towards the record-breaking architecture, adventure parks, and countless numbers of malls and dining experiences – but not so much of UAE’s nature. If you’re more of an outdoors type, don’t worry – there’s plenty of ways to keep yourself busy camping or driving through the UAE deserts when the weather is just right from October to February. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Camping:

Al Qudra Desert & Lakes

Aerial view of Al Qudra Lakes in a desert in Dubai

One of the closest deserts to the Emirate of Dubai, Al Qudra Desert, located less than an hour’s drive from the city, is one of the most popular camping spots amongst residents. Perfect for quiet weekend escapes or a campsite party by the many lakes, it’s close enough to feel like home and far enough to see a sky full of stars! Make sure to head out with a 4×4 and a first aid kit, but don’t worry, you’ll still get a network as you’re close enough to the city.

Off-Roading:

Sweihan Desert

Located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Sweihan Desert is a great choice for heading out on an off-roading adventure! Local groups like Offroad Bug and MTM Powersports organize themselves and head out, but get in touch before thinking of catching a ride – they make sure these tours are with pro drivers only!

Sweihan Desert, United Arab Emirates

Trekking:

Jabal Al Jais Mountain

One of the tallest mountains in the UAE, located just along the UAE-Oman border in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, is a trekking experience for all. With regular marathons held from the base to the peak of the mountain, residents and tourists can have a great day getaway. Reaching the top is as rewarding and refreshing as the journey away from the city noise and also makes a great place to set up camp if you’re in for the night.

Jabal Al Jais Mountain, Border of United Emirates and Oman

Safari

Although the Dubai Safari Park project has not yet been finalized, if you’d just like a mini day tour of the Dubai or Abu Dhabi deserts while visiting, you can still always book for a desert safari. This is most likely to be the first thing hotels would expect you to look for, so ask your concierge, and they will definitely put you in touch with a partner company! It’s safe and fun for the entire family, complete with safari rides, sand boarding, henna painting, food, and evening music entertainment. It’s a great way to enjoy the UAE outdoors if you’re visiting on a short trip!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.