The Dubai desert is so huge that one can take all kinds of adventures and keep gazing at its beauty day and night. The unimaginable stretch of dunes is perfect for off-road adventures, camel riding, overnight camping, and stargazing. From adventure to sightseeing, and cultural immersion, there are lots of Dubai desert activities to participate in.

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Photo by Haris khan

1. Dune Bashing: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

If you want to experience the adrenaline rush, try dune bashing. This thrilling activity is designed only for adrenaline junkies looking for crazy things. It’s a roller coaster ride on the sandy surface of the desert. A powerful 4×4 vehicle is used for this activity with an experienced driver in the driver’s seat. When taking the crazy ride on the desert surface, ensure you’re fit and don’t have any ailments so that you don’t throw away. Dune bashing is for the young and fit and one of the best things to do in the Dubai desert.

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Photo by Fernando Jorge

2. Camel Riding: A Journey Back in Time

A camel ride is a must for a wholesome safari experience. Camels more commonly known as ‘ships of the desert’ have been in use by Bedouins for transportation over the desert terrains for ages. Camel riding is way more relaxing than camel racing; it gives time to enjoy the vastness and complete quietness of the place. Remember to climb on the back of the camel with a camera so that you can capture amazing scenes.

Camel rides usually take up to half an hour to an hour. You will get adequate time to marvel at the desert’s beauty. When you experience the gentle sway as the camel treads the desert surface, you’ll come to understand why these friendly animals are still a part of the region’s culture. You can feel a traditional connection with the region with a camel ride. The gentle movement of the camel and the sounds of its footsteps hitting the ground create a soothing experience.

3. Sandboarding: Surfing the Dunes

Sandboarding is an adventurous sport. It is enjoyed by standing on a sandboard with feet strapped and sliding down steep dunes. Dubai’s desert is ideal for enjoying this extreme sport. The towering dunes make a perfect playground to enjoy. Also, sandboarding is safe due to the smooth surface of dunes. This exciting solo adventure is an essential inclusion in all desert safari tours. For the beginner, the tour operators provide basic training to build confidence and enjoy the adventure alone. With excitement, you can also enjoy the natural desert scenery with sandboarding.

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Photo by James Mills

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride: A Bird’s Eye View of the Desert

A hot air balloon ride is best for enjoying an aerial view of the vast desert landscape. It starts early in the morning, and you can also watch the prep work for the flight. Once you get into the balloon and soar high above the ground, you will witness a breathtaking spectacle below the ground. The array of colors painted by the rising sun will soothe your eyes. The ride offers a unique perspective on the diversity of the desert from above.

This relaxing and enjoyable activity lasts for an hour allowing you to soak in the breathtaking scenery to your heart. Some hot air balloon rides also include falconry displays to up the experience. For nature lovers and photographers, this combination is nothing short of magical. The safe, gentle hot air balloon ride is a contrast to the intense Dubai desert activities that you’ll enjoy to the fullest.

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Photo by Toa Heftiba

5. Off-Road Adventure

If you want to experience off-road adventure, don’t miss the Dune Buggy Dubai adventure. The dune buggies for the adventure are all-terrain vehicles customized particularly keeping in mind safety and ease of navigating through the rugged desert terrain. Since you alone be taking this adventure, of course after taking safety instructions from the experienced instructor, you can explore the adventure level by accelerating the buggy to your liking and confidence. The robust safety features and powerful engines provide the riders with a fun and safe adventure. You will enjoy exhilarating moments when speeding over dunes or riding the buggy.

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Photo by Daniel Murad

6. Desert Camping and Stargazing

After a full day of exciting and adventurous activities, you can unwind in a desert camp. The camping offers the opportunity to spend a night under the stars in the desert. It allows you to experience the serene desert environment at night. Besides enjoying the views of the shining stars in the sky, the sound of the nocturnal animals indigenous to the desert will also excite you. The striking contrast between the city lights and the twinkling stars in the desert will leave you speechless.

Many tour operators provide desert camping that offers a mix of modern comfort and traditional Bedouin amenities. Before getting into your tent, you will relish a delicious BBQ dinner, watch eye-soothing dance performances, and enjoy the cool night breeze sitting next to a bonfire. So, when looking for the best desert safari tours in Dubai, check for an overnight camping option.


Dubai’s desert is apt for all ages to enjoy different types of activities. From the thrills of dune bashing and excitement of Dune Buggy Dubai rides to the peaceful and interesting hot air balloon ride, there are plenty of things to do in the Dubai desert. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, a desert safari can surely make your trip unforgettable. Book one of the best desert safari tours in Dubai that offers a well-rounded mix of activities.