Top 10 Activities to Experience in Dubai Desert Safari

 Desert Safari is among the most popular things to do in Dubai during a leisure vacation. But what is desert safari all about? It's all about getting to know the roots of Dubai and experiencing the emirate's original landscape before it transformed into a global metropolis. The drive from Dubai City to the Arabian desert dunes itself the stark contrast between the emirate's two faces.  But that’s not the only motive. Once you reach the desert expanse, you are in for a day filled with thrilling adventures, fun activities and cultural immersion. Here’s a list of Dubai desert safari activities that you can include in your Dubai desert adventures. 

Dune Bashing

Undoubtedly the most anticipated desert adventure for tourists, dune bashing Dubai desert experience is a roller coaster ride across the undulating dunes.  Buckle up for a wild ride as your expert driver takes the wheel of a 4x4 vehicle to take you on an adrenaline-pumping high-speed ride over the sandy terrains. Be sure you have a strong gut for this bumpy yet exhilarating adventurous thrill in the desert! 

Dune Bashing in Dubai

Quad Biking

Love to manoeuvre the high-speed wild ride on your own? Hop on a Quadbike - a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle and zoom across the dramatic dunes all by yourself.  Feel the rush as you navigate the dunes, climb sandy hills, and zip around the desert. For thrill-seekers, it is a fantastic way to explore the desert landscape at your own pace while getting your adrenaline fix!

Kicking up dunes in style with Quad biking

Sandboarding

Dune bashing and Quad biking are high-speed adventure rides and not suited for all desert safari visitors. However, for milder thrills for that right dose of adrenaline rush, try sandboarding. It is a simple adventure ride that involves descending the high dunes of the desert, and even kids can be a part of it. Just grab a board and slide down the dunes! It’s like snowboarding, but instead of snowy slopes, you will be sliding down the sand. 

Camel Rides

Don’t forget to take the classic camel ride on a desert safari Dubai to experience the traditional way of traversing the desert. Rightly called the ‘ship of the desert’, camels are gentle and easy to ride once you get the hang of it. With a trusted guide by your side, this leisurely, slow-paced ride in the desert gives you a glimpse into past Bedouin life.

Tranquil sunsets on desert humps with Camel rides

Hot Air Ballooning 

For couples or families seeking a tranquil experience of the desert before venturing out for adventure activities, a hot air ballooning ride on the vast desert landscape is an idyllic experience to enjoy. You will take off early in the morning, just as the sun begins to rise to enjoy an early morning hot air ballooning adventure equivalent to a magic carpet ride gliding over the desert, enjoying the stunning sceneries unveiled by the morning sun rays. The desert looks ethereal in the natural golden sunlight and is immensely tranquil to experience. A hot air ballooning ride is an optional tour, and many desert safari companies offer hot air ballooning as an add-on to their morning desert safari Dubai packages, so you can easily combine it with other desert safari activities.

Soaring over Dubai’s desert sunrise with hot air balloons

Star Gazing

As an inky black canvas sprinkled with glittering stars, the clear Arabian desert sky is perfect for stargazing. It is the perfect spot away from the city lights to just lay back in the solitude of the desert ambience and enjoy the breathtaking view of the stars. Most desert safari packages that include evening activities will offer star gazing as part of the experience. Many desert safari tours include a knowledgeable guide who can point out constellations and planets, and even share some fascinating facts about the night sky. Just check with your tour provider! Dress warmly during your stargazing session as the temperature dips after sunset in the deserts. 

Cultural Shows

A traditional Bedouin treat awaits you if you have booked a desert safari tour in the evening. After you have enjoyed a soul-soothing sunset in the desert, it is time to chill out and feel the vibe change!  The desert flair has a merry charm, offering opportunities to relax with a shisha pipe while enjoying the desert ambience.  You can get beautiful, intricate designs painted on your hands or feet and flaunt these temporary tattoos. Finally, take a seat to witness vibrant and energetic performances of belly dancing and Tanoura shows. It is a fun way to embrace the local culture!

Arabian BBQ Dinner

Most evening and overnight desert safari tours include a delicious barbeque buffet feast featuring traditional Middle Eastern cuisine while enjoying the entertainment. The ambience is cosy and inviting at a beautifully decorated desert camp, with low tables laid out with comfy cushions and twinkling lights. Guests are first welcomed with refreshing sweet beverages. The menu typically features a spread of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, such as a variety of grilled meats and rice marinated in aromatic spices. Vegetarian options are usually available as well.

Overnight in Traditional Bedouin Tents

Don’t want the desert adventure to end. Simply extend your day in the Dubai desert by booking an overnight experience in the desert! There is nothing impressive like exploring the Dubai desert, enjoying pulsating adventures in the dunes and then chilling out with a sublime sunset, enticing folklore entertainment, a wholesome dinner and spending the night in cosy Bedouin tents. You will be staying in beautifully decorated tents that reflect the traditional Bedouin lifestyle with cosy, colourful fabrics and low seating, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. After a refreshing sound sleep in the silence of the desert, wake up to a gorgeous sunrise view before heading back to city life. You can also enhance your night stay in the desert with private overnight stays and luxury glamping desert safari experience where instead of simple Bedouin tents,  you will stay in grand cabanas equipped with modern amenities, enjoy a six-course dinner, and venture out on desert drives in stylish 4x4s.

Photo Opportunities

For a photographer, the Dubai desert offers a distinct nuance of natural and cultural essence. If you have a DSLR or a good smartphone camera, bring it along to shoot some high-resolution pictures of the Dubai desert. While it isn’t an adventure activity, photography in the desert offers a much-needed dopamine hit for its guests. The rolling earthy dunes against the bright blue skies create a beautiful backdrop for capturing candid group photos or selfies. The natural lighting in the desert during early mornings and evenings is perfect for capturing some amazing golden hour photography. If you are staying overnight, try your hand at astrophotography and capture stunning constellations and star-sequinned night sky. Even if you are an amateur, capture the stunning landscapes, golden dunes, and magical sunsets as a souvenir to enjoy the memories of your beautiful time spent in the Dubai deserts. 

Conclusion

These are the most popular activities you should certainly enjoy on a Dubai desert safari. You could also include other exciting adventures like wildlife viewing expeditions, falconry shows, and dune buggy rides, to name a few. So, are you ready to dive into this enchanting experience in the Dubai desert? Let us know which of these activities you are most excited about the most!

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Birthday Glamping at Damani Lodges in Hatta

I’d been eyeing Damani Lodges for years, and this October, I couldn’t really plan a birthday getaway due to my daily infusions. But after my doctor advised me on my infusion schedule, I was thrilled to learn I could finally go on a weekend trip. After spending so much time between home and the hospital, the chance to travel outside felt like a gift in itself. This birthday, I knew exactly where I wanted to go—and Damani Lodges, with its breathtaking views of Hatta’s rugged mountains, turned out to be the perfect escape.

Arrival: The Drive to Tranquility

Getting to Damani Lodges was an adventure in itself. Normally, the Hatta Express bus offers a super affordable and convenient option to reach Hatta—only 25 AED for a scenic, 1.5-hour ride from Dubai. Unfortunately, during our visit, the Hatta Express wasn’t available. Thankfully, a friend offered to drive us, making the journey comfortable and full of excitement as we left the cityscape behind and approached Hatta’s rugged terrain. Watching the mountains grow taller as we neared our destination added a sense of anticipation that made the arrival at Damani Lodges even sweeter.

Scenic Views of the Mountains going to Hatta

The Hatta Sign

Checking In: The Cozy Charm of the Lodge

We arrived at Hatta Wadi Hub and checked in. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel welcomed and well cared for. From there, we hopped onto a buggy that took us up the rugged path to our lodge, each one perched beautifully along the cliffside, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Each lodge at Damani is uniquely charming, blending rustic elements with a warm, modern style. Each comes with its own picnic table, a private grilling station, and a designated spot to set up a bonfire. My lodge was perfect—a cozy yet spacious cabin with large windows that welcomed the mountain views inside. With earthy wood tones and comfortable furnishings, the room felt like a home away from home. I especially appreciated the private terrace, where I could sit back and enjoy the view at any hour, enveloped by serenity.

The barbecue grilling station and a spot to set up the bonfire

After capturing some photos and video reels of the lodge’s stunning views, we relaxed and soaked in the mountain beauty. Then came the surprise of the day—a birthday cake from Hatta Resorts! I truly didn’t expect it, but Ed had made a way to let them know about the occasion, and they happily obliged. A huge thank you to Hatta Resorts for the thoughtful and delicious surprise!

A Mountain Sunset and Glamping Dinner by the Bonfire

For dinner, we opted for the Oriental barbecue set, which gives you the choice to have it pre-cooked or grill your own. We chose to grill our own, and it came with everything needed for a cozy outdoor meal: a private grill station, a table set up outside the lodge, and a bundle of wood for the bonfire. As the sun began its descent, Ed fired up the grill, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of barbecue. With each passing moment, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of orange and pink hues, setting the perfect scene for an unforgettable birthday dinner.

We savored our meal as the last light dipped behind the mountains, feeling a sense of serenity and joy that only nature can bring. After dinner, we sat by the warmth of a bonfire—a perfect end to a night of food, laughter, and scenic views. I think, as you grow older, you start to appreciate these quiet, intimate celebrations more than big parties. For me, this night—sharing a meal, watching the sunset, and simply being with loved ones is just perfect to mark another year. Indeed without a doubt, the best birthday celebration I could have asked for!

Waking Up to a Breathtaking View and a Picnic Breakfast

The next morning, I woke up to the breathtaking view of Hatta’s majestic mountains, the perfect way to start the day. For breakfast, we chose the Oriental breakfast set, and it was served in a charming picnic basket, thoughtfully packed with a delicious assortment of morning treats. We enjoyed the sumptuous meal on the patio, savoring each bite against the backdrop of stunning, untouched landscapes. It was a peaceful, rejuvenating moment—just us, the crisp mountain air, and a view that felt like something out of a dream.

The oriental breakfast set

Also Read: The Yard in Last Exit Al Khawaneej: Of Love Locks and Food Trucks

Fun at Wadi Hub: Archery and Axe Throwing

After breakfast, we ventured out to explore the activities at Hatta Wadi Hub. There’s something for everyone here, from intense adventure sports to laid-back activities, so it’s easy to find something enjoyable no matter your energy level. Since I can’t do intense activities just yet, I decided to try my hand at archery, while Ed opted for axe throwing. It was a hilarious experience; as I’m still working on my strength, they gave me a child’s bow and let me stand closer to the target. It turned into such a fun, lighthearted moment, with plenty of laughs and encouragement.

Rope course at Hatta Wadi Hub

Also read: Old Dubai Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply a weekend escape, Damani Lodges in Hatta offers a rare mix of adventure and tranquility that suits any occasion. The scenic surroundings, well-thought-out lodges, and wealth of outdoor activities make it a staycation destination worth repeating. This birthday, the mountains gave me exactly what I needed: a chance to pause, appreciate the little things, and welcome another year with a full heart. After the health ordeal I went through last year, I’m just so grateful to celebrate another year, surrounded by love and natural beauty.

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