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.
Dubai Desert
Travel Guide





Visit Dubai Desert
Where to stay in Dubai Desert

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.

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.

Grand Millennium Business Bay
Staff were very friendly, accommodating, and welcoming from the get go. They provided helpful advice and service throughout our trip
Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

Atlantis, The Palm
Clean room, friendly staffs, a lot of activities in hotel
Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
Quiet old
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

Hyatt Regency Galleria Residence Dubai
The apartment in the hotel was amazing clean and the bed was comfortable and has washer and dryer
Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
The breakfast menu was vast with lots of different options. Staff was cooperative and rooms were spotless.
Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

Mileo Hotel The Palm
I actually stayed at Mileo for a total of 28 days, and it was by far one of the best hotels I've stayed at in a long while. The service is way above par, and the staff go above and beyond to make sure your stay is the most comfortable as possible, nothing is too much. A massive shout out to Amona, ...
Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025
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