Dubai Desert

Travel Guide

A desert landscape with camels and vehicles.
A group of people standing on a sandy dune in a desert landscape.
A camel caravan in a desert with riders and a guide.
A gazelle grazing in a sandy area.
Four white antelopes with long horns standing on a sandy terrain under a clear blue sky.
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.

Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm

5 out of 5
Crescent Road Dubai
The price is ¥65,143 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
¥65,143
¥80,692 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,638 reviews)
"Absolutely the best hotel i have stayed in, the hospitality is first class, everything you need for a luxury stay"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

Atlantis, The Palm
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

4 out of 5
Airport Road, Casablanca Street Dubai
The price is ¥5,353 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥5,353
¥7,227 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Very beautiful hotel and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
East Crescent Road Dubai
The price is ¥26,721 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥26,721
¥33,625 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,283 reviews)
"Very good customer service"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2026

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
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.
Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira

Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira

4 out of 5
110 Al Khaleej Road Dubai
Stay at this aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira
DAMAC Maison Aykon City Dubai

DAMAC Maison Aykon City Dubai

5 out of 5
DAMAC - AYKON CITY Dubai
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates ...
9/10 Wonderful! (105 reviews)
"We stayed here as a family with my wife and our two young children. We are from Canada and have stayed at several hotels since arriving in the UAE, and this is easily our favorite so far, especially for families with kids. Check in was smooth and easy. The hotel offers complimentary valet parking, ..."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2026

DAMAC Maison Aykon City Dubai
Millennium Atria Business Bay

Millennium Atria Business Bay

4 out of 5
Al Abraj Street, Business Bay Dubai Dubai
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (157 reviews)
"1st room wasn't perfect. A bit noisy as we were at the front of the hotel. We were then moved to another room which was far better. Service was very good"

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026

Millennium Atria Business Bay
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.

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