From luxurious shopping malls to modern architecture, Dubai has much to see and explore for travelers. Attracting over 16 million international tourists annually, Dubai is known worldwide as a hub for business, culture, and unmatched luxury. Yet, before the city we know today was built, Dubai was nothing more than miles and miles of desert sand. A simple online image search will show you dozens of before and after photos that will completely blow your mind.

Located just an hour from the city, the desert remains and is ready to be explored by visitors interested to see what the desert is really like. While most of your trip’s itinerary will encompass city sightseeing, such as visiting the Burj Khalifa, visiting the desert is a refreshing and authentic experience you can’t miss on a trip to Dubai. Here’s why a desert safari in Dubai is worth adding to your travel bucket list.

Desert Safari Dubai ride

My desert safari in Dubai began with a pick-up at my hotel by my tour guide. As we drove from the city to the desert (approximately one hour, depending on which hotels are involved in the pick-up process), I noticed a significant shift in landscape from city skyscrapers to miles and miles of desert. Throughout the car ride, I learned endless interesting facts about Dubai, such as camel hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. (Yes, really).

Once we arrived at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), traditional headscarves were provided to protect us from the sand and wind. Guides will help wrap the scarves appropriately, so don’t worry if you don’t know how. From here, we embarked on a one-hour adventure in a vintage Land Rover. The experience was indeed unlike anything I’ve seen before. As someone prone to motion sickness, I had no issues with the bumps and curves of the adventure. It was just the “right” level of thrill and enjoyment.

As you ride through the Conservation Reserve, tour guides will pull over to the side to point out significant sights. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot an Arabian Oryx, known for its distinctive white coat. We also spotted multiple Arabian Gazelles and Sand Gazelles. It wasn’t until I was at this point of the tour that I truly felt that “I’m nowhere near home” feeling you get when you’re traveling to new countries.

Dinner at the camp