Established in 2002, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve covers about 226 km² and protects Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle and sand gazelle. The surrounding Lahbab and Al Awir dunes are the most common setting for desert safaris from Dubai city.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Type
- Reserve
- Approx. area
- 226 km²
- Best time
- December to February
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Dubai Desert
- Arabian oryx and gazelles in a reserve of about 226 km²
- 4x4 nature drives on set routes inside the reserve
- Red dunes of Lahbab for dune drives and sandboarding
- Sunrise hot-air balloon flights over the desert
- Desert camp evenings and stargazing
Best time to visit Dubai Desert
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Dubai Desert is December to February.
Best period for desert activities, with typical daytime highs of roughly 24–30°C.
Highs usually exceed 40°C, so activities are limited to early morning and after sunset.
Arabian oryx and gazelles are resident year-round; dawn and dusk give the best sightings.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| February | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| March | 17–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| April | 21–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 26–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 28–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 27–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| October | 23–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 18–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| December | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Dubai Desert includes oryx, gazelles, foxes, camels and birdlife.
Things to do
- game drives
- dune bashing
- camel rides
- sandboarding
- quad biking
- hot-air balloon flights
- camping
- stargazing
- birdwatching
Getting there
The reserve is about an hour by road from Dubai International Airport. Visits inside the reserve run only through a small number of approved operators or the resort inside it, with no self-drive; dune trips in the Lahbab and Al Awir area are run by licensed safari companies.
Trips to Dubai Desert
Plan by travel style
- Dubai Desert for families
- Dubai Desert for a honeymoon
- Dubai Desert for photographers
- Dubai Desert for a first safari
- Dubai Desert on a budget
- Dubai Desert for luxury travel
Compare with
- Dubai Desert vs Al Marmoom
- Dubai Desert vs Ras Al Khaimah Desert
- Dubai Desert vs Liwa
- Dubai Desert vs Hatta
- Dubai Desert vs Mleiha
- Dubai Desert vs Sir Bani Yas Island
Travelling to Dubai Desert from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Dubai Desert?
Generally December to February. Best period for desert activities, with typical daytime highs of roughly 24–30°C.
How many days do I need in Dubai Desert?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Dubai Desert?
The reserve is about an hour by road from Dubai International Airport. Visits inside the reserve run only through a small number of approved operators or the resort inside it, with no self-drive; dune trips in the Lahbab and Al Awir area are run by licensed safari companies.
Sources: Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Protected Planet – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Weather Spark – Dubai climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.