Dubai Desert on a budget

Dubai Desert is a good choice on a budget.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why Dubai Desert on a budget?

• Shared tours and mid-range lodging are available.
• Travelling by road instead of flying in keeps costs down.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: oryx, gazelles, foxes, camels and birdlife.

Suggested time on the ground: 1 to 2 days. 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.

Activities that fit

game drives, camel rides, camping and birdwatching.

When to go

The best period overall is December to February.

Best period for desert activities, with typical daytime highs of roughly 24–30°C.

Other destinations on a budget

• Al Marmoom United Arab Emirates
• Al Areen Bahrain
• Sharqiya Sands Oman
• Hatta United Arab Emirates
• Mleiha United Arab Emirates
• Edge of the World Saudi Arabia

Full Dubai Desert guideBest safaris on a budget

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.