Dubai Desert for photographers

Dubai Desert is a good choice for photographers.

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 for photographers?

• Chances to photograph oryx, gazelles, foxes, camels and birdlife.
• The best light is in the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset.

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, hot-air balloon flights, stargazing 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 for photographers

• Khor Al Adaid Qatar
• Sharqiya Sands Oman
• Liwa United Arab Emirates
• Empty Quarter Saudi Arabia
• Sir Bani Yas Island United Arab Emirates
• AlUla Saudi Arabia

Full Dubai Desert guideBest safaris for photographers

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.