A visit to Dubai is never complete without a visit to the vast stretches of desert land in the region. Dubai has developed its scape over the last few years to get the city to modernize its infrastructure and tourism. The skyscrapers, shopping malls, entertainment zones, and beaches are always what comes to anyone’s mind when they think of Dubai.
Dubai tourism has upgraded the desert experience to nurture its culture and heritage. This way tourists from all over the world can have a look at the authentic experience offered in this Arabian city.
When you get bored of the city hustle and the modernity of Dubai, treat yourself to a weekend in the middle of a desert in Dubai. Here are some of the desert getaways you can check out when in Dubai.
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is a luxury collection property by Marriott Bonvoy. The manner in which this resort is designed evokes Dubai’s Bedouin heritage. This place serves an excellent blend of modern-day luxury with the serenity of the desert.
Al Maha Desert Resort offers timeless traditional experiences like dining among the dunes, gazing at the stars, and camel trekking to their guests. While at the resort you can spot desert fauna like Arabian oryx and desert gazelles. You can explore the desert on a camel, horseback, or a 4X4.
This luxury resort is home to 42 suites each having a private pool and sun deck. The resort also offers a panoramic view of the endless desert that lies around it. It is also home to Al Diwaan, a fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic Arabic cuisine.
Al Maha Desert Resort offers add-on services like dining under the stars and spa packages. You can experience luxury services like floating breakfast in the pool or romantic dinners by the pool in the resort.
Price: An average package at the resort costs around AED7,300 per night.
Location: It is located in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. There are no public transport routes that take you to the destination. However, the resort is accessible via Dubai – Al Ain Rd/E66 and Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11. It is a 45-minute drive from the city.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort offers you a five-star desert escape in the middle of Al Qudra desert in Dubai. It is also one of the most popular resorts in the region. The architecture, design, and luxury sync with the Arabian traditional vibe.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is perfect for families, couples, and friends who wish to spend a quality weekend together. The resort offers a wide range of activities and experiences you can indulge in. While at the resort go on a desert safari or a camel or horse ride to enjoy the vast desert lands that lie ahead of you.
If you would like a therapeutic time at the resort, book their spa treatments which can balance your senses. You can spend your time at their signature hammam to explore the traditional way of detoxifying and purifying your body and soul with heat and steam. You can also book a party by the pool with your friends.
Bab Al Shams Resort offers live entertainment shows for guests. The resort is also home to Al Hadheerah restaurant which specializes in authentic Arabian dining.
Bookings from February 2023 are open on their website. Currently, the resort is closed for renovation.
Price: The packages offered by the resort start from AED1,350 per night.
Location: It is located on Al Qudra Rd, opposite Endurance City. There are no public transport routes that take you near the resort. However, there are buses that take you to Endurance City, which is over 2 km distant from the resort. The resort is accessible by Dubai – Al Ain Rd/E66 or Al Qudra Rd/D63.
Melia Desert Palm
Melia Desert Palm offers you one of the most unique desert getaways in the region. Melia Desert Palm is a boutique hotel surrounded by Dubai’s Polo Club. This desert oasis resort is just a few minutes away from the city.
Melia Desert Palm offers you all the greeny vibes you need in a city like Dubai with the 160-acre polo setting. The resort is home to 38 exclusive rooms that overlook the green lawns. They offer rooms with a private pool, courtyard, and terrace that offer you mesmerizing views of the surroundings.
At the resort, you can indulge in luxury experiences like a spa, destination dining, and equestrian activities. The Samana spa is a must-visit experience for Melia Desert Palm guests. If you are interested in horse riding, you can visit the Polo and Horse-Riding School at Melia Desert Palm. You can spend your time at the infinity pool or dine at Rare, the signature steakhouse.
Melia Desert Palm is also a perfect venue to host your special events. Book a weekend at this unique luxury retreat on their website.
Price: An average package at the resort costs around AED2,800 per night.
Location: It is located in Warsan, Dubai. The spot is easily accessible by Dubai highways as it is located near to Dubai’s urban landmarks. If you wish to reach the spot by public transport, get down at the Dubai Safari Park bus stop since that is the nearest you can get to the destination. From there you could book a cab.
Arabian Adventures
Arabian Adventures offers one of the best ways to explore Dubai's desert lands. You can enjoy the beautiful sandscapes through their exclusive packages. This premium tour company is all about glamping experiences and adventures in the desert.
You can cut out the part of planning as Arabian Adventures will provide you with the perfect itinerary you can have. You can let them know your budget and preferences, and then leave it to them to curate the tour for you. At Arabian Adventures you will be able to hop on a desert safari or dine under the stars. You can also explore the desert flora and fauna during your time with them.
You can sandboard through the dunes to excite the child in you. The sand buggy expedition will let you skim through the endless desert lands. The most interesting part is that you can book an all-inclusive package, then you need not pay additionally to enjoy these unique experiences.
Arabian Adventures provide you with the comfiest tents surrounding a gazebo and bonfire for your stay here. You can treat yourself to authentic Arabic cuisine served by a personal butler. You will be served a three-course BBQ dinner in a desert fine dining experience.
Price: The most basic package here costs AED349 and the packages can go up to AED3500 accordingly.
Location: The campsite is located in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. You can visit their office at Emirates Holidays Building in Business Bay, Dubai.
Platinum Heritage
Platinum Heritage is an advocate for ecotourism in the region. They offer adventures that align with the principles of sustainability. You can experience a Bedouin culture by following in their footsteps or choosing to camp in all luxury settings.
Platinum Heritage offers you many desert adventures like driving between the dunes, star gazing with a professional astronomer, or meeting with the local bedouins to know more about their lifestyle. Platinum Heritage also has a heritage-centric tour that will take you in a vintage Range Rover.
Platinum Heritage offers three options for safaris; heritage collection, platinum collection, and overland collection. Platinum heritage has partnered with Balloon Adventures to offer you a hot air balloon ride, a new attraction in Dubai, that takes you through the endless deserts of Dubai.
You can embark on a camel ride to spot desert flora and fauna. If you are lucky you might be able to spot Arabian oryx or desert gazelles on your way through the desert. You will also have an opportunity to enjoy a falcon show where a professional falconer trains the bird to hunt.
Price: The basic package at this spot starts from AED595 per person.
Location: The campsite is in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. You can visit their office in Control Tower (Office 1303), Motor City, Dubai.
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