9 Tips for visiting the Dubai desert

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Rub al-Khali desert is one of the most impressive deserts in the world. A must-visit if you are travelling to Dubai.

However, it is essential that you take into account a series of tips both for your safety and so that you can enjoy your visit to the maximum and in the most comfortable way possible. Read on!

The Dubai Desert can be visited either as a solo or group tour. The advantage of a solo tour is that you will enjoy the vastness and solitude of the desert and it will be an activity to remember. However, there is a disadvantage, and that is that the level of security will always be higher than on a group tour.

On the other hand, if you opt for a group tour, you will have a wider range of activities on offer. Here are some of the options you can book:

• Desert tour with dune safari, camel ride, sandboarding, falcon experience and dinner, from RM387
• Desert tour with dune safari, camel ride and sandboarding, from RM162
• Desert tour with quad biking and sandboarding, from RM350.
• Desert tour with quad safari, Al Khayma camp and dinner in Dubai, from RM384.

The main disadvantage of these tours is that you'll be accompanied by a larger group and it can always be a bit of a hassle to walk around with more people.

Internationally, the United Arab Emirates is one of the safest countries in the world. Even so, if you're going on a trip to the desert it's important to bear in mind a number of recommendations, such as drinking water constantly to stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke.

It's also a good idea to take out insurance, especially if you're going on an adventure sport such as sandboarding across the dunes or taking a buggy tour. Usually, excursions that include these types of activities have insurance in case of any kind of incident, but don't hesitate to check the clause when you take it out, as health insurance in this country is very expensive.

In addition, I recommend that you wear appropriate clothing. Ideally, you should opt for light clothing and it is essential to bring something to cover your head. And just in case, I advise you to take a biodramine tablet, as a large percentage of visitors to the desert suffer from motion sickness because driving over the dunes is a bit bumpy and uncomfortable. In fact, forget your camera at this point and just focus on the scenery.

If you are going on an excursion to the Dubai desert you should take into account a series of recommendations regarding the appropriate clothing for visiting Dubai, both to avoid skin damage and for your own comfort.

Firstly, as far as clothing is concerned, it's best to choose linen and cotton clothing that is as light and as loose-fitting as possible. These fabrics are the most comfortable and will protect you as much as possible from the high temperatures that can reach up to 50ºC in the summer months. It is also essential to cover your whole body to avoid sunburn.

As far as footwear is concerned, you should ideally opt for a covered shoe as this will make walking more comfortable. Sandals or uncovered shoes usually get full of sand and are more uncomfortable when walking in the desert. In addition, it is essential that you take a series of accessories such as sunglasses to protect you from the sunlight in the middle of the day, as well as a scarf, cap or hat to protect your head and avoid possible sunstroke.

Traveller's advice

My recommendation is that you choose very well the clothes to wear on your visit to the desert of Dubai. Cover your whole body and opt for loose-fitting clothes made of comfortable fabrics such as linen or cotton, opt for covered footwear and don't forget a hat and sunglasses.

In addition to its breathtaking scenery and spectacular surroundings, the Dubai desert offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes. Are you up for it?

• The more adventurous can sandboard across the dunes of the Dubai desert, go quad biking or take a buggy tour.
• Other popular experiences include camping and sleeping in the Dubai desert, as well as enjoying a dance show in the desert, usually belly dancing or Tanura dancing.
• There is also the possibility of a camel ride in the desert.
• Another suggestion is to get a henna tattoo, or even dress up in typical Arab clothing and make a photo album to remember.
• You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset or even smoke a sisha.

The best time to travel to Dubai is between November/December and March as these are the months when temperatures are cooler and the heat is not so stifling and scorching. This means you'll be able to enjoy this tour more comfortably and you won't have to worry so much about protecting yourself from sunstroke.

However, you should bear in mind that, precisely for this reason, the high season coincides with the months of December in Dubai and January in Dubai and, therefore, it can be a little more uncomfortable to travel because the excursions and main attractions are more crowded with tourists and you can't enjoy the tranquillity of the desert as at other times of the year.

It's also very important to check the weather forecast before booking your tour as, although temperatures are lower in January and February, sandstorms are more likely to occur, and if you're in the desert they can be very uncomfortable and can spoil your day.

And if your trip to Dubai is with the little ones, don't hesitate to book a day trip to the Dubai desert. It's an experience they'll love. Everyone who goes with children agrees with this opinion. Having the opportunity to see the immensity of the desert is a movie experience for them. Playing in the sand or sliding down the sand dunes.

Of course, if you decide to do it, I recommend that you take a 4x4 excursion, as buggy or quad excursions are not allowed for children up to the age of 16 if they are accompanied by an adult, or even up to the age of 18. They can also enjoy a barbecue in the desert, get a henna tattoo or see and pet the camels. Don't hesitate! They will love the experience.

On your excursion to the desert of Dubai you should take into account the fact that you should protect as much as possible the electronic devices that you may be carrying such as cameras or mobile phones, as they may suffer scratches that can be totally avoidable.

To do this, I recommend that in addition to the bag or backpack in which you can carry them, you also put them in a plastic bag of a tightly fitting size and with an airtight seal so that they are not damaged by the fine sand. In this way, you will avoid a bad surprise at the end of the tour.

It's also important that you don't put them in a trouser or garment pocket as they are more likely to suffer than in your rucksack, so if you don't have one, leave it with your companion.

If you are going to the Dubai desert it is essential that you carry enough sunscreen, preferably factor 50, as the sun is quite intense and it is common to get sunburnt, even if you choose to wear clothes that cover your whole body. On the other hand, it is advisable to take some kind of isotonic or hydrating drink in addition to water.

It is also advisable to carry a pill or chewing gum for dizziness in your bag or rucksack, as being immune to driving over the desert dunes is complicated and it is common to feel dizzy or even nauseous on the route. In addition, some pills for headaches due to the intense heat and strong sun can be useful.

However, the list of medicines that travellers are allowed to take to Dubai is very limited so I recommend that you check the list or buy them directly when you land.

To get to the Dubai desert, it is best to book a tour by car. In fact, it is important that you book this experience well in advance, especially in the months of December and January which coincide with the high season, as it is one of the most popular excursions and ensures that you don't miss out on this must-do activity.

Dubai's desert is about an hour's drive from the city. In fact, you will begin to witness the arid landscape approximately three quarters of an hour after getting in the car.

It is also very important to follow the guide's instructions at all times and to respect the desert dwellers. Their life is very different from ours and it is essential to respect their way of doing things, as well as their beliefs and customs. And one last piece of advice, I recommend that before planning your visit to the desert, you read the post What to see and do in Dubai, which details a wide range of plans and activities, both in the desert and in Dubai in general.