Surprising Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in the Dubai Desert

When most people talk about the desert, they usually think of the endless dunes and the blazing hot sun just beating down on them, and maybe being able to spot a few camels if they're lucky. Well, that certainly doesn't sound appealing to me at all, but fortunately, Dubai’s desert is far from that imagery and has transformed over the years into an opportunity for people to take part in and witness all types of experiences and activities. It's become a place where wellness, culture, and adventure all meet to make something truly special.

To name a few, here are some of the most unexpected things you can do in the desert; these are truly unforgettable experiences.

Yesss, that is right, you don't have to leave your fitness and well-being behind at home. Wellness can thrive in the sand, and you'll never feel better. There's just something so magical about setting out your yoga mat on the soft sand as you help your body stretch as the sun rises. Desert yoga sessions are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those who are most spiritual in nature. These sessions are higher in demand around full moons and any seasonal solstices. The calm of the sandy desert allows you to have the ideal atmosphere to focus on your breathwork and meditate in peace.

Now, let's add sound healing to the mix; it's a new level of serenity you'll reach. The singing bowls made of crystal echo the most relaxing melody. These sessions are perfect for those who want to reset their energy and take a break from the noise of the city.

Exploring a new city or a new country isn't just about eating new food and looking at landmarks, you travel the world to understand the world, to know about other heritages. This is why in the Dubai desert, the camps give visitors more than just another dinner experience; they give a whole experience of what their heritage is all about. This dinner under the stars will blow your mind, surrounded by lanterns and the scent of oud all around as you enjoy live entertainment and performances.

This is where the traditional Tanoura dancers shine, they display their fire shows and belly dancers to give you an experience that is truly immersive and brings together the renowned Emirati hospitality, and adds it to Middle Eastern style entertainment. And suppose you want a more high-end experience. In that case, some of the more luxurious desert camps offer private dinners in the dunes, and you can completely personalize your experience and get access to their more gourmet menu.

Your adventure isn't just limited to the ground; there are hot air balloon rides that you can take to ride over the Dubai desert, and it's one of the most breathtaking views you'll see.

Most of these hot air balloons tend to take off at sunrise, and it's completely worth the early morning. You'll get to see the beauty of watching the sky shift from its starry black sky and shift into gold as the dunes below you start to light up from the glow of the sun. There's even a chance that you'll land your eyes on a gazelle or an oryx that early in the morning.

It's a surreal experience, and it's so silent and serene, the only sound you'll manage to hear at that time would be the occasional crackle of the fire above. The best way to end the ride, most of these rides also come with a gourmet breakfast once you're back on land.

If you want more of an adrenaline rush, try your hand at sandboarding. Just strap yourself in and make your way down some of Dubai’s dunes that can go as tall as 300 feet. But this is not dangerous at all, it's much easier too, you don't need any lift lines or wait for the cold weather, not to mention that the soft sand and cushioned landing make it much more beginner-friendly. A lot of desert safari tours in Dubai also include sandboarding as well as dune bashing and quad biking.

The desert is far away from the noise and lights of the city, and it's a natural canvas for some of the most beautiful paintings of the stars. Some of these desert safari experiences also offer some light stargazing, where you get to see through a telescope and hear stories about some of the ancient constellations.

The desert is more than just sand; it's a place of adventure, calm, and a new perspective. There is no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of the place.