When people think of Dubai, they often think of the glittering skyline, shopping, and the man-made wonders of this Arabian paradise. It is the largest and most popular city of the United Arab Emirates due to its rapid surge in growth and prominence over the last few decades. What most people forget, though, is this city of immense fortune started off as a fishing village on the coast of the Persian Gulf.
Dubai lies within the Arabian Desert. Gorgeous sand dunes encircle the city, and people in the know are aware that this is one of the primary appeals of visiting Dubai. Spending time outdoors, particularly at night, is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Arabian Desert.
The Desert- Sunrise to Sunset
It’s hard to believe a mere 15-minute drive out of the downtown district will find you in the middle of rolling sand dunes. The red hue of the sands will take your breath away, and within moments you will feel incredibly small and insignificant compared to the monumental natural beauty encircling your party. During the day you will discover the wildlife of the desert, which includes exotic gazelles, the oryx, and the herds of camels.
The color of the sands varies. Surrounding Dubai are white sands, with dunes running east to west. The further east you travel, the redder the sands become. Iron oxides mix with the crushed white coral and shells that make up the majority of the sands and seeing this at sunrise or sunset will take your breath away.
There are several ways to experience it. One of the most popular ways is by dune buggy. Driving over the sand is a rush like no other. Search for dune buggy rental Dubai online to find a reputable service with a great tour guide. Dune bashing will get your heart racing while your eyes drink in the luscious scenery flying past you. Seeing the desert up close is like nothing you’ve ever imagined. Pictures do not do it justice.
Another way to see the great outdoors is in a hot air balloon. From high in the air you can see over the endless dunes as they stretch toward Oman in one direction and the Persian Gulf in the other. Track herds of gazelles as they graze through the sands, all while safely floating overhead.
Enjoy a desert safari where you will be driven out to a traditional camp. There you will enjoy delicious foods, take a ride on a camel, and be presented with live entertainment such as belly dancing, and music. Nothing beats a meal of middle eastern foods while dancers entertain you and your party around a roaring fire.
Desert Nights
If you opt to spend the night under the stars, you won’t regret it. No street lamps or stop lights to pollute the view, you will see stars you didn’t know existed. In fact, the night skies are so beautiful a stargazing center has opened up in Dubai for amateur astronomers. Professionals and amateurs alike appreciate the nighttime views from the desert, and you will too.
The moon seems brighter and closer, and you will be hard pressed to shut your eyes for sleep. Constellations will overwhelm your senses; many you will never have noticed before due to urban pollution. The stars spin overhead timelessly and your inner clock will slow to a crawl. Nothing beats the majesty of the night sky in the Arabian Desert for changing your perspective about your place in the boundless universe.
One thing to remember, is to bring warm clothing. The weather in the desert changes quickly. It’s hot during the day, but once the sun sets a chill lays claim to the sands. On a guided tour you will most likely have heat or a fire to keep warm with, but be sure to bring extra garments just in case.
You Only Live Once
Visiting the desert surrounding Dubai needs to be on your bucket list. The city of Dubai is amazing, but it has nothing on the incredible natural scenery that surrounds it. Enjoy hot desert days and cool nights by a fire, all while eating kabobs and dolmas. Most people never have the opportunity to travel to Dubai, or see the scenic wonders the Arabian desert offers. Find a dune buggy rental in Dubai and discover the secrets of the desert presented safely to you by a tour guide. It’s a visit you will always remember and never regret taking.
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