Your guide to the best Desert Safari spots in Dubai

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Less than an hour from the city, this desert is pretty popular among the locals. Part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, it is located in the Saih Al Salam area and is popular for its beautiful sand dunes, and amazing views. It is also one of the best places to see wildlife in the Emirate. The reserve is home to oryx, gazelles, and desert foxes. And with over 130 species of birds, it's a birdwatcher's paradise, making it a great spot for photography or just taking in the sights. The man-made Al Qudra lake is located in the middle of the desert and is surrounded by dunes. It's a peaceful oasis in the middle of the sand.

The Rub' al Khali is a vast stretch of desert that covers much of southern Arabia, with the Liwa Desert being on its northern end. Translating to 'empty quarter', it is one of the harshest environments on Earth, with temperatures often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius and little to no rainfall. The desert is home to a variety of plants and animals that have adapted to extreme conditions. Despite its hostile environment, the region is of great cultural and historical importance. For centuries, it has been used as a trade route between Arabia and Africa. In more recent times, it has become a popular destination for adventure seekers and archaeologists alike. The Liwa Desert is truly a unique and fascinating place.

Stretching for over 2,000 square kilometers, the Lahbab Desert is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including oryx, gazelles, and spiny-tailed lizards. Despite its harsh conditions, the Lahbab Desert has a long history of human occupation. Archaeological evidence suggests that people have been living in the area for over 6,000 years. Today, about 1000 people still call the desert home, most of whom are wealthy Bedouins who are friends with the Dubai royal family. Although life in the Lahbab Desert is challenging, these nomadic people have adapted to the harsh conditions and continue to lead a traditional way of life, which the visitors can see.

Known as the 'Big Red' due to its terracotta red colour, the location is famous among 4x4 enthusiasts. This spot has the smoothest dunes that can be tackled by both rookies and professionals alike. The desert stretches from Sharjah to Dubai, and is located on the way to the Hatta Oman Road, making it easily accessible.

Also known as 'Little Liwa', since this is the training ground for most Liwa enthusiasts, the desert borders the three Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. However, Sweihan is recommended only for experienced drivers, due to its risky big dunes and soft sands combo. The Naqrah, a sand mountain is located in the Sweihan Desert. You can often find lone locals walking with their camels throughout the desert.

Located towards Kalba, the Jebel Maleihah or the Mleiha desert is also known as the 'Fossil Rock'. The amount of marine fossils in the region has given itself this name. The UNESCO nominated world heritage site, is home to the Mleiha Archeological center, from where they search and study ancient artifacts found in the region. Many tools, utensils, and skeletons of camels were found here and many photographers flock here due to its unique offerings. The Mleiha desert is a great place to learn more about the past while having an adventurous desert safari!

One of the most notable features of the desert is its huge sand dunes, and hence is known as the 'Big Fall'. In recent years, the the ruby sand desert has also become a popular location for extreme sports. The place can get pretty crowded during the weekends, so be sure to start early.