Cities and beaches are often the first things that come to mind when people think of the UAE and Oman. Beyond the towns and beaches, though, is a beautiful desert that has some of the most exciting adventure activities in the area. The deserts of the UAE and Oman are great for travellers who want to have fun and learn about other cultures. Activities like dune bashing and camel trips are both very exciting and very relaxing.
1. Dune bash in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Dune bashing is one of the most popular things to do in the UAE desert. Imagine getting in a strong 4×4 and going fast up and down golden sand hills at crazy angles. Some of the best dune bashing can be found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These cities are also common stops on evening desert safaris that include culture shows and barbecue dinners. It’s a sand roller coaster, not just a ride.
2. Sandboarding in the empty quarter
Those who like snowboarding should try sandboarding, which is like snowboarding but in the desert. Liwa in the UAE’s Empty Quarter and Wahiba Sands in Oman are both great places for this sport because they have big dunes. Get on a board, glide down the soft sands, and enjoy the thrill of the journey. Sand is easier to play in than snow, so it’s fun and safe for both beginners and people who like to get scared.
3. Hiking with camels in Oman
A camel ride through Oman’s deserts is a more traditional way to get to know the Bedouin way of life. The “ships of the desert” let you slowly cross over golden dunes, giving you time to enjoy the vast silence and beauty of the scenery. A lot of tours in Wahiba Sands and Sharqiya include overnight stays in Bedouin-style camps. These are great places to enjoy Omani culture while stargazing.
4. Camp in the desert under the stars
Both the UAE and Oman have amazing desert camping adventures that you will never forget. In the UAE, campsites near Dubai and Al Ain offer modern comforts. In Oman’s Wahiba Sands, Bedouin families host travellers in more basic campsites. The experience of sitting around a campfire with traditional music playing, Arabic coffee in your hand, and a sky full of stars instead of city lights is something you’ll never forget.
5. Rides in hot air balloons in Dubai
Seeing the desert from above is one of the best things you can do. When you go on a hot air balloon ride in Dubai in the morning, you can see endless dunes, camels roaming, and even the Hajar Mountains in the distance. There is silence in the sky, and the sun is painting the sand orange and gold. It is a peaceful and amazing journey.
Read Also : top 15 Buffet breakfest in Muscat, Oman
6. Going quad biking in Oman and Sharjah
Quad riding is the best way to experience the desert if you like being in charge of your trip. Quad riding is popular in the Al Badayer Desert in Sharjah and the Wahiba Sands in Oman. It lets you ride at your own speed across dunes. People love it because it gives them both speed and freedom. It’s great for groups of friends or to go on adventures by yourself.
7. Getting to Know Oman’s Empty Quarter
The Empty Quarter, or Rub al Khali, is the world’s biggest sand desert. It covers parts of Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Adventurers can go on organised tours to see its dramatic dunes, old caravan routes, and outlying oases. Not for the faint of heart, but this is the best desert trip for people who want to see untouched landscapes.