The United Arab Emirates is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse deserts in the world. From the towering sand dunes of the Liwa Desert to the lush oases of the Al Faya Desert, there is something for everyone in the UAE’s deserts.
The UAE’s deserts are a beautiful and unique place to visit. Whether you are looking for an adventure or a more tranquil experience, you are sure to find something to enjoy in the UAE’s deserts.
UAE deserts are mostly common for desert safari activities.
Deserts in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its vast desert landscapes. Here are some of the prominent deserts in the UAE:
1. Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter)
The Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, stands as the world’s largest continuous sand desert. Stretching over an impressive expanse of approximately 650,000 square kilometers (250,000 square miles) in the southern Arabian Peninsula, this remarkable desert traverses Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Its name, Rub’ al Khali, derives from Arabic and translates to “Empty Quarter,” aptly capturing the essence of this expansive desert. It is a vast and uninhabited region with scarce oases and human settlements. The climate within the Rub’ al Khali is characterized by scorching heat and aridness, with summer temperatures soaring up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
Despite the harshness of its environment, the Rub’ al Khali teems with a surprising array of flora and fauna. Amidst its sea of sand dunes, one can encounter resilient shrubs, slithering snakes, elusive lizards, and iconic camels. Unsurprisingly, the Rub’ al Khali has become a magnet for adventurous tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the grandeur and allure of this magnificent desert.
2. Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi
The Liwa Desert is a large desert located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is part of the Rub’ al Khali, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world. The Liwa Desert is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, including the Moreeb Dune, which is over 250 meters (820 feet) high. The desert is also home to a number of oases, which provide water for plants and animals.
The Liwa Desert is a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the desert’s beauty and to participate in activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding.
3. Al Badayer Desert in Sharjah
Al Badayer Desert is a desert located in the central region of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of the desert and participate in activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding.
The desert is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the UAE, including the Big Red Dune, which is over 300 meters (1,000 feet) high. The dunes are made up of fine, soft sand that is perfect for sandboarding.
There are also a number of oases in Al Badayer Desert, which provide water for plants and animals. The oases are home to date palms, palm trees, and other vegetation.
If you are planning to visit Al Badayer Desert, it is important to be prepared for the extreme heat and dry conditions. You should also be aware of the wildlife in the area, and take precautions to stay safe.
4. Al Qudra Desert in Dubai
Al Qudra Desert is a desert located in the outskirts of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who want to experience the beauty of the desert and participate in activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding.
The desert is home to a number of sand dunes, including the Love Lakes, which are two interconnected heart-shaped lakes. The dunes are made up of fine, soft sand that is perfect for sandboarding.
There are also a number of oases in Al Qudra Desert, which provide water for plants and animals. The oases are home to date palms, palm trees, and other vegetation.
If you are planning to visit Al Qudra Desert, it is important to be prepared for the extreme heat and dry conditions. You should also be aware of the wildlife in the area, and take precautions to stay safe.
5. Al Faya Desert in Sharjah
Al Faya Desert is a desert located in the emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of the desert and participate in activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding.
The desert is home to a number of sand dunes, including the Mubarak Al Fayah Sand Dunes, which are some of the tallest in the UAE. The dunes are made up of fine, soft sand that is perfect for sandboarding.
There are also a number of oases in Al Faya Desert, which provide water for plants and animals. The oases are home to date palms, palm trees, and other vegetation.
If you are planning to visit Al Faya Desert, it is important to be prepared for the extreme heat and dry conditions. You should also be aware of the wildlife in the area, and take precautions to stay safe.
Things to Do in the Desert
Deserts in Dubai are one of the favorite tourist destinations. There are tons of tourist providers which host different tourism activities in Dubai including All UAE Tours. Here are the activities which you can do or enjoy in the desert.
- Sand surfing:
- Camel Ride
- Dune Bashing
- Quad Bike
- Dune Buggy
- Henna Tattoo
- Camping in Desert
