...

The History and Traditions of the Dubai Desert Safari

best desert safari dubai

The Dubai desert safari is among the top tourist attractions in the city, and millions of people who visit here try it once to experience the cultural and traditional side of Dubai. Have you ever wondered how the desert safari started here and what its history is?

The Best Desert Safari Dubai finds its roots in beautiful Arabian deserts, where, just a century ago, people lived in tents and traveled on camels. Since there was no TV, they entertained themselves with dance performances and sporting events. The city residents haven’t forgotten their roots and have kept all these traditions alive for tourists to experience on a well-organized desert safari tour.

Let’s dive into more detail regarding what desert safari is all about and a more detailed analysis of its history.

What is the History of Dubai Desert Safari Adventure

The region today known as Dubai was once a sprawling desert that stretched for miles. The nomadic people lived here in camps and traveled on camels to nearby areas if needed. This was the way of life for many centuries until the 20th century when oil was discovered in the region. The region transformed as a result, and today, it is the world’s leading economic hub, as we know.

However, the locals were still very much interested in preserving their Bedouin traditions and heritage. This thinking led to the establishment of Desert Safari adventures in the late 80’s. It has undergone many changes over the years as the technology has developed.

For instance, dune bashing rides, quad biking, hot air balloon rides, and similar activities were added just recently. The desert safari camp facilities have been upgraded as well by adding toilets and Air conditioners. Such developments have led to an increase in the popularity of safari tours. Just last year, in 2023, the desert safari trip and ATV tours were ranked at the No.2 spot among the most popular activities in Dubai.

You can easily find reputable safari tour operators nowadays in Dubai since anyone with little knowledge has started selling these services. At Enduro Bike Advanture, we offer Desert Safari Adventure in the morning, evenings, and nighttime at very competitive prices. Plus, we have more than 10 years of experience regarding desert adventures and know every inch of desert terrain. Our expert guides are here to make your experience a memorable one.

Safari camp desert

Cultural and Traditional Side of Dubai Desert Safaris

While most of you know the adventurous side of desert safaris, which includes dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, and dirt biking, but safaris were introduced in the first place to preserve the culture and traditions of the region. These rides can be booked separately if you want to, but the cultural experience is what makes the Best Desert Safari Dubai tour stand out from other activities in Dubai. So here are a few cultural things to expect on a safari adventure:

  • Camel Rides

Camels have been an integral part of Arab culture and, in fact, were the main means of transport in the past. They were used for trading, traveling, and transporting goods from one place to another.

While camels are not used the same today as they were before but they are still an important part of Bedouin tradition, and locals even have built camel farms to breed and preserve them.

As a tourist on a Dubai desert safari tour, you can go on 30-40 minutes of bumpy camel rides and experience what it means to be a Bedouin. In fact, you can visit these camel farms to learn more about them and choose a camel of your liking for the ride.

  • Stay at Bedouin Style Camp

On your desert safari adventure, you get to stay at a Bedouin-style campsite that is laden with all the cultural elements to give you an authentic taste of what it meant to live as an Arab in the past. You can rest here, too, after a hectic day full of safari activities and energize yourself.

The camp has sofas, carpets, and clay pot cutlery in which you can drink coffee, tea, and shisha as well.

In overnight desert safari packages, you get to stay in these camps too and sleep here while experiencing stargazing later in the night. You can also bring your own tents too if you want, but it would not be more feasible.

  • Entertainment and Live Performances

As mentioned in the past, there was rarely any TV or other forms of entertainment, so locals had to rely on live performances/shows and dances to entertain themselves. As a part of the safari tour, you also get to experience live and magical performances by locals that are sure to take your breath away.

Like Tanoura, a folklore dance performed by a male dancer, as a result of its origin among the Sufis, it has become one of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions. Dancers wear a weighted skirt called a ‘Tanoura.’ Throughout the dance, the performer will spin

Then there is Belly dancing done in a similar style by Young Women on a piece of slow rhythmic music. In the end, there is a fire show that is surely a daring activity because the performers use various props like poi, staff, or fire fans to create stunning displays. They also do fire breathers when they manipulate fire by exhaling a fine mist of fuel over an open flame.

  • Live BBQ Buffet and Dinner

On the evening and overnight desert safaris, as a part of your package, you can enjoy a variety of authentic local dishes in buffet style. These dishes include BBQ cuisines such as lamb chops, kebabs, grilled chicken served with hummus, and hot sauces that are sure to treat your taste buds.

There are also starters available, such as salads, tabouleh, fattoush, and Arabic Bread. There are also non-vegetarian items available for those who don’t eat meat. This dinner feast is meant to provide you with what the locals eat and enjoy.

  • Family Activities on Campsite

Some family-friendly activities are also offered at the campsite, besides entertainment and a BBQ buffet. These include Henna painting sessions, where an expert designer draws beautiful and catchy designs on your body. Henn paintings date back to ancient Egypt, and these designs were meant to bring good health, fertility, wisdom, and protection to individuals and couples alike.

  • Falconry Displays

Falcons are a cultural symbol of the UAE, and in the past, people used these birds to hunt and prey while traveling on these lands. Although today, there is hardly anyone who hunts, but the locals have kept their tradition alive if possible; you also get to witness the live training of Falcons done in broad daylight and see how they were used for hunting. If possible, you can also click a picture with them on your shoulders and keep it as a souvenir.

dune bashing Dubai Desert

How Many Types of Dubai Desert Safari Tours Are Available?

Desert safari tours are mainly offered at three different times of day: Morning, evening, and overnight. There are different variations also available, such as private tours and dinner in-desert tours that we will explain.

  • Morning Desert Safari

Morning safari tours happen early in the day, starting around 8:00 AM, where you get to try dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, and camel riding activities. Early morning also gives you the advantage of witnessing the beautiful sunrise view along with enjoying the serenity.

Do remember there are no live performances and BBQ dinner in the morning safari package. However, you do get to stay at the campsite and enjoy refreshments such as coffee, tea, and shisha.

  • Evening Desert Safari

Evening desert safari tours are the most popular ones, and if you are interested in discovering the cultural and traditional side of Dubai, then this is what we recommend. Evening tours start around 4:00 PM with an exciting dune bashing ride, and afterward, as soon you are done with your adventure rides, you can visit the campsite where all the entertainment takes place.

The dinner is served later on the night, just before the tour ends. This package offers a complete treat of what it’s like to live as a Bedouin in the desert.

  • Overnight Desert Safari

Overnight desert safaris offer the same activities as the evening safari package; however, the timing differs, plus you get to sleep and stay at the campsite as well and enjoy the stargazing in the crystal clear sky. Overnight safaris start around 5:00 PM and end the next day in the morning with a delicious breakfast. 

  • Private Desert Safari

In all the safari packages we have described, the camping facilities, along with rides, are shared with other tourists. If you want a more personalized and private tour, then we recommend that you book the Private Desert Safari tour.

Here, everything is organized and arranged just for you and your group. The camping facilities, BBQ dinner, and safari rides are exclusive for you. You don’t have to share them with anyone. The private tours are expensive, but it’s worth the price.

  • Dinner Desert Safari

Those who just want to enjoy the campsite and live entertainment, dance performances, and a BBQ buffet can book the Dinner Desert Safari Package. No adventure rides like dune bashing and quad biking are offered in the package. It’s very suitable for those who are not interested in heart-pounding rides and just want to enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere.

Preservation of Desert and Ecosystem

Dubai’s government has been very active in preserving the ecosystem and beauty of the desert.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) was established in 2002 to ensure that the natural flora and fauna of the desert are maintained, and all safari operators are required to follow eco-friendly practices to ensure no harm comes to these areas.

Conclusion

A desert safari tour is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s an experience that takes you on a journey of history, culture, and adventure. As Dubai continues to grow, the desert safari is here to remind everyone of the roots of the region.

For more information on desert safaris and Enduro Bike Dubai rides, please contact Enduro Bike Advanture. We are here to make your vacation memorable and exciting.

Muhammad Bilal Mohsin

Muhammad Bilal Mohsin

Senior Content Writer at Enduro Bike Advanture
Muhammad Bilal Mohsin, an accomplished writer, has crafted over 1500 pieces of publications on the tourism and travel industry. His writings transport readers to far-off destinations which describe engaging narratives, cultural discoveries, and scenic places that are sure to get the attention of the readers and inspire them to travel and find out for themselves. It's Bilal's concise and evocative writing style that makes him a trusted source of knowledge and information.
Muhammad Bilal Mohsin
Muhammad Bilal Mohsin

Recent Posts

Customer Support Contact
Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.