Arabian Sunset & Desert Safari in Dubai

Forget about skyscrapers and 7-star hotels, Dubai’s finest offer is the dunes.

When we booked for the desert safari ride, we were expecting an experience that is equal part amazing and torturous. After all, desert is one of the harshest environments on Earth—it’s hard to expect nothing less than merciless heat waves as you guzzle water thirstily.

Having experienced it first hand, I’m happy to report that nothing could be further from truth than that. Desert safari is 100% pure fun, 0% agony.

Don’t believe the desert safari myths…

The #1 reason why most people won’t entertain the idea of desert safari is the heat. Here’s the funny thing: the desert feels cooler than the city!

I said “feels” because I didn’t compare the actual temperatures. But more importantly, the desert is so much drier and the humidity is low, which at least makes the weather more comfortable than the city. Secondly, you can arrange for the desert safari operators to pick you up at around 3-4 pm for a sunset ride. The temperature would have fallen quite a bit, and coupled that with a fully air-conditioned 4WD, heat is really not an excuse.

We were also told by a guide that the desert has very fine grains, and many years after her visit, sand is still coming out from her shoes. Perhaps she visited desert in another area, because I didn’t encounter such problems! Besides, you can always wear your least favorite shoes and clothes. We even went barefoot after a few stop points!

Now, here’s the awesome part…

Dune-bashing is really just as thrilling as a roller-coaster ride.

And the dunes get higher and higher as you go.

My eyes have never been overwhelmed with so much orange before.

The surreal sight of Arabian sunset is the highlight of our entire time in Dubai.

It’s the biggest, reddest, roundest sunset I’ve ever seen. #nophotoshopzone

You can literally witness the sun moving downwards right before your eyes, as if you have a timelapse vision—proving that the Earth is indeed round.

Have you ever been to a desert? What do you like most about it?

And while we’re at it, don’t forget to book an evening desert safari with BBQ dinner now. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime-experience.