Dubai: Step Into Nature

Key takeaways
Most people associate Dubai with luxury and opulence, and they're right in a way. However, the city is located near the desert and has natural sites that aren't available in other locations. There are Dubai nature locations where you can see unique flora and fauna.
Consider VIP renting a car in Dubai for comfort and visit these locations to explore the wildlife and get experiences that aren't accessible anywhere else. This article focuses on nature places in Dubai, so you can decide how to spend your short trip to this city of contrasts.
Day 1. Dubai Safari Park
You can explore exotic wildlife and impressive landscapes at Dubai Safari Park. First, plan how you'll get there. You can rent a Porsche or any other luxury car to travel comfortably. You can find a reputable rental agency and choose from a wide range of choices
For example, Trinity Rental has over 80 modern vehicles from elite brands. Each car has low mileage, with some models released after 2024. This agency doesn't take a deposit + it accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, and even cryptocurrency for user convenience.
The premium car rental service leases cars that have full fuel tanks and provides a personal manager for every client. The price includes 300 km mileage and full insurance, toll roads, and VAT. You can also request car delivery to your hotel, from where you can visit the Dubai Safari Park.
Now, back to nature in the UAE. The Dubai Safari Park is enormous and has everything you can only imagine. This massive park covers over 100 hectares and houses more than 3,000 animals. It's located in Al Warqa and opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance ticket costs around AED 50 for adults and AED 20 for kids. Buy your ticket online to skip the line.
Start with the African Village. It's wild and photogenic, full of lions, giraffes, zebras, and chimpanzees. Then move to the Asian Village. You'll see majestic elephants, clever gibbons, and rare moon bears. Every enclosure reflects the animal's natural habitat.
Don't skip these areas:
- Arabian Desert Safari. Ride a tram through sandy trails and spot Arabian wolves, oryxes, and gazelles.
- Explorer Village. It's the park's most diverse zone. Spot cheetahs, crocodiles, tigers, and rhinos during a drive-through safari.
- Kids Farm. It's child-friendly and interactive. Children feed goats, cows, birds, and so on in a safe environment.
You can eat at local restaurants near each zone. Try Middle Eastern dishes at the Oasis Restaurant, grab fast food at Bait Al Qadeem, etc. Wear light clothes and drink a lot of water. Don't forget to use and reapply sunscreen, as it gets very hot in the desert, even if you're hiding in a shade.
Day 2. Camel Trekking
A trip to explore Dubai nature can't be fulfilling without camel trekking. You can find different tours near Al Marmoom Desert or Lahbab Desert. Understand that most tours start early in the morning or right before sunset, as these are the periods when the sun isn't as excruciatingly hot.
Book your ride with certified companies like Platinum Heritage, Al Khayma Camp, etc. They have high standards and local guides, so you can be safe while exploring the desert.
Here's what to consider before booking:
- Length of trek. Most rides last 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
- Group size. Small groups create better interaction with the guide.
- Wear long pants and closed shoes. Bring sunglasses and a scarf. You'll need protection from wind and sand.
Camels walk slowly and steadily through golden dunes. The desert looks stunning during sunrise and sunset, so it guarantees an unforgettable nature Dubai experience. You can take unique photos and see rare desert plants and animals in Dubai nature.
Day 3. Visit Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)
This reserve offers access to numerous types of Dubai nature in one place. It's a protected area where desert animals live unbothered. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is located around 60 kilometers from central Dubai, so you can consider Cadillac rental or booking of any other luxury car to reach the DDCR.
It's also one of those nature places in Dubai that you can't enter on your own, so book a licensed tour operator at Platinum Heritage, Arabian Adventures, or similar companies. They organize daily trips with professional guides and clean vehicles.
You can explore the reserve by:
- 4x4 vehicle. Skilled drivers take you through vast dunes.
- Camel ride. As we mentioned, it's a slower-paced experience, so you can have time to see everything and take photos.
- Fat bikes or sandboards. Typically, sporty travelers or people into active lifestyles love these activities.
Watch out for native animals. You can spot Arabian oryxes, sand gazelles, desert foxes, spiny-tailed lizards, and more. Use binoculars to look for birds like Houbara bustards and falcons.
The most exciting part is that you have to get lucky to see those animals in nature Dubai, which is a much more fulfilling experience than seeing them in the zoo.
Some tours include:
- Nature walks. You can learn about desert plants and insects.
- Traditional camps. It's a more calmer and traditional way to experience nature in the UAE. You sit on Bedouin carpets, sip Arabic tea, and eat grilled meat.
- Astronomy session. It's a fascinating option if you like to stargaze, since local experts explain desert stars after sunset.
DDCR offers raw and beautiful Dubai nature. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a charged camera. Never feed animals or walk away from your group.
FAQ
Does Dubai have natural places to explore?
Yes, it has plenty of locations. You can visit various reserves with unique animals, enjoy trekking in the desert, etc. You can also explore one of the largest Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which is located in Dubai Mall. It's not exactly a natural location, but it has a fascinating walkthrough tunnel, where you feel like you're at the bottom of the ocean.
What are the best outdoor nature spots in Dubai?
Consider visiting Dubai Miracle Garden with its beautiful flora, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve which we've already described, and many other locations. You can also check out Al Qudra Lakes, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai Creek Park, Hatta Wadi Hub, etc.
Is it safe to explore Dubai's desert areas?
Yes, as most of these areas require a guide. You should book trips at companies with certificates and experienced guides for the best experiences.
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