Beyond Dubai
The desert: the back story
The back story
About The desert: the back story
The desert begins at the edge of the city. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve protects dunes and wildlife such as the Arabian oryx, and the Al Qudra Lakes lie further south.
The reserve
Al Maha resort is inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (ddcr.org).
Al Qudra
The Al Qudra Lakes and Love Lake are open 24 hours; there’s no swimming (visitdubai.com).
Book desert trips only with licensed operators.
Safety
Book dune drives and camps only with licensed operators, and carry water.
Our advice: go for sunset in the cooler months, October to April.
Why it's on our list
- The reserve
- Al Qudra
- Safety
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The desert: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from The desert: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest stations
- CentrepointRed Line48 km
- e&Green Line50 km
- CreekGreen Line50 km