Today Dubai City is popular for its iconic infrastructure and other developments such as its shopping complexes etc. But most exciting part of it is the Dubai Desert Safari. The activity attracts a large number of the tourists towards it. A desert safari is an exciting activity to experience various cultures. Here you will get to experience Dubai culture and desert beauty on a deeper level.
Aren’t you curious about how Dubai Desert Safari gained popularity? The culture of Dubai Safari goes way back to ancient times, the blog will delve into all the details that you’d like to learn about. Let’s start with the history of Desert Safari.
Ancient Times of the Arabian Culture
We hope that you know UAE was not a rich country from the start. The Dubai desert was widely known as the home of Bedouin tribes. They were the people living in the desert, moving from one place to another in search of food and water.
What was the travel mode of Bedouins?
- Camels were their main transportation source.
- Used to make tents to stay in from goat hair.
- Learned how to survive in the harsh desert climate.
This made them an expert in the navigating Dubai Desert. They had vast knowledge about where to find water and techniques to avoid desert storms. The life back then was quite simple yet tough.
Desert Adventure of Ancient Times
A few traders and explorers traversed the UAE deserts before contemporary tourism. For safety, they journeyed in caravans, or groups. However, the desert was not a tourist destination, but rather a perilous area for most people.
Oil Discovery and rise in tourism
In the early 1960s, the UAE discovered oil, this changed the future of the UAE. Oil discovery made the country rich, and its major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi started to grow rapidly. And as the development took place, the leaders of UAE, thought of promoting its tourism. Later on, they had a realization that the Dubai desert could be their unique attraction point.
The First of Desert Safari
Some local tour businesses started providing desert excursions in the 1970s and 1980s. These were easy adventures:
- Dune bashing, which involves driving a jeep over sand dunes.
- Taking a camel ride to experience the traditional Bedouin way of life.
- Stargazing dinners beside a campfire.
There weren’t many tourists at first. Desert safaris, however, gained popularity along with Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Growth in the Dubai Desert Tourism
The UAE was making significant investments in tourism by the 1990 s. Safaris in the desert grew more thrilling and well-organized.
Introduction of Safari Adventures
- Powerful 4×4 cars made dune bashing more exciting.
- They introduced sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding but on sand.
- A classic sport that uses trained falcons is falconry shows.
- In desert camps, henna art and Arabic coffee (Gahwa) are practiced.
Luxurious Camps in the Desert
Companies constructed opulent desert camps in place of basic tents with:
- Carpeting and cozy chairs.
- Live performances such as tanoura (spinning dance) and belly dancing.
- Arabic-style buffet meals that include grilled meats, hummus, and dates.
- Due to these advancements, desert safaris are now a popular tourist destination.
Modern-Day Dubai Desert Safaris
Now, the Dubai Desert Safari is such a big name in attracting tourists from across the globe. There is a safari package for every type of traveler. Let’s have a look at it:
- Morning Safaris are quick excursions that include sandboarding and dune bashing.
- The most popular choice is an evening safari, which includes dinner and views of the sunset.
- Overnight Safaris is your chance to sleep beneath the stars in the desert.
- Private safaris are VIP excursions that include opulent cars and dedicated tour guides.
- Extreme quad biking and dune bashing are offered by Adventure Safaris.
Fresh Attractions
- Soar over the desert in a hot air balloon.
- Renting a dune buggy allows you to go on self-driven adventures.
- Telescope-based stargazing excursions.
Sustainability Initiatives
To preserve the desert, the UAE is increasingly emphasizing eco-friendly safaris. Some businesses make use of:
- Hybrid or electric cars.
- Campgrounds that run on solar electricity.
- Initiatives to reduce waste.
Final Thoughts!
The history of desert safaris in the United Arab Emirates is one of change. Once a hostile environment for survival, it is today a popular tourist destination.
From the earliest Bedouin times to the opulent safaris of today, the desert has always been a mystical location. A desert safari in the United Arab Emirates is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, regardless of your preferences for adventure, culture, or simply a serene sunset.
