Experience DDCR your way
Enjoy eco-friendly experiences at DDCR
THINGS TO DO AT DDCR
Find inspiration for a unique desert adventure at DDCR. Check out our most popular tours and activities.
Camel treks
Sitting atop one of these strange and lovely creatures is a fantastic experience you are unlikely to forget as you are carried through the dunes on a traditional ‘ship of the desert’.
Falconry
Be amazed by a beautiful display of falcons' speed and natural instincts as an expert falconer discusses the breed and character of each bird. You'll also get an opportunity to admire and take pictures of the falcons up close.
Horse riding
Put your horse through its paces or gently trot or canter through the desert landscape, taking in the whole experience as well as seeing the sites with the help of your guide.
Archery
The surge of adrenalin as you get ready to release the traditional recurved bow will not soon be forgotten, and many visitors have subsequently taken up the sport on returning home.
Wildlife drives
A gentle drive through the terrain is a great way to find the free-roaming wildlife herds. Your guide will explain the desert ecology while keeping a sharp look out for interesting flora and fauna.
Dune driving
Cross the spectacular dunes and desert terrain in a luxury four-wheel drive. Predefined routes ensure that you are surrounded by pristine desert landscapes as you make your way to a Bedouin camp for an entertaining evening.
Dune dinner
Relax in the comforts of Bedu tents as you feast on an selection of grilled meats, fresh salads, delectable Arabic sweets and beverages. A bewitching belly dancer with a galaxy of stars and the pristine desert as backdrop complete your enchanting evening.
Sand boarding
The contrast between the ancient ‘Bedu’ lifestyle and one of the world’s latest sports makes this unforgettable. Head to the dunes, strap on your sand board and set off at an exhilarating rush to the valley floor.
Private desert dinner
A secluded spot, arranged with rugs and cushions and lit by traditional torches awaits you. Experience the romance of the desert as you enjoy the company of a loved one and savour a personalised menu.
Camping
The mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening under the stars. Travel in a four-wheel drive vehicle with professional safari guides to your camp, where your luxurious tent and a traditional Arabian dinner await you.
Night safari
There is nothing like an evening spent in the desert. Enjoy your drive through the desert, savour a tasty meal and admire the star-studded sky.
Hot air balloon ride
Take a leisurely tour of the reserve in a magic carpet ride over an endless ocean of sand dunes and emerald green oases. Watch a falcon show from 3000ft in the air. Spot animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula, such as oryx, gazelles and wandering camels in their natural habitat.
DDCR approved tours
Look out for our seal so you know you're booking an eco-friendly experience at the DDCR. Every approved tour follows strict requirements.
- The tour focuses on nature and/or culture
- The guide has been certified by the DDCR to provide more information on the fauna, flora, geology and cultural aspects of the reserve
- All aspects of the tour considers sustainable tourism, including environmental impact and waste management
- While on the tour you can be a ‘citizen scientist’ by recording wildlife observations and reporting them back to the reserve
- Arabian Adventures: Desert Safari Packages
About Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa and Biosphere Expeditions Arabia
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
The world renowned Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is the only resort that offers visitors the opportunity to stay overnight within the Reserve and experience the magical stillness and beauty of the desert.
Exquisitely designed to resemble a Bedouin encampment, Al Maha epitomises the true spirit of Arabia by offering a peek into the desert way of life. Situated in the centre of the DDCR, the resort hosts 42 luxury suites, a spa and conference facilities. You can also book exciting experiences at the resort, including nature walks, camel treks, desert safaris, horse riding, wildlife drives, archery and falconry displays.
Biosphere Expeditions: Ethical wildlife holidays
Biosphere Expeditions Arabia is desert species conservation project that will take you across the fascinating and iconic sandy desert landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. Working alongside scientists from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you will be part of a small international team that wil monitor Arabian oryx, Gordon's wildcat, sand fox, mountain and sand gazelles, as well as other flagship species of the desert. From a comfortable oasis field camp, you will venture out in the expedition in four-wheel drive vehicles and on foot to study antelope behaviour and social structures, camera- and live-trap Gordon's wildcat and sand fox, and monitor them by radio and GPS telemetry to ensure their survival in their natural habitat.
Day visits and tours
Arabian Adventures
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection, Resort & Spa
Balloon Adventures Emirates LLC
Platinum Heritage
Sand Sherpa
Travco
Nara Desert Escape
