I chose the company we used carefully. I did not want to end up on a safari that included belly dancing. Nothing against it in general, but it is not traditional to the Arabian Peninsula, so why pretend? Sarah recommended Al Badeyah Eyes Tourism for a belly dance free experience. (If you live in UAE there’s a 2 for 1 coupon in the Entertainment Book.)
We met up with our safari group in the afternoon and rode in a small bus to the site, about an hour outside the city. Upon arrival we were free to relax, explore the area, take photos in traditional dress*, or try out sandboarding.
From what I could tell you don’t go very fast… I didn’t get a chance to try it out because it was soon our turn to go dune bashing! This is what I was most excited for. We piled into a 4×4 and went crashing about the dunes. It’s incredible that the trucks don’t fall over. They stop so you can get a desert photo op.
You can also ride camels or horses, rent quads, or get henna. Since I’m not a proponent of camel riding and have been on plenty of quads in my lifetime, I opted to get some henna. Then Mike and Allan wanted some too.
A falconer showed off his talented bird, and then it was time to eat. The food wasn’t bad and included enough vegetarian options that I went away full. When you are finished eating you are welcome to have tea around a campfire.
Then the bus drove us back to the city.
xo, jill
*Playing dress up always makes me really uncomfortable, so we skipped it. During my cultural orientation to the UAE we were told by a local that they take great pride in their national dress. If you want to wear local clothing you are welcome to, as long as it’s respectful. He said that if you are dressing like us to just take pictures and laugh, please don’t.
Love that pink sky! And the camels! And the henna!
loving the pictures, so cute! looks like a great day out… and the desert… always mesmerizing!
Thanks! It was a beautiful sunset.
It was a very fun evening!
Oh wow, looove these photos! This definitely brings back memories of the Sahara and my sad attempts at sandboarding.. I fell, of course, but it was a blast
I really appreciate how thoughtful you are about the tourist activities you do and do not participate in. I think a lot of people get blindsided by how cool an opportunity something seems rather than really considering the ramifications (social or ecological) of the act. I know a lot of people like to “play dress-up” on vacation, but if they knew the offense they might cause, I wonder if they would continue to do so?
Thank you. I try to be really considerate when I travel, although of course I’m not perfect. I think it can be difficult for tourists because it’s easy to think, “Well a local company is providing this experience so it must be ok…” But profits often trump all other considerations. (Plus, since I wore an abaya to work at times, the temptation to dress up wasn’t very great.) I am guilty of riding a camel once… but it was one of the worst travel experiences of my life and I cried I felt so guilty!
I appreciate that you always leave such thoughtful comments. It’s a skill I’m hoping to improve for myself.
During Desert Safari
Henna is best thing that every women does because of its unique Arabian design.
It is brilliant place i can’t describe about it…i never imagine how much beautiful Desert Safari Dubai.
Nice and lovely Sharing. keep Sharing such lovely photos . Thanks
Regards:
Erick Mark