Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: Complete Visitor Guide

What Is The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a protected natural area of about 225 square kilometres near Dubai. Established in 2003, it aims to preserve the desert environment and protect native wildlife. 

Visitors can only enter through approved tour operators or by staying at the Al Maha Desert Resort inside the reserve. 

The reserve offers a unique chance to experience the desert’s natural beauty while supporting conservation efforts.

How To Get To The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

We recommend either hiring a car, or, using a taxi service for getting there quickly.

Via Car From Dubai:

Approximate time taken: 43mins

Via Car From Abu Dhabi:

Approximate time taken: 1h 25mins

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Map

This provides just a rough outline of the Dubai Desert Conservation area:

Costs When Visiting The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Visiting the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve comes with associated costs. Independent entry is not permitted. All access must be arranged through an approved tour operator or by booking a stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort.

Example cost of a guided tour is Arabia Horizons starts from approximately AED 450 per adult, which is roughly £90.

Best Time Of Year To Visit  The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is located out in the open desert, and most visits include activities like safaris, dune drives, and other outdoor experiences. For a more comfortable experience, we recommend visiting during the cooler months, from November to April.

Opening Times Of The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The DDCR Visitor Centre, which offers an educational, indoor exhibit experience, has specific opening hours, open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

Note: The Visitor Centre access is separate and entrance gives you access to exhibits and information only, not a safari or entry into the reserve itself

Where To Stay The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Your choice of accommodation can greatly enhance your visit to the reserve. 

Whether you want to immerse yourself fully in the desert environment, enjoy a comfortable luxury retreat, or experience the desert night sky firsthand, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Campsites

These offer a closer-to-nature experience, often with minimal luxury but direct access to the desert.

Sand Sherpa Camp

Offers self-drive overnight trailer camping inside DDCR. You bring your own vehicle and gear; trailers are equipped with basic facilities. 

Sonara Camp

Located within the reserve, this camp includes a sunset Jeep ride, dinner, and optional activities such as sandboarding, camel rides, and archery in an immersive campsite setting. 

Hotels & Resorts

Luxury stays inside or near the reserve with included excursions and prime wildlife views.

Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

Inside the reserve, this luxury resort provides exclusive access, all-inclusive packages, and desert activities like wildlife drives and camel rides. Guests often spot Arabian oryx and gazelles right from their villa.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

A distinct desert resort styled like an Arabian fort, located just outside the reserve. Offers activities such as falconry, camel rides, desert safaris, and starry-night barbecues.

Activities & Tours in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) offers a range of eco-friendly experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the desert. 

Each activity is carefully curated to ensure minimal environmental impact while providing an authentic desert adventure.

Camel Treks

Experience the desert as the Bedouins once did by embarking on a camel trek. These gentle rides offer a unique perspective of the dunes and the surrounding landscape.

Falconry

Witness the ancient art of falconry, where trained falcons demonstrate their speed and agility. Learn about the history and significance of falcons in Arabian culture.

Horse Riding

Traverse the desert terrain on horseback, guided by experienced instructors. This activity combines adventure with the serenity of the desert environment.

Archery

Engage in traditional archery, honing your skills with a recurved bow. This activity offers both challenge and enjoyment for participants of all levels.

Wildlife Drives

Embark on a guided wildlife drive to observe the free-roaming herds of Arabian oryx, gazelles, and other native species in their natural habitat.

Dune Driving

Experience the thrill of dune driving in luxury four-wheel-drive vehicles. Navigate the spectacular dunes and desert terrain, leading to a traditional Bedouin camp for an evening of cultural entertainment. 

Sandboarding

For adventure enthusiasts, sandboarding down the dunes offers an exhilarating experience, combining the excitement of snowboarding with the unique desert landscape.

Private Desert Dinner

Indulge in a private dining experience under the stars. A secluded spot is arranged with rugs and cushions, lit by traditional torches, offering a romantic setting with a personalized menu.

Camping

Spend a magical evening under the stars in the desert. Travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle with professional safari guides to your camp, where luxurious tents and a traditional Arabian dinner await.

Night Safari

Discover the desert’s nocturnal life on a night safari. Enjoy a drive through the desert, savor a tasty meal, and admire the star-studded sky.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Take a leisurely tour of the reserve in a hot air balloon. Watch a falcon show from 3,000 feet in the air and spot animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula, such as oryx, gazelles, and wandering camels in their natural habitat. 

All activities are available through specific approved partners – book your experience through them for a seamless visit. Find out more here: https://www.ddcr.org/what-to-do/?day-visits-and-tours.

Wildlife In The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, encompassing mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and plants. The reserve is home to over 562 known species, including 43 mammals and reptiles, 120 bird species, and 50 plant species.

Mammals

• Arabian Oryx: The national animal of the UAE, successfully reintroduced into the wild through conservation efforts.
• Arabian Gazelle: A slender antelope species adapted to desert life.
• Sand Gazelle: Known for its agility and grace in the arid environment.

Insects and Arthropods

• Desert Locusts: Part of the natural food chain, sometimes seen during certain seasons.
• Arabian Darkling Beetle: Most common darkling beetle. Medium sized (15-30mm). Longer legs than other beetles.
• Scorpions and Spiders: Various species adapted to the harsh desert conditions.

Reptiles

• Desert Monitor Lizard: A large lizard species native to the desert.
• Horned Viper: A venomous snake well camouflaged in the desert sands.
• Arabian Sand Skink: Noted for its ability to “swim” through sand.

Birds

• Lappet-faced Vulture: One of the largest vultures in the world, primarily feeding on carrion.
• Pharaoh Eagle Owl: The Pharaoh Eagle Owl is a fairly large owl, its body length is around 50 cm and can weigh up to 2.3kg.

Plants

• Ghaf Tree: The national tree of the UAE, crucial for providing shade and shelter.
• Sodom Apple: A hardy desert plant with medicinal properties.
• Date Palm: Cultivated for its fruit and shade in desert oases.

For a comprehensive list and more detailed information on the reserve’s wildlife, visit the official Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve wildlife page: https://www.ddcr.org/flora-and-fauna/.

Conservation & Research at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is dedicated to preserving Dubai’s last desert wilderness and its native plants and animals. As the UAE’s first national park, DDCR plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the region’s unique desert ecosystem through a combination of scientific research, habitat restoration, and species reintroduction programs.

Current Research Projects

1. Monitoring Program for the Major Site Values of the DDCR
   This program aims to assess and monitor the key ecological features of the DDCR to ensure effective conservation management. The research focuses on evaluating the reserve’s biodiversity, habitat quality, and the impacts of human activities on its natural resources. The findings from this program inform management decisions and help in setting conservation priorities.
2. Quantitative Analysis of Vegetation Changes Under Grazing
   This study investigates the effects of grazing on vegetation in the hyper-arid environment of the DDCR. By analysing changes in plant density, cover, and biodiversity, the research aims to understand how grazing influences the structure and function of desert plant communities. The results will guide sustainable grazing practices and habitat management strategies.
3. Camera Trap Survey of the DDCR
   Utilising camera traps, this survey monitors wildlife populations and their behaviors across different habitats within the reserve. The data collected helps in understanding species distribution, activity patterns, and the effects of environmental factors on wildlife. This non-invasive method provides valuable insights for wildlife conservation and management planning.
   

For more detailed information on DDCR’s conservation and research initiatives, please visit the official website: https://www.ddcr.org/research