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Dubai is like no other city on Earth, so it’s easy to see why it’s called “The Gem of the Middle East.” Dubai is a unique mix of Bedouin history and a very modern culture. At first thought, Dubai brings to mind bright, angular images of high-rise skyscrapers with great views of Dubai that are reflected beautifully in the blue canals. It’s a scene full of silver and blue colors. When you think about Dubai’s grand buildings, it’s almost hard to remember that it’s in the middle of a desert! So, when you think of a typical Dubai skyline, think of the vast desert surrounding this modern-day oasis city. Imagine a silky landscape of orange and beige mounds of soft sand that go as far as the eye can see into the distance, and this is precisely what you will do at a desert safari Dubai camp.
Here are some general tips about Dubai and the desert safari that will help you feel more ready for your trip.
Book Safari: https://www.dubaidesertsafarigroup.com/
Even though there were a few signs written in Arabic that I couldn’t for the life of me figure out, you don’t need to learn Arabic before you go to Dubai. Even though Arabic is the official language of the UAE, business is done in English, and almost everyone here speaks English. Trust me, English will get you by just fine. This is true for any country and culture you visit. Learning these basics has helped me get into places I wouldn’t have been able to get into if I hadn’t known them.
The Emirati Dirham is the money used in the UAE (abbreviated as AED or DH). Currently, if you’re traveling from the US or Europe, the exchange rate is about 1:3.5. If something costs $20 or 20 euros, it’s about $65. You can also divide the price by 3 to get a close estimate, but it won’t be exact. This is based on the exchange rates in 2022 and could change, but I wanted to give you a simple ratio for figuring out currency on the fly, which is helpful when you have to make quick decisions about spending money! Even though most places accept credit cards and have card facilities, having some local currency cash is always a good idea. This guide from Visit Dubai has good advice on who to tip and how much.
Dubai is in the middle of a desert, and the summers are so hot that it may not be fun to go there. With an average high of 106° F (41° C) during the day and a low of 86° F (30° C) at night, it’s easy to see why most people plan to visit the United Arab Emirates during their winter (November to March)! Dubai is ready for this kind of heat since there are air-conditioned places almost everywhere (and even indoor ski slopes), but keep in mind that there is no air conditioning in the desert.
Even though it can get sweltering, I’ve heard almost everyone say that you should keep your clothes on the more conservative side. However, I’ve never had any problems wearing sleeveless tops or shorts. Tourists tend to have different expectations than locals, and a desert tour is a common thing for tourists, so that I wouldn’t worry too much. The same goes for doing things like water sports in Dubai: you should dress as you would at home, though it is more polite to wear swimsuits that don’t show too much skin than those that do. This is just what I’ve seen and heard, and you should always try to be aware of and respectful of the culture of the country you’re visiting. When you go on a desert safari in Dubai, remember that the desert is usually hot during the day and cool at night. You should always bring good sunscreen and a hat when going somewhere sunny. It’s also best to wear secure sandals instead of closed shoes because closed shoes will get very hot and sticky, not to mention how much sand they will trap.
Dubai is probably one of the cities where I felt the safest when I was traveling. Even for women travelers, Dubai at night is very safe and quiet. Compared to other cities, it has a very low crime rate, even for minor crimes like pickpocketing. Well, desert safaris in Dubai are just as safe. Unless you choose a private desert safari, you will likely be with other guides and tourists. Keep in mind that there isn’t much cell phone reception in the desert, so you won’t be able to check your social media until you get back to the city, which is the safest thing to do anyway.
Please remember that desert safari tours are unsuitable for young children, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people who have trouble moving around. This is because activities like dune bashing and sandboarding can be dangerous, as can the heat and the possibility of sand storms, etc. If you have concerns or questions about your ability to go on the tour, you can ask your tour operator or agent for more information about this.