Swap urban sights for nature on Dubai’s outskirts at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Encompassing 10% of all of Dubai, this desert reserve is the largest unfenced nature park in the country. It’s open to the public and the perfect place to surround yourself with nature, especially in the winter months.
Abundant with native wildlife, the reserve is home to one of the city’s largest populations of Arabian oryx and one of the biggest flocks of flamingos. The pink-hued birds aren’t alone, and keen birders can look forward to spotting some 200 species of native birds, and up to 150 different types of migratory birds depending on the time of year.
One way to really embrace the charm of this vast desert space is to book the Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience from OceanAir Travels (oceanairtravels.com; from Dhs356). Starting with a hotel pick-up from the city, the experience takes visitors to the nature reserve, passing desert flora and fauna. Experienced guides will point out falcons, deer, oryx and gazelle en route to a traditional Bedouin village in the heart of the reserve. Here, you'll discover the desert in the footsteps of the region’s traditional tribes, with a morning camel caravan over dunes. Post-ride, enjoy Arabic coffee and dates back at the village, the traditional way for Bedouins to start their day.
