Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The desert embraces Dubai and is where many tourists go for dune-bashing adventures and safari tours. This is a place filled with henna painting, belly dancing and slow-cooked lamb ouzi. It’s also where much of the city’s conservation efforts take place, and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (ddcr.org) has been designated as the UAE's first protected national park. Wildlife thrives in the 225 sq km of desert terrain, where gazelles, oryx and Arabian tahrs roam freely. Camels, long a symbol of Emirati heritage, are easily spotted meandering along the ever-changing mounds and ridges. To explore these dunes, book experiences through approved tour providers, such as Arabian Adventures, Sand Sherpa and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.