Traditions Unveiled: Top 5 Cultural Experiences on a Dubai Desert Safari

Here is a list of fun and exciting cultural activities you can engage in while on a desert safari tour. 

Camel Riding 

Camels are an integral part of Bedouin culture and, in fact, were the main means of transportation centuries ago when there were no cars or bikes. They are still used in the same way by Nomadic tribes living in deserts, and for tourists, they offer special rides on bumpy sands so you can get a feel of what it is like to travel on camels and what challenges you might encounter. 

Don’t worry about falling out of a camel because a tour guide has a leash on the camel, and they will walk alongside you to ensure your safety and well-being. Camel rides usually last 20-30 minutes, depending on your tour operator’s service. You can increase the duration for extra charges. As a part of your safari package, you can travel to camel farms and choose the camel to ride on. 

Dune Bashing 

Dune bashing offers a completely different and contrasting experience to camel riding. An expert driver will drive a 4X4 Landcruiser at high speeds on rough sandy terrain that is sure to get your heart pacing and provide a thrilling experience. 

While camel riding is a slow-pace ride, and as a visitor, you can experience how the locals used to travel in the past, but dune bashing is how they travel today. Many rich Arabs now own expensive 4×4 vehicles they use to easily travel around the desert while sitting in comfort with Air conditioners. 

If you are an avid adventurer, then you must try dune bashing. Those who are not interested in adventures or have health problems can go on camel rides; both are safe and amazing rides to try. 

Stay at the Bedouin Campsite 

A stay at the campsite is included in every package of the early morning desert safari, evening, or overnight. These camps are decorated traditionally with a canopy style or open tents. The furniture and architecture of the camps include demonstrations of Bedouin art and crafts, such as handwoven baskets, pottery, and camel saddles. 

The seating areas are low, and visitors sit on rugs/carpets where they can interact with locals, drink coffee and shisha, and relax. The furniture is mostly wooden and handcrafted. All of these settings help to create an authentic Bedouin camp style, and the activities you do here have been custom for centuries. 

All the camps at the desert safari are not the same. Shared and private camping options are available. In the shared option, you will share all the facilities with other visitors/ tourists; these camps can accommodate from 100 to 1000 people at a time, depending on the tour operator. If you want a more intimate experience, do choose the private camps for your group and those you don’t have to share with anyone. Obviously, the charges for private camps are more, but the experience you get is worth it. 

Local Shows and Entertainment 

Most evening and overnight safaris include nighttime entertainment at the campsite, where you can watch local dancers perform on traditional music while wearing vibrant clothes. 

These dances include ‘Tanoura,’ which literally transforms into the word ‘Skirt.’ Here, a male dancer wears three skirts and moves around in circles, which is an amazing sight to watch. Further, there is ‘Belly Dance,’ which features movements of the hips and torso, and young local women perform. 

There are also some daring performances like Fire shows. These performances utilize skills such as juggling, baton twirling, poi spinning, and other methods of manipulating objects. The objects are set on fire, which makes it entertaining to watch. 

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