Answer the call of the wild and experience new thrills in the desert sands.
Embark on a desert adventure in the expansive Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Spanning around 10% of the emirate of Dubai, it is the UAE’s largest unfenced nature reserve where visitors are welcome to venture through the sands, go cycling amid the dunes or enjoy a picnic in the wild.
If you’re interested in Emirati history and culture, you can see how life was for Bedouin desert dwellers in Al Marmoom. Visit a heritage camp with Platinum Heritage and enjoy a traditional feast alongside camel rides, falcon shows and stargazing at night. Looking for sport and exhilaration? Rent a bike and hit the Al Qudra cycling track – an 86km path that cuts through the sandy terrain and offers spectacular sights of the native flora and fauna.
Known for its sustainability initiatives, Al Marmoom is abundant with native wildlife such as gazelles, camels and birds. Once considered globally extinct, the Arabian oryx has successfully been saved after breeding programmes and re-introductions in the UAE, including at Al Marmoom. To catch a glimpse of the elusive oryx, head over to their feeding stations around the area.
If birdwatching is your passion, visit the nearby Al Qudra lakes, home to 170 bird species including some endangered kinds like the Steppe Eagle and the Asian Houbara. The calming waters of Al Qudra lakes are also a welcome spot for nature-lovers to enjoy a picnic. Early risers can head over at dawn to catch a glorious desert sunrise.
