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Many people go to Dubai for the sunny beaches, shopping and glamour, but an hour's drive from the city there's a whole new world waiting to be explored, with sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

Lots of different excursions are available:

"Wadi bashing" - up and down the sand dunes in a 4x4 jeep .  It's an exciting way to see the desert, although it can be a bit nerve-wracking at first.

An authentic way to experience the desert is from the back of a camel. Known as “ships of the desert”, camels have always played a huge part in Arabian culture. Get on while they’re kneeling down and then hold on tight as they stand up. Once on board it can be a bumpy ride.

A more relaxing option is a barbecue with a few drinks at a Bedouin campsite. You also have the opportunity to try on traditional Arabian clothing, get a henna tattoo or just sit and watch the belly-dancers and relax under the stars with an after-dinner shisha, or hubbly-bubbly, pipe.

Other desert activities include displays of falconry, quad bike expeditions and riding beautiful Arab horses.

Further information

>> Dubai: city highlights
>> Dubai: on the beach
>> Dubai: future attractions
>> Dubai: getting there
>> Dubai: agent training programme
>> Dubai: hotel reviews

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