Impact of Desert Safaris in UAE Summers: Insights and Challenges
Amidst the scorching summer heat in the UAE, desert safari operators are adapting their activities to ensure both safety and comfort for participants. The unique desert environment, with its cooler temperatures during the evening, provides an opportunity for these operators to offer unforgettable experiences.
According to Alaa AlKhatib, Vice President of Destination Management at Arabian Adventures, desert safaris remain a core part of the UAE's tourism appeal year-round. Despite a drop in demand by about 60% during the summer compared to the peak winter season, operators are employing several strategies to manage their activities.
One of the key strategies is scheduling activities at cooler hours. Most activities, such as camel riding, dune bashing, and sandboarding, are scheduled during the evening or night when temperatures are significantly lower. Some operators also offer early morning activities, like hot air balloon rides or wildlife spotting, taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures.
Another strategy involves the use of traditional Bedouin-style tents and modern air-conditioned vehicles and tents. The breathable animal hair tents provide natural cooling during the day and warmth at night, while air-conditioned vehicles and tents ensure comfort during rest periods.
Operators also emphasise the importance of hydration and protection. Guests are advised to wear breathable fabrics like linen or cotton and to bring light jackets as the desert can get cool at night. Optional activities like quad biking or dune buggy rides allow guests to choose their level of engagement based on personal comfort levels during the heat.
Zerzura, which offers luxury experiences within Sharjah's Mleiha National Park, is pausing activities for two months until September 1 due to the shift in weather patterns. However, the team is working on a project to remain open all year round, with new concepts tailored specifically for summer, including after-dark experiences that lean into the magic of the desert at night.
Despite the challenges, desert safaris continue to attract international visitors, particularly European travellers. Both Arabian Adventures and Hero Experiences Group, which organises luxury desert activities, report a significant decrease in bookings over the summer. Yet, the spokesperson for Hero Experiences Group notes that the weather in the desert is more pleasant than expected, being up to 10°C cooler than in the city during the evening.
This year, the UAE has experienced record-breaking heat, with temperatures surpassing 40°C in April and 51.6°C in May. Despite these extreme temperatures, desert safari operators are proving that with the right strategies, the desert can offer a safe and enjoyable experience even during the hot summer months.
- Despite the scorching summer heat, desert safaris in the UAE continue to be a popular attraction, particularly for European tourists.
- Arabian Adventures and Hero Experiences Group, two major operators, have reported a decrease in bookings over the summer due to the high temperatures, but stress that the desert's evening temperatures can be up to 10°C cooler than in the city.
- Operators like Zerzura, which operates within Sharjah's Mleiha National Park, are adapting their activities for the summer months, including offering after-dark experiences that showcase the magic of the desert at night.
- To ensure comfort and safety, desert safari operators in the UAE schedule activities during cooler hours and provide breathable animal-hair tents and air-conditioned vehicles and tents.
- Operators also encourage participants to wear breathable fabrics, bring light jackets, and take advantage of optional activities like quad biking or dune buggy rides only when they feel comfortable in the heat.
