Travel makes the world feel smaller, yet the Middle East still holds an air of mystery that draws curious travelers to explore its rich culture, history, and striking landscapes.
Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ largest city, combines long-standing traditions with modern luxury. Once driven by fishing and pearling, the city has transformed into an extravagant hub where cutting-edge technology and lavish lifestyles coexist. From driverless taxis to the innovative Museum of the Future, Dubai champions progress while honoring its roots.
While expatriates now shape much of the city’s character and visitors can indulge in almost any indulgence—some unique experiences even include ultra-luxury treatments—authentic local tours reveal the traditions of Emirati life. These tours offer insight into how people adapted to the arid environment and developed a distinctive, resilient culture.
ABC Tours, a respected and long-established company in Dubai’s tourism scene, provides comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and memorable itineraries tailored to different interests.
With ABC you can explore Dubai by luxury yacht along the waterfront or view the skyline by helicopter. For a deeper cultural encounter, the Desert Safari Tour is the best choice.
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Desert safaris lead you away from skyscrapers, luxury cars, and manicured beaches into sweeping sand dunes. Most excursions begin with dune bashing—an exhilarating ride in a specialized off-road vehicle that glides over soft sand at speed. Afterward, you can try a camel ride, reflecting the traditional mode of transport used for centuries by Bedouin communities across the Arabian Peninsula.
Following an afternoon of dune adventures, the tour often includes a visit to a Bedouin-style camp that offers a window into desert life. Guests can watch sword and fire performances, observe falconry demonstrations, and browse handcrafted goods from local artisans. Skilled henna artists typically offer intricate designs, adding a personal memento of the visit.
Seated on plush cushions in the camp’s evocative setting, visitors enjoy a dinner show featuring authentic Arabian dishes, live music, and performances such as belly dancing and Tanoura spinning. As evening temperatures cool, sipping aromatic Arabic coffee or tea completes the experience, and guests may also sample shisha, a communal hookah tradition flavored with fragrant tobaccos.
While in Dubai, you should also visit iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa and explore a traditional souk. Yet no visit is truly complete without a trip into the desert—an opportunity to witness the stark beauty of the landscape and the enduring customs of its people.