Written by Dubai: Riding the Dune

Endless Instagram shots gave Dubai a glossy veneer: yachts, palms, neon lights, and a slew of futuristic buildings popping out of nowhere, tapping into the new-century zeitgeist with its forms and shapes. But the sleek façade donned to impress idle rich kids swarming the streets is a slightly insipid way to look at things — real businessmen require something exclusively Dubai-esque; something that can inculcate inspiration, put gears in motion, allay concerns, and turn the world upside down.

We are hinting at an indelible desert safari trip.

Before the Sand Moves

Not many, when asked about breathtaking views, mention deserts: some call them “nefarious”, alluding to pictures with cow skulls inundating the internet since its first independent search result; others are surprised — they have never considered a “wasteland” beautiful or even remotely eye-pleasing. But there is a unique category of people who can admire the barren and step into the Bedouin shoes — if curiosity overpowers them.

Platinum Heritage Dubai Tour (source: PlatinumHeritage)

In fact, desert safari — or dune bashing, depending on your perspective — is a far more contemplative endeavor than it may seem: you learn to reconnect with nature, or, rather, its raw-er compound; control your body and emotions (especially when the vehicle sinks into a trough, yaws into a gap, or caroms), and generally slow down before re-immersing into the turbulent ocean of business. The tours are diverse, but most mention camel drives, Bedouin camps, traditional coffee, shisha, and falconry — either a few hours before sunset or in the wee hours of the morning. Platinum Desert Safari, with a price tag of 1950 AED, promises an educational flair with a five-course culinary journey for dinner and a private cabana; Desert Safari Tours are more versatile and arrange tours throughout the day, but you’ll have to contact the company to find out the prices; a six-hour Dubai Red Dunes ATV tour, at $69 per person, is a convenient option for those who don’t want to get into organizational impediments — you’ll get picked up and return at the starting point at the end of the trip.

Dubai Red Dunes ATV (source: TripAdvisor.com)

Risks and Safety Tips

Desert safari trips, even though the name might imply an adventure worthy of Nathan Drake, Indiana Jones, and Lara Croft, are generally very safe — you arrive in the desert, have fun, take photos, and go home (if you didn’t book your overnight stay with the Bedouins as part of the rejuvenating retreat before an important conference). However, some risks are nonetheless involved and you should consider them before you set off into the badlands.

1. Driving and dune bashing risks. High speed, steep slopes, what can possibly go wrong? While getting stuck in the sand won’t physically hurt you — only add some unforgettable emotions — other problems may seriously affect your health: rough bouncing, jouncing, and sharp turns may cause sickness, and improper techniques can lead to accidents.
2. Environmental risks. Those who have never been in the desert might not fully acknowledge the severity of the weather: daytime temperatures can exceed 45°C, UV levels are always very high, and sudden sandstorms are not exactly the treasure you have been looking for. Come prepared.

It also pays to mention that deserts abound in scorpions and snakes, which, though rare guests, should be treated with caution. That leads us to engraving our four commandments of visiting the desert:

• Always go with licensed operators.

• Follow guides’ instructions at all times.

• Bring water, sunscreen, protective clothing, and a hat.

• Inform guides of any health issues before the trip.

The rules aren’t difficult to follow, and they ensure that your adventure remains thrilling to the end — so thrilling that you might potentially broach it in a conversation at the Affiliate World conference on March 4. After all, what can spark a discussion faster than an inspiring memory that emboldened you and shaped your vision of business and communication?..

Wrapping Up

The desert view may require certain depth — personality-wise — but it is really second to none, especially when it is a stone’s throw from the city and doesn’t completely chop off modern conveniences for an unidentified interim of time. Gather a coterie of like-minded people, ride a camel, and freeze in the moment while staring at the scorching sun glissading behind the dunes. Don’t sell yourself short — because you already scored, big time.