Sustainable Tourism Practices in Dubai’s Desert
The world pictures Dubai as the land of opulent buildings, luxurious shopping, and glamor. However, the city still firmly holds on to its roots in the desert. If you closely explore the Gulf Tiger, you will discover that it boasts the desert as its pride and dignity. Furthermore, the city is quite aware of sustainable tourism practices. Besides, the world has become more aware of the environmental impact. As a result, the concepts of eco-tourism have gained momentum in the region.
Tourism practices in the desert align with sustainable demands. Hence, it positively impacted the Dubai desert and helped in conserving its magnanimous beauty.
Learning the ABC of Dubai’s sustainable tourism practices
Sustainable tourism is nothing but adopting eco-friendly traveling practices. It helps in reducing the environmental impact. In addition, it also supports the protection and preservation of non-renewable resources.
Eco-tourism in Dubai is becoming a common practice. After all, the city is known for its constant rapid development and everything is done without hampering the natural heritage.
Dubai Desert Safari plays a pivotal role in tourism. There are several types of safari tours available from private desert safari to overnight desert safari. Hence, various measures have been adopted to reduce carbon footprint and protect the natural flora, fauna, and wildlife. These measures keep the desert intact, especially for the future generation.
Different sustainable tourism practiced in the Dubai Desert
Let’s see the list of sustainable tourism practices Dubai uses to protect the heritage and beauty of the majestic desert.
Prioritizing eco-friendly activities
Desert safari isn’t just limited to participating in thrilling activities. Every time you book a desert safari package in Dubai, there are additional inclusions. For example, camel rides, sandboarding, stargazing, and more. These activities help with preserving the overall natural beauty of the desert. In addition, these result in protecting the exotic wildlife and the flora and fauna (Arabian Oryxes and Ghaf tree) of the desert. Other sustainable activities include photographs wearing traditional Emirati costumes and falconry shows.
Using environment-friendly vehicles
A big concern that worries the Dubai government is unsustainable vehicles for desert safari and using these can harm the delicate ecosystem. Therefore, steps have been taken to prioritize the use of eco-friendly vehicles. Electric cars and hybrid cars are the best options. For example, a dirt bike is a great example since they are fuel-efficient. Dirt bikes have less environmental impact compared to others due to less emission. Therefore, a significant reduction in the carbon footprint for desert safari activity.
Preserving the natural resources
Water is a crucial resource in the desert. Hence, it is a priority to save it. Therefore, various steps have been adopted like asking the guests to waste less water. Furthermore, reducing the usage of plastic waste is also crucial in the desert. Hence, awareness of using biodegradable materials and utensils has become common. Another important practice is using solar-powered lights within the desert area.
Partnering with conservation programs
Various environment-positive travel companies are teaming up with the conservation programs. DDCR or Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the UAE’s biggest preserved natural reserve. Besides, DDCR holds almost 5% of the city’s landmass. Hence, it offers a protected space for the local flora and fauna. Companies partner to conduct desert safari activities within the circle of the DDCR. Moreover, the conservation efforts they use are quite sustainable and futuristic. From protecting the cultural aspects of the reserve and waste management to protecting the flora and fauna- DDCR takes care of everything.
Supporting the local communities
Sustainable tourism is not just about safeguarding the environment or using eco-friendly practices. It is also mandatory to support the local communities. As a result, DDCR contributes a part of the booking amount to preserve the local communities. After all, the Bedouin community has been residing in the desert for ages. Contributions and partnerships work as economic support and opportunities for the locals. Furthermore, it also helps in employment and selling traditional crafts.
What are the challenges and future prospects?
Sustainable tourism has made quite a progress in the desert. Although there are multiple challenges, it will surely be future positive. Rapid tourism in Dubai is inevitable and can negatively impact the environment. Therefore, using these practices will prevent the chances of overexploitation.
Future of sustainable tourism in Dubai Desert
Sustainable tourism in the Dubai Desert is undoubtedly promising. Besides, operators are embracing it with open arms. Tourists are becoming aware of the environmental issues. Hence, these practices will definitely protect the desert and enhance the overall experience.
Final words
Dubai desert certainly offers an unforgettable adventure. Today, with the practice of eco-friendly tourism visitors experience the best of both worlds- adventure and environment positivity. Besides, eco-tourism is a constantly growing practice and will definitely successfully preserve the beauty of the Dubai Desert.
