Is Dubai a Desert?

Is Dubai a glittery modern city or is Dubai a desert? Which desert is Dubai in? And, what animals are found there? Here you will find the answers to all of these questions (and more!)

Most people think of Dubai and immediately picture the city’s iconic skyline, fast cars, and luxurious shopping malls. But what many don’t realize is that Dubai is actually located in the heart of the desert. It is a glittering city that rose straight up from the sand.

In other words, Dubai is a city of duality. You will find a modern city full of futuristic architecture as well as a vast desert with orange dunes that stretch for miles.

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, let’s talk about what to expect!

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Which Desert is Dubai In?

Dubai was built up from the Arabian Desert’s sandy floor. The Arabian Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world, covering an area of 2.3 million square miles. That’s about the size of Western Europe!

The vast majority of the desert is uninhabited, making it one of the most pristine and untouched environments on earth.

The climate in the Arabian Desert is extremely harsh. Temperatures regularly exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer days and can drop below freezing on winter nights. There is very little rainfall, and what little does fall often evaporates before it hits the ground.

What animals are found in the Dubai desert?

Despite these conditions, there is still an abundance of wildlife in the Dubai desert. In fact, there are quite a few animals that call this hostile environment home.

From the majestic Arabian camel to the tiny spiny-tailed lizard, here is a list of common animals that are found in the Arabian Desert.

Arabian Camel

The Arabian camel, or dromedary, is the Dubai desert’s most iconic inhabitant. These humped creatures are perfectly adapted to life in the arid conditions. They have long eyelashes and ear tufts to keep out sand particles, and a third eyelid that provides extra protection from the glare of the sun. Camels can go for long periods without water, getting most of their moisture from the plants they eat. Nowadays, you’re more likely to see them on camel farms in the desert, or giving tourists a ride around Dubai’s tourist attractions.

Arabian Oryx

The Arabian oryx is a type of antelope that was once on the brink of extinction. Thanks to conservation efforts, however, this elegant creature is making a comeback. They can be seen throughout the Arabian Peninsula, in protected areas. Standing over 4 feet (1.2 meters) at the shoulder and sporting long, straight horns, the oryx is truly a sight to behold. Find out more about where to see the Arabian Oryx in the UAE.

Gazelle

Gazelles are fleet-footed antelopes who roan the Arabian Desert. They have white bellies and the males have long horns. They inhabit dry, open habitats like the Arabian Desert. These graceful creatures can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest land animals in the world. The gazelle has adapted perfectly to life in the desert, and is one of its most iconic residents.

Spiny-Tailed Lizard

The spiny-tailed lizard is one of the most common lizards in the Arabian Desert. Growing up to 2 feet (60 centimeters) long, these lizards are easily recognizable by their spiky tails (hence their name). They are most active during the cooler nights, but can be seen basking in the sun during the day.

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Is Dubai a Desert? Here are 5 Facts.

1. The Arabian Desert is an arid, sparsely inhabited region in Western Asia on the Arabian Peninsula.
2. It extends from the Red Sea in the west to the Rub’ al Khali in the east, and from the Persian Gulf in the south to Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait in the north.
3. The Arabian Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world with an annual rainfall of less than 2.0 inches
4. However, this is enough to support a number of small vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as desert plants such as dwarf shrubs and grasses.
5. Though Dubai is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, it is also a harsh desert city erupting right out of the Arabian Desert floor.

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If you’re planning a trip to this amazing city, you will quickly see the dichotomy of cityscape and desert landscape side by side. Dubai is a desert, but it’s also a futuristic city with stunning architecture and an unforgettable skyline. It is the kind of place you need to explore to truly understand!

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