Things to Do in Al Khatim
Have you ever dreamed of exploring a desert that offers a variety of activities, attractions, and weather? If yes, then you should visit the Al Khatim Desert in Abu Dhabi. The Al Khatim Desert is a vast and beautiful desert that covers an area of about 10,000 square kilometers and lies between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It is one of the most popular destinations for desert safari tours in the UAE and a hidden gem of Abu Dhabi’s natural wonders.
In this blog post, I will explore the best activities, attractions, and weather in the Al Khatim Desert and show you why it is a must-see place for anyone who loves adventure and nature. Whether you want to camp under the stars, ride a camel, see the wildlife, or enjoy the sunrise and sunset views, the Al Khatim Desert has something for everyone.
So, let’s get started and discover the amazing Al Khatim Desert!
Best Activities in the Al Khatim Desert
One of the main reasons why people visit the Al Khatim Desert is to enjoy the thrilling and fun-filled activities that it offers. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, you will find something that suits your taste and mood in the Al Khatim Desert.
Here are some of the most popular activities that you can do in the Al Khatim Desert:
1. Quad Bike Ride
A quad ride is a great way to explore the vast and beautiful landscape of the Al Khatim Desert. You can ride a four-wheeled bike across the dunes, hills, and valleys, and feel the adrenaline rush as you speed up and down. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the desert flora and fauna, and take some amazing photos along the way.
A quad ride is suitable for anyone who is above 16 years old and has a valid driving license. You can book a quad ride with a guide from Abu Dhabi to the Al Khatim Desert.
2. Camel Ride
A camel ride is a traditional and cultural activity that you can experience in the Al Khatim Desert. You can ride a camel, which is also known as the ship of the desert, and feel the gentle sway as it walks on the sand. You can also learn more about the history and lifestyle of the Bedouin people, who have lived in the desert for centuries.
A camel ride is suitable for anyone who is above 5 years old and can sit comfortably on a camel. You can book a camel ride with a guide from Abu Dhabi to the Al Khatim Desert.
3. Sandboarding
Sandboarding is a fun and exciting activity that you can do in the Al Khatim Desert. You can slide down the dunes on a board, similar to snowboarding, and enjoy the thrill and challenge of balancing and maneuvering. You can also try some tricks and jumps if you are feeling adventurous.
Sandboarding is suitable for anyone who is above 10 years old and has some basic skills in snowboarding or surfing. You can book a sandboarding session with a guide from Abu Dhabi to the Al Khatim Desert.
Attractions in the Al Khatim Desert
Another reason why people visit the Al Khatim Desert is to see the amazing attractions that it offers. The Al Khatim Desert is not just a barren and empty land, but a rich and diverse ecosystem that hosts a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna, sand dunes, and scenic views.
Here are some of the most fascinating attractions that you can see in the Al Khatim Desert:
Wildlife
The Al Khatim Desert is home to many animals that have adapted to the harsh and arid conditions of the desert. Some of the wildlife that you can spot in the Al Khatim Desert are:
- The sand cat, is a small and elusive feline that lives in the sandy and rocky areas of the desert. It has thick fur, large ears, and long whiskers that help it survive extreme temperatures and hunt for rodents, reptiles, and insects.
- The houbara, a large and endangered bird that belongs to the bustard family. It has a long neck, a crest of feathers, and a distinctive courtship display. It feeds on seeds, insects, and small animals.
- The Barbary falcon, a medium-sized raptor that nests on cliffs and rocky outcrops. It has a dark grey back, a white throat, and black markings on its face. It preys on small birds, mammals, and reptiles.
- The Rüppell's fox, a small and nocturnal fox that has a sandy coat, a black-tipped tail, and large ears. It lives in burrows and feeds on insects, rodents, fruits, and plants.
- The sand gazelle, a graceful and slender antelope that has a light brown coat, black stripes on its face, and curved horns. It lives in herds and grazes on grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
- The Arabian oryx, a majestic and endangered antelope that has a white coat, black markings, and long straight horns. It is the national animal of the UAE and can survive for long periods without water.
Flora and Fauna
The Al Khatim Desert also has a variety of plants that have adapted to the dry and saline environment of the desert. Some of the flora and fauna that you can see in the Al Khatim Desert are:
- The ghaf tree, is a hardy and drought-resistant tree that grows in sandy soils. It has a deep root system, small green leaves, yellow flowers, and seed pods. It provides shade, food, and shelter for many animals and humans.
- The desert rose, is a succulent plant that has a swollen stem, fleshy leaves, and pink or white flowers. It stores water in its stem and can survive high temperatures and low rainfall.
- The desert lily, a bulbous plant that has long green leaves and white trumpet-shaped flowers. It blooms after heavy rains and attracts bees and butterflies with its fragrance.
- The desert hyacinth, a parasitic plant that grows on the roots of other plants. It has no chlorophyll and relies on its host for nutrients. It has purple or pink flowers that resemble hyacinths.
- The desert truffle, a fungus that grows underground in association with certain plants. It has a round or oval shape, a brown or white color, and a nutty flavor. It is edible and considered a delicacy by many people.
Sand Dunes
The Al Khatim Desert also has some impressive sand dunes that are formed by the wind blowing the sand particles into different shapes and sizes. Some of the sand dunes that you can see in the Al Khatim Desert are:
- Barchan dunes, which are crescent-shaped dunes that have two horns pointing downwind. They are formed by strong winds blowing from one direction.
- Transverse dunes, which are linear dunes that are perpendicular to the wind direction. They are formed by moderate winds blowing from two directions.
- Star dunes, which are star-shaped dunes that have three or more arms radiating from a central peak. They are formed by variable winds blowing from multiple directions.
- Dome dunes, which are circular or oval dunes that have no slip face. They are formed by gentle winds blowing from all directions.
Sunrise and Sunset Views
The Al Khatim Desert also offers some spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset over the horizon. You can witness the changing colors of the sky as the sun rises or sets behind the sand dunes. You can also see the stars twinkling in the night sky as the darkness falls over the desert.
Weather in the Al Khatim Desert
The last thing that you need to know before visiting the Al Khatim Desert is the weather conditions that you can expect there. The Al Khatim Desert has a subtropical desert climate, which means that it is very hot and dry throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 30.0°C (86.0°F), but it can vary significantly depending on the season and the time of the day.
Here are some of the weather features that you should be aware of in the Al Khatim Desert:
Temperature
The temperature in the Al Khatim Desert is influenced by latitude, altitude, and the proximity to the sea. The hottest months are June, July, and August, when the average high temperature can reach up to 45.6°C (114.1°F) and the average low temperature can drop to 29.9°C (85.8°F). \
The coldest months are December, January, and February, when the average high temperature can drop to 23.9°C (75°F) and the average low temperature can reach up to 12.8°C (55°F). The temperature difference between day and night can be as high as 20°C (36°F), so you should be prepared for both hot and cold weather.
Humidity
The humidity in the Al Khatim Desert is influenced by evaporation, precipitation, and wind direction. This humidity level is generally low, ranging from 10% to 40%, but it can increase during the summer months when the wind blows from the Persian Gulf and brings moisture to the desert. The humidity level can also increase during the winter months when some rainfall occurs in the desert. The humidity level can affect your comfort and health, so you should drink plenty of water and use moisturizers to prevent dehydration and dryness.
Wind
The wind in the Al Khatim Desert is influenced by the pressure gradient, the Coriolis force, and the topography. The wind speed is generally moderate, ranging from 10 km/h to 20 km/h, but it can increase during certain seasons and events.
The wind speed can increase during the summer months when a strong northwesterly wind called Shamal blows across the desert and causes dust storms and reduced visibility. During winters, the wind speed can also increase due to cold northeasterly wind called Bora blows across the desert and causes sand dunes to shift and change shape.
Rainfall
The rainfall in the Al Khatim Desert is influenced by atmospheric circulation, cloud formation, and the orographic effect. The rainfall amount is very low, averaging about 100 mm (3.9 inches) per year, but it can vary significantly depending on the location and the season.
Conclusion
In this blog post, I have explored the best activities, attractions, and weather in the Al Khatim Desert and showed you why it is a unique and exciting destination in Abu Dhabi. I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new about the Al Khatim Desert.
If you have any thoughts or experiences to share, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. And if you are interested in visiting the Al Khatim Desert, don't hesitate to book your next trip soon. You won't regret it. The Al Khatim Desert is waiting for you!
