Being a student in the Middle East has its advantages, not just because many of the world’s greatest minds come here to study and train, but also because it means you can experience a whole new culture. There is so much to see and do that you never run out of sightseeing options. When I first arrived in the city of Al Ain, I immediately felt like this was going to be one of those places where I could get lost for days.
This feeling only grew stronger when I spent time in the deserts just outside of the city. The desert is such an incredible place full of life and magic. It can feel utterly surreal standing next to a palm tree or seeing a flock of birds buzz by your head. If you have never been to the desert before, it will change your view forever; it makes me wonder why more people don’t venture there as often as they do into other regions of the country.
Here are some things I learned during my time in the deserts:
The drive is more important than walking.
Driving in the sand is a whole different ball game than walking. It is important to keep in mind that walking here is not at all like hiking in the mountains. Walking here is more like walking across a construction site. Sand is everywhere, and it is sharp. Driving is a whole different story. When you drive in the desert you are rewarded with the most stunning views that are so surreal they will make you feel like you are in another world.
You can drive all day long and never run out of amazing things to see. You can also see places that no one else will because there is no one else out there. Driving offers a completely new perspective on the country, and you can explore areas of the country that are not within the city limits. If you are visiting the desert, I would highly recommend that you drive.
Hiking boots are required.
When you are walking through the desert, it is important to wear hiking boots. This is for two reasons: First, you will avoid getting cut and scraped. Second, the sand is sharp, and if you are wearing regular walking shoes, you will get sand stuck in the cracks of your toes. I would recommend wearing hiking shoes as well so that you have more support when walking in the desert.
Bring a water bottle on hikes.
It is a good idea to bring a water bottle on every hike. The water in the desert will be so salty that it will burn your mouth if you have a regular water bottle. Salt is almost everywhere in the desert, and you need to be careful when drinking it. If you bring water, you can avoid this problem.
Learn to love the silence and take it in.
When you are in the, you must realize that you will experience some silence. It is essential to accept this silence and enjoy it. There is nothing quite like experiencing silence out here in the desert. One of the things I did on almost every hike was to take a moment and look up at the stars.
The desert sky is nothing short of breathtaking, and it is a rare sight to see. Hiking in the desert is a great way to take a moment and appreciate the silence.
Take photos at sunset.
Most people I talked to told me that they don’t take sunset photos because they are a common thing and they get so many. However, in my eyes, they are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can’t just take a photo of the sun setting in the desert. You need to be there and be in the moment to truly get it. If you are visiting the desert, I would highly recommend that you take a few sunset photos.
Explore the desert on foot with a camel ride.
When I first arrived in and saw camels, I was terrified. I had never seen a camel in real life, so I was worried that it would be like a scary creature from Jurassic Park. I was so wrong. Camels are gentle creatures who only want to be stroked and fed.
You can have a camel ride in the desert for about 100 dirhams, which is about $20. This is a great way to explore the desert and see parts of the country that are not accessible by car.
Visit the mosque on Fridays for an experience that will last a lifetime.
I had the opportunity to visit the mosque on Fridays during my stay in the desert. While visiting the mosque, you are required to dress in a traditional robe, wear a headscarf, and cover your shoulders and legs. When you visit the mosque, you are expected to pay respects to the Prophet Muhammad by bowing down and touching the ground with your forehead.
If you are visiting the desert and want to visit the mosque, I would highly recommend that you do so on Fridays. This experience will stay with you forever and is an experience you will never forget.
Go swimming in the oasis after sunset.
Several oases in the desert are simply breathtaking. If you are visiting the desert, I would highly recommend that you go swimming in an oasis after sunset. There are several oases where you can swim in the middle of a palm tree surrounded by sand. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with you forever.
Conclusion
The desert is a truly magical place full of life and magic that can change your life and open your eyes to the beauty of the world. It is important to remember that you need to drive in the desert, wear hiking boots, bring water, and look up at the stars to experience it. There are many things to see and do, and if you are visiting the desert, you need to make time for it.
