The signature Dubai excursion: a 4x4 ride out to the dunes for dune bashing, then a desert camp for a barbecue dinner, shisha, henna, a falcon photo, camel rides, and usually a belly-dancing or tanoura show. Sunset and overnight versions exist.

Utterly touristic and slightly staged, but the landscape under a real desert sky is genuinely worth it once. Choose an operator that doesn't treat the dunes — or the animals — as props.