Gulf Desert Rose

Gulf Desert Rose is a travel and tourism company based in Lusail, founded in 2023, that specialises in desert experiences. It holds a Qatar Tourism licence covering desert safari activity and guest and vehicle safety, which is worth checking for any operator you use for dune driving. Alongside its desert trips, it runs a Doha city tour and day tours to the north and west of Qatar.

The desert safari is the core product, with dune bashing in four-wheel drives, camel rides and overnight desert camps. Its featured trip, Dune to Dining: Ultimate Desert Odyssey, lasts five to six hours and combines the desert with a meal, while the Overnight Desert Camp runs for 14 to 16 hours and includes a night under the stars. The North Qatar Tour and West Qatar Tour are useful for seeing parts of the country beyond Doha.

The company offers hotel pick-up, and airport pick-ups are also available. That includes layover passengers, who can be collected from Hamad International Airport and returned before their flight, which makes a desert trip possible on a long connection. Bookings are made online or through the company's WhatsApp line, and it is wise to confirm exactly what is included, such as meals, drinks, sandboarding and camel rides, before you pay.

Gulf Desert Rose suits couples, families and small groups who want a desert experience with transport handled from door to door. The overnight camp is a good option for travellers who want to see sunset and sunrise in the dunes, when the desert is at its most beautiful and wildlife is most active.

Because the company is based in Lusail, it is particularly convenient for guests staying in Lusail, The Pearl or West Bay, and it offers hotel pick-ups. Book a few days ahead in the cooler months, when weekend trips are in highest demand.

For any desert trip, wear loose, light clothing that covers your shoulders, closed shoes or sandals you do not mind filling with sand, sunglasses and a hat, and bring sunscreen and water. Tell the driver if anyone in your group suffers from motion sickness, back problems or is pregnant, as dune driving is bumpy. Desert trips are most comfortable between November and March, and in summer the early-morning and late-afternoon departures are the most bearable.