Definition of a desert

Think of the desert and adrenaline-powered images of safaris, off-road driving, sand skiing, sand boarding and dune buggies flood the mind. Mental slides depicting desert ecology are rarely 'on view'. Which, ideally, shouldn't be the case.

"Even greener land [Liwa for instance] is classified as desert," says Dr David Gallacher, assistant professor, University Seminar and Academic Advising, Dubai Campus.

He explains that a desert is classified as an area receiving less than 250mm of rainfall per year, considerably more than the coastal average, or in which evaporation exceeds precipitation.

Even though desert ecology has been negatively affected as urban development supplants large chunks of desert land, desert activities aren't considered harmful if restricted to smaller areas.

Dr Gallacher, a member of the Dubai Natural History Group, recommends an increase in the number of designated 4WD-free desert areas. His opinion on dune bashing, however, is not along similar lines.

"Safaris are okay because each camp occupies a small section. Dune bashing, on the other hand, destroys vegetation as well as the structure of the dune," he says.

Development has undoubtedly caused damage. He says, "Niche habitats have disappeared, taking with them niche species of insects and possibly other species as well. The impact spreads far beyond..."

The best deserts in the UAE are the ones "as far away from cities, roads and livestock as possible". To experience a true desert environment he suggests the rugged, remote parts of the Hajar Mountains in north-eastern Oman and the inland border between Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

– Carolina D'Souza, Lifestyle Features Coordinator, Friday