The urbanisation of desert cities and regions is a vital yet often overlooked issue, given that over one billion people reside in desert cities and hot-arid areas worldwide, some of which are among the fastest-growing urban regions. This article contends that the desert suburbanisation of cities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Riyadh, Dubai, and Cairo results in an ever-expanding, mono-functional, and car-dependent periphery, frequently manifesting as gated communities. It aims to envisage a more resourceful model for future desert cities, promoting a nuanced understanding of this type of periphery and its effects on the surrounding desert landscape and the lives of its residents. However, the relationship between 'periphery' and 'desert' is more complex and intricate than it might first appear. The article examines Superstudio's provocative projects for the desert and concludes with a series of design proposals from the author's recent design research studios, focusing on an area just north of the renowned Strip - the Las Vegas Arts District. This district is characterised by its low density, numerous parking lots, and a diverse mix of industrial and residential uses. The studio's urban strategy is to preserve and enhance existing structures while invigorating the area with a thoughtful combination of fast and slow-paced programmatic elements, aiming to create a highly sustainable, future-proof urban hub. This approach seeks to densify and activate the area with a blend of work, living and leisure, educational, and desert green spaces.