Deserts represent some of the most extreme environments on Earth, characterized by high temperatures, water scarcity, elevated salinity, and intense solar radiation. Nevertheless, bacteria have evolved complex mechanisms that enable them to survive and thrive under these harsh conditions. Iran, with over 32 million hectares of desert land, is considered one of the world's major arid ecosystems, providing an ideal setting for investigating the evolutionary adaptations of bacteria to severe climatic challenges. This review article analyzes the survival and adaptation strategies employed by bacteria in such environments. The study was conducted using a library-based methodology and systematic searches of reputable scientific databases with relevant keywords. Desiccation-resistant bacteria employ a various strategy, such as spore formation protected by dipicolinic acid and small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASPs); entry into a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state; regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities; secretion of protective osmolytes such as ectoine and trehalose; biofilm formation; and modification of cell membrane lipid composition. Moreover, species like Deinococcus radiodurans exhibit exceptional resistance to desiccation and ionizing radiation due to sophisticated DNA repair systems including extended synthesis-dependent strand annealing (ESDSA) and Rec family proteins. Investigating these complex survival mechanisms provides valuable insights into the evolutionary trajectories of microorganisms under extreme climatic stress. Potential applications include the development of drought-resistant crops and the engineering of microbial strains for industrial, agricultural, and medical purposes.