A trip to Dubai is never complete without a Desert Safari. The golden dunes of the Arabian Desert invite travelers to experience the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From thrilling dune bashing rides in a 4×4 Land Cruiser to peaceful camel treks, BBQ dinners, and traditional Bedouin-style camps, a desert safari offers something for everyone.
For those searching for authentic Things To Do in Dubai, a desert safari is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can add to your travel list.
Overview of Desert Safari Dubai
The Dubai Desert Safari is a guided journey into the Arabian desert that combines outdoor adventure, Emirati traditions, and entertainment shows. Visitors can choose between morning safaris, evening safaris, overnight stays, or private luxury tours.
Each safari offers unique highlights: adrenaline seekers enjoy sandboarding and quad biking, while culture lovers prefer henna painting, live dance shows, and Arabian cuisine at desert camps.
Location
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Main Desert Areas: Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes), Al Awir Desert, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
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Distance from Dubai City: Around 40–50 minutes from Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa.
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Pick-up Services: Most operators provide hotel pick-up and drop-off in air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles.
Choose the Lahbab Desert for the famous red dunes, which are ideal for photography and adventure.
Types of Desert Safari in Dubai
| Type of Safari | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Morning Safari | Cooler hours, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides. |
| Evening Safari | Most popular; includes dune bashing, cultural shows, BBQ dinner. |
| Overnight Safari | Camping under the stars, Bedouin tents, sunrise views. |
| Private Safari | Luxury 4×4 vehicles, personalized dining and entertainment. |
| Adventure Safari | Quad biking, dune buggy rides, falconry, extended camel treks. |
Ticket Prices and Packages
| Package | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Morning Desert Safari | From AED 150 (~$40) |
| Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner | From AED 200 (~$55) |
| Overnight Desert Safari | From AED 350 (~$95) |
| Private Luxury Desert Safari | From AED 600 (~$163) |
| Quad Biking or Dune Buggy Add-on | From AED 250 (~$68) |
Prices vary depending on the tour operator, inclusions, and level of luxury. Booking tickets online in advance often provides better discounts.
Best Time to Visit Desert Safari Dubai
| Time | Why It’s the Best |
|---|---|
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Pleasant weather, perfect for evening safaris. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Morning safaris recommended due to cooler temperatures. |
| Sunset | Most scenic; enjoy golden views, cultural shows, and dinner. |
| Night | Best for stargazing and overnight camping. |
Activities in Desert Safari Dubai
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
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Dune Bashing: A thrilling ride across high sand dunes in a 4×4 SUV.
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Sandboarding: Sliding down steep dunes on a board.
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Quad Biking and Dune Buggy Rides: High-speed desert adventure for adrenaline lovers.
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Camel Riding: A traditional and peaceful way to explore the desert.
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Falconry Shows: Watch trained falcons in action, a historic Emirati tradition.
Cultural and Entertainment Activities
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BBQ Buffet Dinner: Traditional Arabian dishes and international cuisine.
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Belly Dance: Live performances with Middle Eastern music.
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Tanoura Dance and Fire Shows: Colorful cultural entertainment.
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Henna Painting: Traditional art applied to hands and feet.
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Shisha Smoking: Relax with flavored tobacco under the desert sky.
Overnight Desert Safari Activities
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Bedouin Camp Stay: Authentic Arabian-style tent accommodation.
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Stargazing: Clear desert skies perfect for astronomy lovers.
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Sunrise View: Watch the desert glow in the morning light.
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Breakfast in the Desert: Traditional meal after an overnight stay.
5 Best Things to Do in Desert Safari Dubai
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Experience Dune Bashing
Enjoy a rollercoaster ride over towering sand dunes in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. This is the most thrilling part of the safari. -
Try Sandboarding and Quad Biking
Adventurers can sandboard down dunes or ride quad bikes for an unforgettable desert thrill. -
Ride a Camel
Take a short camel trek to experience the traditional way nomads once traveled across the desert. -
Watch Evening Entertainment Shows
Enjoy belly dance, Tanoura shows, and fire performances that showcase Arabian culture. -
Dine Under the Stars
End the evening with a delicious BBQ buffet dinner in a Bedouin-style desert camp.
Travel Tips for Visitors
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Wear light and comfortable clothing; bring a jacket in winter evenings.
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Sand-friendly shoes or sandals are recommended.
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Book with licensed tour operators for safety and quality.
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Stay hydrated; desert heat can be intense.
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Carry a camera for stunning sunset and dune photography.
Why Desert Safari is a Must-Do in Dubai
The Desert Safari is not just another tour—it’s the soul of Dubai’s heritage combined with modern adventure. It offers the chance to experience Emirati traditions, thrilling activities, and Arabian hospitality all in one package.
Among the many Things To Do in Dubai, the desert safari stands out because it connects visitors with both authentic culture and unforgettable adventures.
FAQs About Desert Safari Dubai
How long does a desert safari last?
| Type of Safari | Duration & Details |
|---|---|
| Morning Safari | 3–4 hours, starting around 7–8 AM; includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding. Ends before noon. |
| Evening Safari | 6–7 hours, starting around 3 PM; includes dune bashing, camel rides, BBQ dinner, cultural shows. Ends around 9 PM. |
| Overnight Safari | 16–18 hours; includes evening activities, overnight camp stay, stargazing, sunrise views, and breakfast. |
Is dune bashing safe?
| Safety Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | 4×4 SUVs (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar) with roll cages, seat belts, and professional drivers. |
| Who Should Avoid | Pregnant women, children under 3, elderly with back/neck problems, heart patients, and people prone to motion sickness. |
| Alternatives | Visitors who skip dune bashing can enjoy camel rides, desert photography, or camp activities. |
Can I do a desert safari in summer?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|
| Morning Safari | Cooler hours (7–11 AM); best option during hot summer months. |
| Evening Safari | Comfortable after sunset; includes BBQ dinner and cultural shows. |
| Overnight Safari | Less common in summer but possible with air-conditioned Bedouin tents. |
| Tips | Carry sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water. Wear light cotton clothes. |
Are vegetarian options available in desert safari dinners?
| Food Category | Vegetarian Options |
|---|---|
| Starters & Mezze | Hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel, Arabic bread. |
| Main Dishes | Vegetable curries, lentil stews, grilled vegetables, paneer dishes. |
| Extras | Salads, fruits, rice, pasta, Arabic desserts. |
| Note | Vegan, gluten-free, and dietary preferences can be arranged if requested in advance. |
Which desert is best for safari in Dubai?
| Desert | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes) | Famous for red sand dunes; perfect for dune bashing, sandboarding, and photography. |
| Al Awir Desert | Close to Dubai; good for shorter trips; less dramatic than Lahbab. |
| Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve | Protected area with wildlife (oryx, gazelles); ideal for eco-friendly safaris. |
| Hatta Desert & Mountains | Best for combining desert adventures with mountain landscapes and heritage villages. |