Planning a desert safari in Dubai but not sure what to expect? You’ve come to the right place!
In this guide I have outlined everything you need to know to plan the perfect Dubai desert safari, including; the best Dubai desert safari tours, activities you can expect to do in the desert, what to bring to the desert and more!
I also go over whether it’s worth doing a desert safari, or if it’s just a tourist attraction. Personally, it took me a six trips to Dubai to convince myself to go on one, and I wish I’d done it sooner!
The desert of Dubai is a unique natural landscape, where golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see.
It’s not the sort of place you see very often, and in my opinion, no Dubai trip would be complete without a little desert adventure.
So without further ado, let’s dive in and start planning the perfect Dubai desert tour!
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Beautiful sunset views in Dubai desert
Best desert safaris in Dubai at a glance
If you’re looking for the best desert safari tours in Dubai, here’s where you should pay attention.
These are some of the most highly recommended and most popular tours out there, so you’re bound to find something to suit you amongst these.
Overall best tour: Dubai Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma – Boasting rave reviews, this complete tour provides an amazing experience with friendly guides to really make the most of your time in the desert. Includes just about everything you could want.
Best overnight safari: From Dubai: Red Dunes and Camel Safari with Overnight Camp – All the activities plus spending a night in the desert? A magical experience and totally worth it.
Best budget safari: Dubai: Red Dune Safari, Camel Riding, Sandboarding & BBQ – Travelling on a budget in Dubai doesn’t mean you have to miss out on activities. On this Dubai desert tour, you still get to do most activities, but just at a cheaper price.
Best luxury safari: 7-Hour Platinum Desert Safari from Dubai – With this tour starting in the day and going through to an evening desert safari from Dubai, it’s an extensive – and exclusive – option.
Getting ready to go dune bashing in Dubai
The iconic red dunes of Dubai desert
What does a Dubai desert tour include?
Good question. Dubai desert tours are usually jam packed with activities, but not all tours include every activity. There’s a lot of mixing and matching going on.
So if you’re particularly keen on doing certain things, you’ll want to make sure that’s included in your tour. Here’s what you can expect to find.
Dune bashing – This is when you take to the desert sands in a 4×4 with expert drivers, driving at full speed up and down the dunes.
The air is let out of the tyres for extra traction. A modern Dubai experience, which usually all tours include.
Dune bashing in Dubai desert
Our 4×4 jeeps driving on the sand dunes in Dubai
Quad riding – Similar to dune bashing, except you’ll be driving yourself instead of being driven around. It’s super fun and a good way to get the heart pumping!
Sandboarding – Like snowboarding but on the sand. Most desert safaris will include this experience as part of the package. Equipment is provided.
Henna painting – A traditional kind of body art that some tours include. It’s souvenir that you’ll have on your hands for a while.
Me trying my hand at sandboarding in Dubai
Falcon experience – People used to hunt with falcons out here, so it’s cool to see the skills of their trainers and the relationships between them and their birds.
Camel riding – The most traditional way to get around the desert. I wouldn’t say this is a comfortable experience, but it’s not one you’ll forget in a long time!
Hot air balloon – Not cheap, but really adds the magic to an already stunning experience.
Enjoying a camel ride in Dubai desert
Seeing the sunset in the desert – Actually magical. There’s something about the desert scenery that really suits a sunset. Luckily there are a lot of evening desert safaris from Dubai that provide this spectacle.
Barbecue dinner in the desert – Many of the tours include a dinner at the end of the day, where you’ll be served food in a traditional Bedouin camp. Some include a traditional performance of music and dance.
Spend a night in the desert – For a complete experience, nothing beats staying overnight in the desert. The sunset is only matched by the sunrise.
Bedouin Oasis Camp, where we did our overnight Dubai desert safari
The evening show at our overnight Dubai desert safari
Best Dubai desert safari tours
Overall best Dubai desert tour
Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma
The most popular Dubai desert tour out there with thousands of glowing reviews from happy customers, and it’s easy to see why.
You’ll get the chance to have an exciting adventure on a full day and evening in the Dubai desert. First up, you’ll be taken out of the city in a 4×4 and embark on a bit of dune bashing. There’s also the option of sandboarding.
Then there’s a camp with traditional snacks, a camel ride across the sand, henna painting and the chance to meet some falcons. As night falls, you’ll enjoy a buffet BBQ and enjoy traditional performances.
Going on a camel ride in the desert in Dubai
The jeep for our dune bashing tour in Dubai
Best overnight safari in Dubai
From Dubai: Red Dunes and Camel Safari with Overnight Camp
This is your chance to make the most of your time in the Dubai desert: by spending the night under the stars. Once you’re in the Lahbab Desert, you’ll be able to do some quad biking and dune bashing over the sands.
Afterwards, you can try out sandboarding too (fun!). Then it’s on to your campsite for the night, followed by a camel ride to watch the sun set over the dunes.
Back at the camp, there’ll be traditional dance and a lavish dinner to enjoy. Sitting around the campfire and listening to desert stories is a memorable way to end the day.
Plus, just imagine the iconic Dubai Instagrammable shots you’ll get in the desert at night!
The tents at Bedouin Oasis Camp, where we slept during our overnight desert safari in Dubai
The pool at Bedouin Oasis Camp – the camp for our Dubai desert safari
Best budget safari in Dubai
Dubai: Red Dune Safari, Camel Riding, Sandboarding & BBQ
Not all things have to cost big bucks in Dubai – in fact this desert safari is affordable and still offers up a lot.
First of all, you’ll be driven out into the desert in a land cruiser, after which you’ll have a go at some dune bashing.
Then it’s time for some sandboarding over the dunes, before heading out to watch the sunset at a Bedouin camp. There’s also the opportunity for a camel ride and some henna painting in the evening (and with a BBQ dinner).
Super affordable and highly reviewed.
Click here to book your budget desert tour in Dubai, or check out prices & availability below!
One of the camels in our Dubai desert camp
Best luxury desert safari in Dubai
7-Hour Platinum Desert Safari from Dubai
For those of you who like a little more luxury, and you don’t mind paying the price for it, then you’ll enjoy this Dubai desert safari. You’ll be picked up in a Range Rover and then head off-road into the desert.
Your guide will take you to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to see some wildlife and a falconry demonstration.
Then you’ll get to watch the sunset and enjoy a private silver service dinner among the dunes at an exclusive venue.
Don’t miss out, book your luxury desert safari in Dubai here!
Or check out prices & availability for your chosen date below!
One of our cars got stuck in the Dubai desert while dune bashing
Dune bashing in Dubai
Other noteworthy desert tours in Dubai
Dubai: Hot Air Balloon, Desert Safari, Quad Biking, and More
Fancy a hot air balloon ride? Then this is going to be the best Dubai desert tour for you.
It’s not every day that you get to see desert dunes while you’re floating high up in the sky (4,000 feet up high, by the way!) so I would say this is a pretty unique option.
But it’s not only a balloon ride that you’ll get to enjoy; there’s also quad biking and other fun activities to try your hand at.
My friend speeding down a sand dune in Dubai with his sand board
Dubai: Evening Desert Quad Bike Tour with BBQ Dinner
For an evening desert tour from Dubai, this one is a great option. You’ll get to escape the city in an air-conditioned jeep and make your way to the Lahbab Desert.
First up: a spot of quad biking. Unlike dune bashing, you’ll get to drive yourself over the dunes, making for an exhilarating experience.
After that, it’s time to head to a Bedouin camp for a traditional meal as the sun sets – a perfect way to end the day. Evening entertainment includes belly dancing and musical performances.
Bedouin Oasis Camp, where we did our Dubai desert safari
Beautiful desert views in Dubai
Overnight Dubai Desert Safari & Gourmet Breakfast
Here is another option for an overnight experience in the desert. It starts out pretty cool: you’ll be driven out of the city in an authentic 1950s Land Rover.
You’ll spend time spotting wildlife in the beautiful Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and afterwards head to a Bedouin camp.
Here you’ll watch demonstrations of cultural activities such as bread-making, henna painting and music, before enjoying a delicious dinner under the stars.
On waking you’ll have a traditional breakfast with freshly brewed coffee waiting for you. A great way to start the day!
The evening show during our desert safari
The common sitting area at Bedouin Oasis Camp, where dinner is served
Dubai: Sunrise Balloon Flight with Breakfast & Falcon Photo
For early birds who like to seize the day, this morning desert safari from Dubai is truly an unforgettable experience. Be warned though: it really does start early. Before sunrise, in fact.
You’ll head out of the city and into the desert, where a hot air balloon will be waiting for you to take you high above the sand for one epic sunrise.
You’ll be able to spot wildlife in its natural habitat, including the Arabian oryx, and spot green oases dotting the dunes.
After the balloon ride, you’ll be able to enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast before heading back to the city (to hang out by the pool – that’s just me though!).
The decorations at Bedouin Oasis by night
Should you do a Dubai desert safari?
Totally! A Dubai desert safari is a completely unique adventure, allowing you to experience the wilds of the desert. Even if you’re only in Dubai for a long layover, it’s an activity you should consider!
Not only that, but it gives you an insight into older traditions as well as newer, exciting activities like sandboarding and dune bashing.
You may think that Dubai is all skyscrapers and artificial islands, but when you head out on a desert safari – just 45-minutes drive out of the city – the natural, wide open landscape reveals itself with dunes that seem to go on forever.
If nothing else, it’s an interesting break from the Dubai city life. You can also do a desert safari from Abu Dhabi, but the Dubai ones are usually quicker to get to.
If you really want to make the most of this unique experience, I highly recommend joining an overnight desert safari.
While dune bashing and seeing the desert in general is without a doubt a fun activity, spending a night under the stars is simply magical.
Enjoying the sunset over the red sand dunes of Dubai desert
The desert camp and tents of Bedouin Oasis
What to pack for a desert safari in Dubai
While Instagram may be flooded with photos of girls in flowing white dresses walking on top of sand dunes, that might not necessarily be the most appropriate clothing to wear in the desert.
In fact, you won’t want to be wearing the best outfits of your Dubai packing list for the desert, because you’ll get hot, sweaty and (most likely) very, very sandy.
You should opt for loose, flowing clothes that are ideally breathable, and comfortable enough to move freely in; you shouldn’t be wearing anything that’s going to make you sweat excessively.
You’ll also be in the desert, so a shawl or scarf to cover your head in the heat, as well as your mouth when you’re sandboarding or quad biking, would be a good idea.
When it comes to the colour of your clothing, I would steer clear of black or dark colours; that’s just going to soak up the sun and make you overheat. Go for light colours or white. Sunglasses are a must!
The crew ready to go sand boarding in Dubai desert
Where to stay for your Dubai desert safari
Since most Dubai desert safaris include pick-up and drop-off, it doesn’t really matter where you stay in Dubai. You can choose the area and hotel that best suits your travel style.
I have listed below some great accommodation options in Dubai for every budget.
Budget: Ramada Downtown Dubai – Overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, this is a polished, modern property made up of studio rooms, suites and a penthouse.
Click here to book your stay at Ramada Downtown Dubai!
Mid-range: 25hours Hotel One Central – I spent one night here and loved it. This hotel has an epic rooftop pool with a view of the Museum of the Future (one of the coolest views in Dubai!) and the interior design is truly unique.
Click here to book your stay at 25hours Hotel One Central!
Luxury: Address Downtown Dubai – Among other things, this luxury hotel features an incredible infinity pool with an equally incredible view of Burj Khalifa: the world’s tallest building. The location in Downtown Dubai is prime for exploring top sights, and the spacious rooms offer a luxurious experience.
Click here to book your stay at Address Downtown Dubai!
Enjoying the pool with view over the Museum of the Future at 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai
Final thoughts on the best Dubai desert safaris
There you have it, the ultimate guide to doing a desert safari in Dubai! Have you ever visited the Dubai desert? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
For me, spending a day exploring the red sand dunes, doing fun activities like sandboarding, dune bashing and camel riding, and then spending the evening eating delicious Emirati cuisine and watching a local show was simply incredible.
Add to it a night spent sleeping under the stars, and you have a one-in-a-lifetime travel bucket list experience.
I really believe everyone should add a desert safari to their Dubai itinerary. Getting out of the city, going beyond the dhow dinner cruises, and seeing a completely unique landscape is an experience you won’t forget.
I hope you have found this guide useful in planning your own Dubai desert tour. I tried to include everything you need to know before visiting, as well as the best tours you join.
Make sure to book your desert tour online beforehand, so you have it confirmed and don’t miss out! If you have any questions about doing a Dubai desert safari, just let me know in the comments below!
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