Dubai is known for its luxury, modern skyscrapers, and breathtaking attractions. However, beyond its cityscape lies the vast Arabian Desert, offering an unforgettable adventure. Desert Safari Dubai is one of the most exciting activities for visitors, combining thrill, culture, and nature in one experience. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or someone who wants to enjoy a peaceful sunset in the desert, a desert safari is a must-try.
For travelers looking to explore Dubai’s top attractions, many Dubai Tour Packages include a desert safari as part of their itinerary. It’s an essential experience that showcases the natural beauty and Bedouin culture of the region, making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai.
Types of Desert Safari in Dubai
Desert safaris in Dubai come in different forms, allowing visitors to choose an experience that matches their preferences. Below are the most popular types:
1. Morning Desert Safari
If you want to start your day with adventure, a morning desert safari is ideal. It includes thrilling activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding. Since mornings are cooler, it’s a great option for those who prefer daytime adventures.
2. Evening Desert Safari
The evening desert safari is the most popular choice among tourists. It starts in the afternoon and continues into the night, allowing visitors to witness a stunning sunset. The experience includes dune bashing, camel rides, quad biking, henna painting, and live entertainment such as belly dancing and fire shows.
3. Overnight Desert Safari
For those who want to experience the desert under the stars, an overnight desert safari is the perfect option. After an evening full of activities, visitors can stay in a traditional Bedouin-style camp, enjoy a BBQ dinner, and sleep in tents under the open sky.
4. Private Desert Safari
A private desert safari offers a personalized experience with exclusive transportation and customized activities. It’s perfect for families, honeymooners, or those who want a more intimate and luxurious experience.
Exciting Activities in Desert Safari Dubai
No matter which type of safari you choose, each tour includes a range of thrilling and cultural activities.
1. Dune Bashing – A Heart-Pounding Ride
Dune bashing is one of the highlights of a desert safari. A skilled driver takes you on a thrilling ride across the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle, giving you an adrenaline rush as the car moves up and down the steep dunes.
2. Sandboarding – Surfing on Sand
Similar to snowboarding, sandboarding lets you slide down the dunes on a specially designed board. It’s easy to learn and a fun activity for both beginners and experts.
3. Camel Riding – A Traditional Experience
Riding a camel is a must-try experience during a desert safari. It gives you a taste of how Bedouins used to travel across the desert.
4. Quad Biking and Dune Buggy Rides
For adventure lovers, quad biking and dune buggy rides provide an exhilarating way to explore the desert at high speed. These activities are usually available as add-ons to safari packages.
5. Falconry – Get Close to the Majestic Birds
Falconry is an ancient Emirati tradition where trained falcons hunt prey. Some desert safaris offer falconry demonstrations, where visitors can interact with these magnificent birds.
6. Sunset Photography – Capture the Beauty of the Desert
The Arabian Desert looks magical at sunset. The golden sand dunes and the changing colors of the sky create the perfect setting for breathtaking photographs.
7. Arabian Camp Experience – Cultural Entertainment
After the adventure activities, visitors are taken to a traditional desert camp, where they can experience the authentic Bedouin lifestyle. Activities include:
- Henna Painting – Get beautiful temporary tattoos.
- Shisha Smoking – Enjoy flavored tobacco in a traditional Arabian setting.
- Traditional Costumes – Dress up in Arabic attire and take photos.
- Live Entertainment – Enjoy belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows.
8. BBQ Dinner – A Delicious Arabian Feast
A desert safari is incomplete without a delicious BBQ dinner. The meal usually includes a variety of Arabic and international dishes, such as grilled meats, salads, hummus, and desserts.
Tips for a Great Desert Safari Experience
- Wear Comfortable Clothing – Light, loose-fitting clothes are best for the desert. In the winter months, bring a jacket as it can get chilly at night.
- Use Sunscreen and Sunglasses – The desert sun can be harsh, so protect your skin and eyes.
- Stay Hydrated – Bring a bottle of water to stay refreshed.
- Avoid Heavy Meals Before Dune Bashing – If you have motion sickness, it’s best to eat lightly before the safari.
- Bring a Camera – The desert’s beauty is worth capturing, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone.
- Book in Advance – Desert safaris are popular, so booking in advance ensures you get the best deals.
General Information
Location
The desert safari takes place in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or Lahbab Desert, both located about 45–60 minutes from central Dubai.
Timings
Desert safaris operate at different times depending on the type of tour:
- Morning Safari: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening Safari: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Overnight Safari: 3:00 PM – 8:00 AM (next day)
Ticket Prices
The cost of a desert safari depends on the package and inclusions:
- Basic Evening Safari: AED 150 – AED 250 per person
- VIP Safari (with Private Car & Exclusive Seating): AED 500 – AED 800
- Quad Biking & Dune Buggy Add-ons: AED 100 – AED 400 extra
- Overnight Desert Safari: AED 350 – AED 600
Booking online or as part of a Dubai Tour Package often comes with discounts.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for a desert safari is from October to April, when the weather is cooler. Summers (June to September) can be extremely hot, so morning or evening safaris are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is a desert safari in Dubai safe?
Yes! Desert safaris are conducted by professional guides and trained drivers who follow strict safety measures. Seat belts are required in dune bashing vehicles, and helmets are provided for quad biking.
2. What should I wear for a desert safari?
Wear light, breathable clothing such as cotton t-shirts, pants, or shorts. For footwear, sandals or sneakers are recommended. If you’re doing an overnight safari, bring a light jacket as it can get cold at night.
3. Are there any age restrictions for desert safari activities?
Most activities, like dune bashing and quad biking, have age and height restrictions for safety reasons. Children under 3 years and pregnant women are usually not allowed on dune bashing rides. However, camel rides and camp activities are suitable for all ages.
4. Can I book a desert safari as part of a Dubai Tour Package?
Yes! Many Dubai Tour Packages include a desert safari as part of their itinerary. It’s one of the best places to visit in Dubai, and booking a tour package often provides better deals and convenience.
