best safari tour dubai

Middle East Chevron

United Arab Emirates Chevron

Dubai Chevron

15 Best Desert Safaris in Dubai

By Maresa Manara

A desert safari is one of the best ways to experience Emirati culture. From quad biking over sand dunes to camping under the stars to taking a sunrise hot air balloon tour, here's our pick of the very best desert safaris in Dubai. Ante up the adrenaline, and dive on in.

Bedouin Life, Falconry, and Wildlife Drive by Platinum Heritage Arrow

While this tour’s selling point is that it lets guests "experience life as a Bedouin nomad," being picked up at your hotel door in a luxury Land Rover sets things off on a more comfortable foot. Camels will take you to the Bedouin camp in time for sunrise, and the wildlife safari in the Desert Conservation Reserve, which stops to see local animals, is once-in-a-lifetime. Guides are great: they’ll help you prepare traditional Arabic dishes (Ful medames, Arabic bread, and desserts) and explain the ins and outs of local Arabic dancing.

Overnight Safari by Rayna Tours & Travel Arrow

Drivers take Al Awir road into the desert for some dune driving and photos at sunset. From there, head to the camp for camel rides. Next up, there’s a belly dancing show and open bar, henna painting, and a fire show. However, it’s the overnight experience that is truly special. Once all the other guests have left, guides set up camp with sleeping bags and blankets, and a special star gazing talk. Watching the sunrise from your camp over breakfast is unforgettable. If you pre-book, guides will stop for some sand skiing and quad biking opportunities on the way back to Dubai.

Evening Desert Safari by Atlanta Safari Dubai Arrow

There’s something magical about venturing into the desert at night, and this late afternoon-evening safari is no different. This is the kind of tour where guests feel completely looked after. Once everyone reaches camp, there are pre-dinner snacks, henna tattoo opportunities and live dance shows. The buffet barbecue dinner (couscous, fresh salads, lamb roasted below ground, grilled prawns, chicken and apricot stews) is one of the best we’ve had on a desert safari.

Overnight Desert Safari and Hot Air Balloon flight by Platinum Heritage Arrow

Luxury safaris don’t get much better than this, and the hotel pick up in an open-top vintage Land Rover’s your first clue. As you leave the city behind and head for the desert, guides regale guests with tales of Dubai’s history, as well as a run-through of local customs and traditions. Once you reach the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the tour turns safari, African-style. The camels that take you back to your Arabic tent in the evening are an extra special touch, and the early morning hot air balloon flight is a magical experience.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Dune Riders (Adventure Unlimited) by Dream Explorer Dubai Arrow

Adventurous travelers make up this tour’s tribe. Once you get to the desert, there’s a swift safety briefing and then you’re off: dipping and diving over sunburnt sand dunes, some of which lie at a stomach-dropping 90 degree angle. The trip happens in convoy, so there’s no need to worry about ending up lost in the middle of the desert. An hour of sand boarding adds extra thrills.

Quad Bikes Safari by Red Dunes Desert Safari Arrow

There’s nothing quite like charging over dunes and across the desert on your very own quad bike. Everyone is picked up at the hotel, and driven 30 minutes to the quad biking spot in the desert. While this certainly isn’t the most luxurious, or in-depth desert safari, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to experience local Arabic culture and have a bit of adventure on a short time frame.

Hummer H2 Safari by Sand Trax Dubai Desert Safaris Arrow

This four-hour tour begins with a hotel pick up in a huge white Hummer, which will whisk you out to the desert. Drivers are super organized and run you through the itinerary: thrilling dune drive, photos at sunset, a barbecue dinner, belly dancing, a dizzyingly good whirling dervish, shisha, and Arabic coffee so strong your spoon stands upright in it. Most people do desert safaris in a Land Cruiser, so the experience in a Hummer is completely different, and novel.

Desert Safari by Arabian Nights Tours Arrow

The adrenaline charge that bumping over the steep sand dunes gives you is amazing, but it’s the post-drive camp time that really stands out. Rather than the usual all-you-can-eat buffet and barbecue, this camp offers shawarma – a typical Arabic dish of ground meat, falafel or chicken with vegetables and fries, served in a wrap. There are opportunities to get henna tattoos or watch a belly-dancing show, or just spend time with friends at the table, before being driven back to your hotel.

Morning Desert Safari with Sand Boarding by Arabian Expedition Arrow

If you get to bed early, a desert safari in the morning is rather special – and this one with Arabian Expedition is one of the best. The drive over Dubai’s undulating dunes is fun, with experienced drivers navigating some hair-raisingly steep drops. Once you've caught your breath there’s sand boarding, with a guide showing you to how whizz down the slopes.

Desert Safari by Adventure Leisure Tourism Arrow

Adventure Leisure Tourism offers plenty of safaris, but their straight up desert safari is by far their best—and the range of activities included is far more eclectic than most. This activity-led tour will take guests dune bashing, on a camel ride, and through a whirlwind of cultural experiences, with a variety of shows you won't see elsewhere. For an extra fee, guests can add quad biking to the mix.

Flying Carpet with Dinner for Two Safari by Orient Tours Arrow

This romantic tour runs on request for parties of two. Things kick off with a dune drive in one of their luxury Jeeps, before you’re taken to a very impressive lump of sand for a sand-boarding lesson. A local camel farm follows, and finally a well-deserved private barbecue dinner at a desert camp, with performances. The pre-dinner falcon show is great, but it’s the whirling dervish performance that really captured our imagination.

Sunrise in the Desert Safari by Tribal Trail Tourism Arrow

Anyone wanting a personalized tour will love Tribal Trails’ early morning take on the desert safari. This tour is popular with families and older travellers who rise early, but are still up for an adventure, and the option to request a private car is part of the appeal. Drivers are attentive and kind, and safety conscious: a boon when navigating the rollercoaster-like dunes, and when strapping guests into sandboards.

Premium Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari by Arabian Adventures Arrow

A desert safari is one of the best things to do in Dubai, and this is the crème de la crème. Jump in the Land Rover and make for the desert, where you’ll get to experience a sunset dune drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (knowing a portion of your ticket goes to conservation). A glass of bubbly calms any post-dune-bashing nerves, as does kicking back on Arabian-style blankets with a shisha pipe. Of course, don’t forget to enjoy the dinner: an Arabic-style buffet and barbecue that are well worth writing home about.

Exclusive Morning Safari by Funtours Arrow

A cheerful morning pick up sets the tone for this family-friendly tour. Guides are smiley and informed – and they’re great drivers, too. There’s a definite game plan, with exactly 20 minutes of dune driving, followed by a camel ride and a short but sweet sand boarding session. Ideal for anyone with a short window to experience Dubai’s desert, this tour checks all the boxes.

Evening Red-Dunes Desert Safari Dubai by OceanAir Travels Arrow

This full-day desert safari packs adventure in, making it possible to experience the best of the desert in just a day. The dune bashing is great, but it’s the sand surfing that’s the real highlight. Guides show you how to soar down the dunes, before everyone piles back into the Land Cruiser and heads to the desert campsite. Anyone with leftover energy can head to the camel rides, but there’s henna painting and shisha pipes waiting on the colorful Arabian carpets, too.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

15 Best Desert Safaris in Dubai You Can’t Go Wrong With

It’s sleek and modern but Dubai is hiding an abundance of heritage beneath those shiny skyscrapers, malls, and luxury hotels. A short journey into the United Arab Emirates inland and you’ll find swathes of red sand dunes that gift you with rip-roaring adrenaline pursuits, exotic desert wildlife, and a glimpse into traditional Bedouin culture.

The most exciting way to experience this sprawling desert-scape for yourself is to book a safari tour in Dubai!

If you’ve already read my 4 days in Dubai itinerary then perhaps you’re already feeling inspired to tap on your own trip to the Dubai desert. Now, to help you make that dream reality, I’ve rounded up the best desert safaris in Dubai that you can book right now!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Quick Lockdown of the Best Dubai Desert Safaris

Whether you want to take the backseat or grab the reins and drive your own quad bike or dune buggy, I’ve rounded up the most popular, most adventurous, and most unique desert safari tours in Dubai.

Among the safaris I have collated, you will find options suited for solo adventurers, couples, friends, and families. There is something for everyone to enjoy so all you have to do is pick the one that most appeals to you and press ‘book’! 

MY TOP 5 PICKS FOR THE BEST DESERT SAFARIS IN DUBAI

• Overall Best Dubai Desert Tour: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma
• Most Budget-Friendly Safari Tour in Dubai: Morning Desert Safari with Sandboarding & Camel Ride
• Most Luxurious Desert Safari Tour in Dubai: Dubai Private Night Safari & Astronomy
• Most Adventurous Dubai Desert Safari: Hot Air Balloon, Desert Safari, Quad Biking, and More
• Best Overnight Dubai Desert Tour: Red Dunes and Camel Safari with Overnight Camp

Keep reading to know more about each tour and to find some more desert safaris in Dubai to choose from!

15 Best Desert Safaris in Dubai

A quick note to say that most tours include pick up and drop off from your hotel or a chosen location in central Dubai. I have specified any exceptions to this rule. Your pick-up time is generally an hour before the tour start time. The exact time will be communicated with you at the time of booking.

Do check the terms carefully to ensure that the area where you stay in Dubai is covered in the transfer service. Bear in mind that religious holidays such as Ramadan do affect certain elements of the tours such as the cultural performances and dances. 

Hold onto your hat, now for the full desert safari guide! 

Most Popular Desert Safaris in Dubai

The following 5 listings are the most popular desert safari tours in Dubai based on the opinions of previous customers. These tours offer a balanced blend of adrenaline and culture and each has various additional extras if you want to personalize your tour. 

1. Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma

Price range: $$ Duration: 7 hours  Meals: BBQ buffet  Highlights: Dune bashing, camel safari, sandboarding, falconry show

An excellent all-rounder tour, this desert safari takes you across the Lahbab Desert where you will experience the thrill of dune bashing. Once you’ve worked up an appetite you will be taken to the Al Khayma Desert Camp for an evening of relaxation and further activities.

A short camel ride is included in this tour and there is the option to add a second ride and feed the camels yourself. You are also invited to partake in a spread of cultural activities including henna painting, meeting the resident falcons, and watching a traditional dance performance. 

Additional add ons include the chance to go quad biking or expand the dune bashing to a longer duration. The meal included is a BBQ buffet but another upgrade gives you the choice to receive VIP table service. 

Setting the precedent for most of the tours on this list, the excursion includes your pick up and drop off from your chosen hotel by a licensed desert guide in an air-conditioned 4X4 Land Cruiser. Lasting 7 hours in total, the tour usually starts at 3 pm.

Considering the inclusions, tour duration, price point, and customizations, I consider this to be the best Dubai desert safari in terms of the overall experience. 

Customer review: “This excursion was a 10/10 experience!!! It was well worth every coin, most especially the dune bashing. Mansoor Manz was such an amazing host, if you are able to request anyone request him! He went above and beyond to make sure this experience for my family was special- the drive to the desert was accompanied with a full on tour, facts and history about the UAE, and good humor mixed in it all. This is a must book!” – Ahlam, May 2021

2. Dubai: Red Dunes Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Sand Board

Price range: $ Duration: 4 hours  Meals: None  Highlights: Dune bashing, camel safari, sandboarding 

This Dubai desert safari is essentially a condensed version of the first tour on my list. The shorter time span (and subsequent reduction in price) means that this one is ideal for those on a shorter stay in Dubai or who are on a tighter budget.

The dune bashing aspect of the safari will last around 40 minutes after which you can enjoy a short camel ride and a spot of sandboarding. If you’d rather not take part in this then you can simply relax and soak up the landscape. There are plenty of opportunities to take photos during the safari. 

Starting times vary from 8 am, 9 am or 10 am in the morning, and 3 pm in the afternoon which means that you will catch the sunset before you depart. Again, you will be collected from your hotel or desired location.

As with the first tour, this safari offers a couple of customization options. Those include upgrading from a shared tour to a private tour and adding quad biking if you wish.

However, there is no inclusion for food with this excursion so ensure that you eat well prior to leaving and pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up.

Customer review: “This tour was exactly what we paid for! Nabeel, our tour guide, was great with pictures and super fun in the safari ride! He was very attentive and communicative. The camel ride was amazing and I was happy that the camels look cared for. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a desert experience.” – Paola, April 2021

3. The Sunriser: 4-Hour Sunrise Safari from Dubai

Price range: $$ Duration: 4 hours  Meals: Breakfast picnic  Highlights: Sunrise in the desert, falcon show

If you’ve ever fantasized about witnessing the sunrise above the Arabian Desert, then this is the best Dubai desert safari for you.

Once you’ve got the early pick-up out of the way (don’t worry, you can snooze in the car) your licensed guide will whisk you away to the remote sand dunes where you will watch the horizon glow with the first rays of sunshine. 

As the sun makes its final ascent you will be invited to take your seat for an Arabian breakfast picnic while you watch the falcon show. There will be plenty of time to ask questions about the desert lifestyle and customs, and you will gain heaps of trivia about the birds of prey during this tour.

This option is perfect for the culturally curious and those with an interest in wildlife – and early birds, it goes without saying. 

This sunrise safari is perfect for bucket listers, photographers, and couples seeking one of the most romantic activities that the UAE can provide. But please note that this tour does not include dune bashing or any other extreme activities. The tour starts at 4.45 am, which means pick up is around 4 am. 

Customer review: “We were picked up from the port on time. The guides prepared a great breakfast for us in the desert and we could calmly wait for the sunrise. Even if the falcon show was a typical tour program, it really fascinated us. However, this only took about 10 minutes. Dune bashing with the pick ups was also a lot of fun and we can only recommend the trip!” – Theresa, December 2019

4. Dubai: Morning Desert Safari with Sandboarding & Camel Ride

Price range: $ Duration: 4 hours  Meals: Light snacks or brunch (optional) Highlights: Dune bashing, camel safari, sandboarding 

If sunrise is pushing you too far out of your comfort zone then how about a more leisurely safari with the option to add brunch? This desert safari combines the rush of dune bashing and sandboarding in the Dubai desert with the opportunity to experience the landscape in tranquility before the afternoon tours arrive. 

Once you’ve had your fill of adrenaline your guide will take you to Al Khayma where you will be greeted with traditional Arabic coffee (Gahwa), dates, and other sweets. Once at the camp you will have the chance to meet and ride the local camels and learn about the Bedouin way of life.

If you want to indulge in the traditional Arabian brunch then this will take place upon completion of the safari quest, at Al Khayma Heritage House in the Al Fahidi Historical District. 

This safari offers four morning start times of 7.30 am, 8 am, 9 am, and 10 am. However, there is also the opportunity to book an afternoon slot at 3 pm or 3.45 pm which will conclude with golden hour. Again there is the option to add quad biking to your session.

This is the best Dubai desert safari for those on a budget who still want to experience a bit of everything. For those seeking luxury, you can select the private tour version of this excursion. 

Customer review: “Bash, our guide picked us up right on time, then he drove us to the desert and during the ride he showed us some attractions and told us about the history. Sand duning was fun but you shouldn’t do it if you have motion sickness. Sand boarding and the camel ride were a nice experience, would definitely recommend!” – Sarah, April 2021

5. From Dubai: Red Dunes and Camel Safari with Overnight Camp

Price range: $$ Duration: 17 hours  Meals: Light snacks, BBQ buffet, breakfast  Highlights: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel safari, camping overnight in the desert, sunset, and sunrise 

Now that you’re all warmed up with the first couple of tours, how about upgrading your desert safari to a camping adventure? Surely the most immersive safari tour in Dubai, this option gives you the chance to live the real desert life by spending a night in a Bedouin tent!

Following your hotel collection, you will journey to the desert and enjoy a sequence of dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding. If you so wish you can also add quad biking at this stage for an additional fee.

After all the excitement you will be offered Gaymat (Arabic sweets) and Chai (Arabic tea) before making yourself comfortable to observe the sunset in the camp. 

You will spend the night sleeping in a Nawar, a Bedouin-style bed housed within a tent, beneath a quilt of stars. But before you hit the hay you will share a BBQ feast while you watch Tanoura dancing and belly dancing displays.

There is also the option to smoke shisha and meet the resident falcons, and ladies may participate in henna painting.

You will start your second day by rising early to undertake a camel trek through the dunes to the nearby sunrise spot. Before returning to Dubai bright and early, you will tuck into a freshly cooked Arabian breakfast. The tour starts at 3.30 pm and is excellent value for what you receive. 

Customer review: “Unbelievable from start to finish. I was with the team leader Rav, and he just crushed the dune bashing. The camp in the desert was lovely, the bed and tent they had prepared too. MUST DO in Dubai, like seriously. Worth all your money….. And more!” – William, May 2021

Best Dubai Desert Safaris for Adrenaline Junkies

Did the first 5 tours pique your interest, but would you say you’re a self-confessed daredevil seeking something even more adventurous? In that case, I’m sure one of the following desert safari tours in Dubai for adrenaline junkies will satisfy your thirst for thrills!

6. Dubai Evening Desert Quad Bike Adventure and BBQ Dinner

Price range: $$ Duration: 7 hours  Meals: BBQ buffet Highlights: Quad biking, Tanoura and belly dancing show

Hang on tight, very tight, this exhilarating desert safari invites you to rev up and tackle the dunes yourself on the back of your own quad bike.

Prior to starting the Dubai desert tour, you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing about how to drive and control your vehicle. Your professional guide will then embark across the red dunes as you follow courageously in their stead. Each quad bike is designed to carry one rider, there is no option to ride pillion. 

After exhausting yourself with this high octane activity you will be presented with a shisha and Arabic-style BBQ dinner. For entertainment, you can look forward to a cultural display of Tanoura and belly dancing. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a brief camel ride in between relaxing in the camp. 

The tour starts at 3.15 pm and comes as both a shared tour and the possibility to upgrade to a private tour. 

Customer review: “Karnain was great! He was a great driver and very informative. As we were driving to our location he made great suggestions on what to do while in Dubai on vacation. He took very nice pictures and videos and took our safety seriously. I would definitely want him as a driver again!” – Alexis, May 2021

7. Dubai Evening Dune Buggy and BBQ Desert Adventure 

Price range: $$$ Duration: 7 hours  Meals: BBQ  Highlights: Dune buggy experience, sandboarding, Tanura and belly dancing show

If quad biking isn’t for you but you’re looking for a more daring way to experience the Dubai desert then a dune buggy is the perfect compromise. This desert safari provides two-seater buggies so you can buddy up with your travel mate or go solo.

Safety is paramount and each buggy is equipped with a full roll cage and a full safety harness. Before your guide unleashes you on the dunes they will provide a full safety briefing to give you the confidence to tackle the giant dunes. 

The dune buggy expedition lasts one hour after which you will disembark at the desert camp and feast on a lavish desert BBQ while the sun sinks into the horizon. Make sure you grab the opportunity to surf down the dunes before the desert is plunged into twilight.

You will spend the rest of your excursion being entertained by an Arabian dance performance and sharing stories with the desert residents. Female guests may have a customary henna tattoo, the perfect souvenir of a wonderful Dubai desert tour. 

The starting time for this tour is 3.15 pm. Children are welcome on this tour but those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Customer review: “The excursion was perfect, the activities offered as well as the dinner with shows really lived up to our expectations! Special mention for our guide Niaz who was really brilliant, caring and great advice. I highly recommend this excursion and especially this guide which will make you enjoy your stay in Dubai in the most beautiful way.” – Nicolas, January 2021

8. Dubai: Self-drive Guided Desert Adventure by 4WD Dune Buggy 

Price range: $$$ Duration: 1-2 hours  Meals: None Highlights: Self-driving your own customized dune buggy

Cranking up the volume a notch, this tour invites you to take charge of your own Polaris XP 1000 customized 4WD dune buggy. Pay attention while making your reservation as there are several variations available to suit your requirements.

For example, you may choose a one-seater, two-seater, or even a four-seater if you wish to turn this into a family bonding experience! You also have the option of a one or two-hour experience. 

From behind the wheel, you will explore the most breathtaking desert and mountain areas in the whole of the UAE, such as Big Red, Pink Rock, and Fossil Rock. The buggies are top-notch and you will be fully kitted out with a helmet, goggles, and gloves. 

Children from age 10 are permitted to ride in the buggy but the minimum age to drive the vehicle is 15. You must take your passports or ID in order to proceed with this hair-raising tour. Tour start times are typically 6.30 am, 7.30 am, 8.30 am, 3.30 pm, 5 pm and 5.30 pm depending on the selected tour.

Customer review: “If you’re into driving then just go for it. The buggies are powerful and fun to drive, it’s not that cheap Chinese buggy you can rent as a tourist in other places. I had Jamie and Adriaan as guides and they did a great job. I’d recommend two hours tour and no passenger, so you can enjoy all of it yourself.” – Alexander, April 2019

9. Dubai: Self-drive 2000cc Ranger-Dune Buggy

Price range: $$$ Duration: 4-6 hours Meals: BBQ dinner (for 6-hour tour) Highlights: 50-minute drive in a customized desert buggy 

If you want to go even faster then this spine-tingling self-drive adventure might be the best Dubai desert safari for adrenaline junkies. Your customized ‘ranger’ buggy enables you to get even closer to the dunes and feel every twist and turn as you navigate your way through the desert. 

These buggies accommodate one or two passengers so you can book this activity as either a solo driver or as a duo. The driver must be aged 16 or over and an adult over the age of 16 needs to accompany those between the age of 10 and 15. 

There are two time durations available. However, regardless of whether you book the 4 or 6-hour tour the total drive time is 50 minutes. Both tours also include the provision to try sandboarding and take a short camel ride.

The 6-hour option (starting at 3 pm) includes the cost and time for dining on a desert BBQ dinner and additional activities within the Al Khayma Camp. Only soft drinks are provided to those who opt for the 4-hour tour (starting time at 7.45/8.45 am).

Customer review: “This was one of the best experiences I have ever had! The tour had everything, a buggy ride, camel ride, falconing, henna tattoo, dance shows and barbeque dinner. The highlight was the buggy tour though, absolutely incredible feeling! Nabeel, our guide was extremely friendly and welcoming. Thank you again for such a memorable experience!” – Felix, February 2020

10. Dubai: Hot Air Balloon, Desert Safari, Quad Biking, and More

Price range: $$$ Duration: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast  Highlights: Sunrise hot air balloon flight, quad biking, camel safari 

Packing in adrenaline left, right and center, this tour starts with a sunrise hot air balloon over the dunes and concludes with quad biking and camel riding across them! 

Subject to the weather conditions your flight will last 45-60 minutes and enable you to appreciate sunrise from a whole new perspective. There’s no time for jelly legs because the second you land you will plunge straight into a thrilling quad bike ride before the bulk of the morning tours arrive.

You also have the pleasure of riding a camel and sometimes there is the option to ride a horse too. Not forgetting meeting the falcons of the traditional Bedouin camp and diving into a gourmet Arabic breakfast.

This is the best desert safari in Dubai for adrenaline junkies who want to experience the majesty of the red dunes from all angles. It’s perfect for couples and families, with children over the age of 5 permitted to take part.

There is no dune bashing in this offering however the other inclusions more than make up for it and the quad biking is automatically included at booking. 

As hot air balloon flights must depart early to beat the wind, the start time of this activity is 3 am.

Most Unique Desert Safari Tours in Dubai

For the final section of my guide to the best Dubai desert safaris, I’ve chosen 5 tours that offer something utterly unique.

The following tours are preoccupied with showcasing the heritage, culture, nature, and wildlife of the desert and sustainable tourism. None of these excursions include dune bashing but they all offer something remarkable in its place. 

11. Heritage Desert Safari from Dubai

Price range: $$$ Duration: 7 hours  Meals: Dinner Highlights: Vintage Land Rover transportation, tour of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, bread making experience 

This safari tour in Dubai is radically different from the others. First of all, you’ll notice that your vehicle is a vintage, open-air 1950’s Land Rover rather than a modern 4X4.

As I explained, there is no dune bashing in this tour but rather the safari focuses on the heritage of desert culture and the exotic wildlife that resides in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

This is a 225 square kilometer (87.1 square miles) natural reserve which limits the number of tour operators who are permitted to organize trips here. This means that with minimal impact on the environment you can see what the region would have looked like centuries ago. In fact, another wonderful factor about this safari tour is that a contribution is made directly to the reserve when you book your place. 

After taking an informative tour through the conversation reserve you will relax at an evocatively lit Bedouin camp and immerse yourself in activities such as camel rides, henna artistry, shisha, and befriending the falcons.

Another unique feature that this tour offers is that you will learn how to prepare a local bread recipe that has been carefully handed down through the ages. The tour starts at 2.30 pm and your booking includes your dinner beneath the stars. 

Customer review: “Fantastic from start to finish. The guides really cared about the experience they were delivering and all felt very authentic and premium. Particularly liked the awareness of sustainability of the experience by not offering dune bashing, sticking to the tracks and not using plastic bottles, rare to see in Dubai!” – Max, December 2020

12. Dubai Private Night Safari & Astronomy

Price range: $$$ Duration: 5 hours Meals: 3-course dinner Highlights: Vintage Land Rover transportation, twilight desert walk, astronomy session

If you’re waiting for me to share the best desert safari in Dubai for a romantic date night then this is the one you’ll want to surprise your other half with. Pick up for this unique night safari is 5.30 pm.  

Each booking covers two guests and you will venture into the desert after sunset in an open-top 1950’s Land Rover. After a drive through the cooling dunes, you will participate in a twilight nature walk where you might see anything from creepy crawlies to fauna.

Night vision binoculars are provided so that you can see the full might of the desert-scape and its nocturnal residents. This activity is led by a highly trained conservation guide with extensive knowledge of ecotourism and the local environment. 

In addition to the wildlife safari, you will take part in an astronomy session with a professional telescope which allows you to fully comprehend the star-studded sky. Your evening concludes with a decadent three-course dinner at an exclusive camp within the desert retreat of the local royal family. As you see, this safari oozes romance!      

Customer review: “We had the best guide ever, speaking Russian German and also English fluently!! Amazing Tour, very entertaining and interesting you get a lot of impressions about the beduines. I really recommend this tour if you like to a different view of Dubai. The food was also really tasty. we started from 6.30 pm until 12 pm, be prepared to wear comfortable shoes.” – Ngan, May 2021

13. 1 or 1.5 Hour Horseback Dubai Desert Park Ride

Price range: $$ Duration: 1-1.5 hours  Meals: None Highlights: Experience the desert by horseback, washing and tending to your horse, possibility to see native wildlife 

Giddy up, this is one of the best desert safaris in Dubai for horse lovers! You will mount your friendly horse and follow your guide through the dunes of the National Mushrif Park.

Along the way, you can keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife that resides in the region such as the desert fox. Even without spotting any fauna, the scenery is breathtaking and you can soak up nature far from the sounds of the dune bashing 4X4s and quad bikes.        

Upon conclusion of the trek, you will be invited to wash and groom your companion horse and give them a reward of carrots. The tour is best suited for those with some horse riding experience as at times you will trot and canter. 

This tour is available at 5.30 am, 6.30 am and 6 am. Please note that unlike most of the other safaris on this list, for this activity you will need to arrange your own transport to and from the horse stables.

Customer review: “Amazing experience in the nature, beautiful surrounding, great horses. All very organized and professional.” – Julia, May 2017

14. Dubai: Private Falconry Safari

Price range: $$$ Duration: 5 hours  Meals: Luxury breakfast (optional) Highlights: 1.5 hours of falcon handling, nature drive  

Designed for those with a keen interest and appreciation for birds of prey, this safari provides you with the bucket list experience of training a falcon to fly from your own wrist.

During the course of the private safari, you will also interact with an owl and an eagle. The falconry experience of the tour lasts 1.5 hours and is led by a professional falconer who is passionate and committed to taking care of the beautiful creatures. 

For the remainder of the tour, you will be able to enjoy a nature drive by 4X4 during which you will be poised to spot the likes of houbara bustards, Arabian oryx, and sand gazelles. As you can imagine, this is the best desert safari in Dubai for those who possess an eagle eye of their own! However, your qualified guide will do his/her best to help you detect the wildlife. 

As the tour starts at 5 am you may want to upgrade the experience to include a luxury breakfast. At least two participants are required to book this unique tour. 

Customer review: “Wonderfully personal experience among the untouched dunes of the Desert Conservation Reserve: for nature lovers interested in learning about falconry and the flora and fauna of the Arabian Peninsula, this tour offers an authentic, hands-on experience with a knowledgeable guide. Rather than watching birds being flown, you become a trainer yourself and get a taste of how various birds of prey hunt and form working bonds with falconers. Worth the extra Money.” – Viktoria, December 2019

15. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve 5-Hour Tour with Breakfast

Price range: $$ Duration: 5 hours  Meals: Breakfast  Highlights: Chance to spot native wildlife, expert knowledge from conservationists 

For the final tour on my list, you will head deep into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. As you observe the likes of native birdlife, Arabian Oryx, desert monitors, and free-roaming gazelles, your safari guide will nourish your exploration with a wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna, and history of the first national park in the United Arab Emirates.

It’s not guaranteed but if you’re really lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the rarely sighted Gordon’s wildcat.

Children over the age of 10 are welcome on this tour and it’s the perfect activity for solo wanderers, families, or couples alike. The start time for this tour is a languid 7.30 am and it concludes with a decadent breakfast at the Al Maha Desert Resort before you return to the city.  

Customer review: “One of the highlights of our visit to Dubai, our driver and guide, Peter, was an accomplished naturalist. He quickly picked up on our interest in birds and wildlife and we had some great views of oryx, two species of gazelle, numerous LBJ’s and fine views of a Pallid Harrier, all from the comfort of a splendid silver Range Rover. The desert landscapes are spectacular and the stop for a relaxed breakfast was a welcome break at the unexpectedly luxurious Al Maha “desert resort”.” – Philip, December 2020

Useful Info for Planning Your Trip to Dubai

Where to stay in dubai.

There is no shortage of places to stay in Dubai, from high-end luxury hotels to more affordable options. Contrary to belief, you can find good deals on hotels in Dubai, no matter your budget.

The most important thing to keep in mind when booking your hotel room is the location. Dubai is huge and spread out, so you want to make sure you’re staying in an area that’s close to the sights and attractions you want to see.

Generally speaking, here are the best areas to stay in Dubai:

Deira – If you’re looking for a more traditional Arabic experience, you can’t go wrong with Deira. It’s also one of the more affordable areas in Dubai.

Bur Dubai – This is a great option if you want to be close to the action. Bur Dubai is home to many of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Palm Jumeirah – If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation, look no further than Palm Jumeirah. This artificial island is home to some of Dubai’s most exclusive hotels and resorts.

Downtown Dubai – This is the best area for those who want to be close to the city’s most popular attractions, like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.

Dubai Marina – This is a great option if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. The Dubai Marina is home to many restaurants and bars, as well as a beautiful waterfront promenade.

In case you’re curious to know more about each area with pros and cons and hotel recommendations, make sure to check out my in-depth article about  where to stay in Dubai .

If you want to make your Dubai trip even more memorable, read my post about the best hotels in Dubai with Burj Khalifa views !

Do you prefer staying in Airbnbs rather than hotels? Then you need to check out my article about the best Airbnbs in Dubai , including beautiful Marina views, penthouses, and many more!

If you’re in a hurry, here are my top recommendations for different budgets.

LUXURY – Atlantis the Palm

Located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Island and enjoying a private sandy beach, the 5-star Atlantis offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. It provides an underwater aquarium and complimentary access to the Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

MID-RANGE – Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina

Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina has a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a bar in Dubai. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests.

BUDGET – Gulf Inn Hotel Al Nasr

Gulf Inn Hotel Al Nasr (formerly Roda Links Al Nasr) features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a shared lounge in Dubai. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Gulf Inn Hotel Al Nasr offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

How to get to Dubai

Being the biggest hub between Europe and Asia and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomes a huge number of airlines and connects the city with the rest of the world.

Located only 15 km (9.3 miles) from Downtown Dubai, flying to DXB is the most convenient way to get to the city. Once you land, there are several ways to get into the city center: you can take a taxi, the metro, or even the bus.

Although DXB is the biggest airport in Dubai, you can also choose to fly to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This airport is located in the Jebel Ali area, about 50 km (31 miles) from Downtown Dubai, and it mostly handles cargo flights and low-cost carriers.

How to get around in Dubai

Dubai is an enormous city and getting around can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re not used to such big metropolises. The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to transportation.

Public transportation – Dubai has both metro and public bus systems in place. Although the metro is the most efficient way to get around, it only covers certain areas of the city. The bus system, on the other hand, covers a larger area but it can be quite slow during rush hour. This is definitely the cheapest way to get around Dubai, however, it can be pretty time-consuming.

Taxis – Taxis are widely available in Dubai and they’re relatively affordable, especially if you’re splitting the fare with someone. Your best bet is downloading the Careem app, which is similar to Uber, and lets you order a traditional Dubai taxi or a private vehicle.

Car rental – If you want the freedom to explore Dubai at your own pace, then renting a car is the way to go. Just keep in mind that traffic can be pretty bad during rush hour, so you might want to avoid driving during those times.

Best time to visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the weather is cooler and more bearable. This is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect higher prices and bigger crowds.

If you don’t mind the heat, then you can visit Dubai during the summer months (June to August), when temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F). Each and every place is air-conditioned in Dubai, so you can take refuge from the heat indoors.

Just keep in mind that outdoor attractions such as gardens and water parks will be much less enjoyable during this time and it’s practically impossible to swim in the ocean because of the high temperatures.

If you want to avoid the crowds and get cheaper rates, then April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit Dubai. Prices will be lower and the weather will still be relatively pleasant.

Another thing to keep in mind: Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar but the exact dates change every year (usually it falls between March and May).

During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and many restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day. Alcohol is also not served during Ramadan. However, nightlife carries on as usual and many hotels offer special rates during this period.

If you’re not Muslim, then you can still visit Dubai during Ramadan, you just need to be respectful of the local customs and traditions.

Planning a trip to the UAE?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about the United Arab Emirates. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Top 10 Best Areas to Stay in Dubai
• 23 Incredible Dubai Hotels with Burj Khalifa View
• 21 Super Unique Airbnbs in Dubai for Every Budget
• How to Spend 4 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Dubai Itinerary
• 24 Most Beautiful Instagrammable Places in Dubai
• 15 Best Desert Safaris in Dubai You Can’t Go Wrong With
• 88 Best Dubai Quotes & Dubai Captions for Instagram
• Hotel Review: Fairmont The Palm, Dubai
• Hotel Review: Th8 Palm, Dubai
• Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
• How to See the Best of Abu Dhabi in One Day
• 7 Epic Instagrammable Places in Abu Dhabi You Can’t Miss
• Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: Which One to Visit and Why
• Hotel Review: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
• Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Pin It for Later!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

EXPLORE DUBAI’S BEST DESERT SAFARIS

Our range of desert safaris suits all different types of travellers. Whether you are looking for an adventure or a luxurious journey through the dunes, we have meticulously created the experience for you! With our experiences we strive to deliver unique and memorable adventures in the most sustainable and innovative ways possible.

Journey back to the turning point in Dubai’s history when Land Rovers changed the way people travelled through the desert. These authentic Desert Safaris offer a window into Dubai’s past for curious travellers who like culture and adventure.

Discover the magic of the desert and experience the most exclusive Desert Safaris in Dubai in the most unique way possible – in the new luxurious Land Rover Defender. Ideal for travellers looking for a premium experience.

ULTIMATE OVERNIGHT DESERT EXPERIENCE

Extend your desert adventure with these exciting overnight and hot air balloon add-ons.

If you’re not yet ready to bid farewell to the desert, you can choose to add on overnight in your own traditional Arabic stone dwelling room. In the morning, awake to a gourmet breakfast.

@platinumheritage

What our guests say.

Awarded For Six Consecutive Years

Plenty of 5-star TripAdvisor reviews have earned Platinum Heritage the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Traveller's Choice Awards, rewarding exclsuively the top 10% attractions worldwide. Find out what our guests say about us.

WONDERFUL AND ECO-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE

Patricija247, amazing experience, dhuancastillo, treated like royalty, jeffpn6144co, barbarazy3908rv, famous personalities spotted on our desert experiences.

We pride ourselves in unique and memorable desert experiences that everyone will enjoy - even celebrities! Over the years, we've had the privilege to have hosted famous people from all over the world. When it comes to high-end desert experiences, Platinum Heritage's desert safaris promise to deliver exactly that, which is why we are lucky enough to have celebrities choose us for their expeditions!

Travelling is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the natural world and to learn about different cultures. Ecotourism is responsible and sustainable travel to natural and cultural areas that conserves the environment, preserves the culture and provides economic support to the local people. Our Desert Safaris are part of the bigger picture – conserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. As the only ecotourism company in Dubai, every decision we make is based on what’s best for the environment and local people in unison with curating authentic experiences for Dubai’s visitors.

The welfare of our animals is extremely important to us. That’s why we follow the strict guidelines of the Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism. These guidelines suggest that all animals should have access to the five freedoms which are access to food and water, a suitable living environment, good health, an opportunity to exhibit natural behaviours and protection from fear and distress. All of our camel safaris, falcon shows and wildlife drives follow these guidelines to ensure that they are ethical. Find out more about the Platinum Heritage Animal Welfare Guidelines.

Download Our Brochure

Hero Experiences Group Brochure

Browse through our range of desert safaris, as well as experiences from our partners like hot air balloon flights with Balloon Adventures Dubai and self-drive boat tours with HERO OdySea. Be spoilt for choice and plan your next adventure with this easy-to-navigate brochure.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO DUBAI

THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI

A perfectly summarised e-book filled made to inspire the ideal Dubai itinerary covering all air, sea and land activities. Made to suit all travel styles, budgets ages and preferences.

DUBAI ETIQUETTE GUIDE

It can be daunting to visit a new country, especially one filled with so much diversity and culture. This all-encompassing guide covers everything to make a Dubai trip comfortable and memorable.

Ramadan in Dubai for Tourists 2023

Ramadan explained for expats and tourists in dubai, morning or evening desert safari which adventure is right for me, how to tie the arabic headscarf, finding the northern star, the most instagrammable moments on your platinum desert safari.

21 BEST Dubai Desert Safari Tours To Book in 2024

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Categories Middle East , United Arab Emirates

Looking for the best Dubai desert safari trips? With the desert being one of the main attractions in Dubai, there are tons of options to choose from. Check them out! 

The massive Arabian desert, which covers over 2 million square kilometers (!) also extends to most of the UAE and is merely 32 miles (52 km) from Dubai.

Desert safaris are one of the most popular things to do in Dubai , and for good reason. The rolling dunes of the desert provide a breathtaking backdrop for a truly unique experience.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for a thrill or simply someone who wants to escape the city for a day, a desert safari is the perfect way to explore the desert landscape of Dubai.

You must join a desert safari to venture into the vast area of seemingly endless sand dunes, but with so many options to choose from it can be quite difficult to pick the right one .

In this post, however, you’ll find a very comprehensive list of the best Dubai desert safari tours, so you can make your choice based on your interests, time, and budget . We’ll cover everything from traditional camel safaris to high-adrenaline dune-bashing tours, and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide for booking tours when I travel, and I especially recommend them because of their cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most tours and activities up to 24 hours in advance and still get a full refund.

👉 Interested in other types of tours? I’ve written a whole post about the best tours in Dubai . Check it out!

Table of Contents

The 3 VERY Best Dubai Desert Safari

➤ The Premium Red Dunes Safari is a 7-hour tour, ideal to immerse yourself in the desert by sandboarding down the sand dunes, visit an exclusive desert camp where you can get henna tattoos, try shisha, or witness falconry, go dune bashing, ride camels, and finish your day feasting on a BBQ buffet dinner in the desert of Dubai. 

I personally went on this tour and it was the perfect introduction to the desert.

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, coffee, snacks, and unlimited water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Heritage Dinner Desert Safari offers a tour around the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in a 50’s Land Rover to discover the wildlife, as well as a visit to a camp, where you’ll partake in activities such as camel riding, henna painting, and shisha. You’ll also learn about bread making and enjoy a 4-course meal under the stars. 

This tour also includes : Roundtrip transportation, falcon demonstration, water, coffee, and tea, and a headdress. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Dubai Heritage Desert Safari also takes you to meet the gazelles and oryx at the Conservation Reserve in an open-roof Land Rover, before heading to a Bedouin-style camp where you’ll enjoy a falconry display and traditional dancing, watch the live making of coffee and bread (which you’ll then taste!) and ride a camel, before enjoying a proper dinner of Emirati cuisine. 

This tour also includes : Hotel roundtrip transportation, multi-course meal, all activities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Best Dubai Safari Tours On a Budget

➤ The Half-Day Desert Safari allows you to experience dune bashing and sandboarding in the desert at an affordable price. You’ll also visit a traditional desert camp where you’ll enjoy some sweets, dates, and Arabic coffee, and head to a camel farm to learn about these animals and ride one. 

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, mineral water, and soft drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Red Dune Safari offers a 4 or a 7-hour tour into the desert to enjoy sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding. You can choose between a morning or afternoon Dubai safari, and if you opt for the longer tour you’ll also visit a Bedouin camp to experience traditional dances, shisha smoking, and henna painting, and finish the day with a BBQ dinner.  

This Dubai Safari tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, bottled water, and sunset photo stop. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Have Fun On a Quad Desert Safari

➤ This Quad Desert Safari tour lasts 4 hours and take you straight to the impressive red dunes, where you’ll go dune bashing, try your sandboarding skills, and even go quad biking in Dubai’s desert. You’ll have the chance to ride a camel after the thrilling activities. 

This tour also includes : Hotel roundtrip transportation, water, and a photo stop. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Evening Dune Buggy Adventure is ideal for thrill-seekers, as you’ll get behind the wheel and drive a sand buggy in Dubai desert. You’ll also enjoy sandboarding, and then visit a desert camp to indulge in the Arabic coffee and dates, and practice the camp’s activities, from henna painting and shisha smoking to feasting on a BBQ buffet dinner. 

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, and safety gear. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Sunrise Desert Safari in Dubai

➤ With the Sunrise Desert Jeep Safari Dubai you’ll enjoy a picnic breakfast as you witness the beginning of the day, look for the local wildlife that includes gazelles and Arabian oryx, and visit the impressive Al Quadra Lakes. You’ll also get to practice on a sandboard in Dubai desert and get your snaps during a sunrise photo stop.  

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, and light refreshments. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Tour begins with a drive through the desert in a Range Rover toward the reserve, where you’ll look for the Arabian oryx, the gazelles, the birdlife and, if you’re lucky, get to see Gordon’s wildcat. You’ll also visit a lake and a bird sanctuary within the reserve, and cap off the tour with breakfast.  

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, use of binoculars, and a headscarf. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go On a Balloon Flight Over the Desert

➤ The desert can also be explored from above, and there’s no better way to do it than with a Sunrise Balloon Flight . You’ll soar over the vast desert and spot the wandering camels and other wildlife as the sun rises, marveling at the changing shadows and green oases scattered in the landscape. Upon your return, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and get a photo with a Peregrine falcon.  

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ This Hot Air Balloon Ride is a morning desert safari in Dubai that takes you on a sunrise flight over the desert plains and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you’ll spot plenty of wildlife, and you’ll also witness a falcon display before enjoying a gourmet breakfast. 

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Sleep in the Desert With an Overnight Safari in Dubai

➤You can also experience camping in the desert in Dubai. The Red Dunes and Camel Safari is a 17-hour overnight desert safari in Dubai that will not only take you dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding but also to a Bedouin-style camp where you’ll feast on a BBQ dinner and stay overnight. 

You’ll witness sunrise during a camel trek the next morning, and enjoy an Arabian breakfast before departing.  

This tour also includes : Roundtrip transportation, accommodation, unlimited water, and soft drinks, and all the activities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Overnight Desert Safari in Dubai will drive you in a vintage Land Rover around the Conservation Reserve to spot the wildlife and enjoy a falcon display. You’ll then head to a Bedouin camp to spend the evening watching live bread and coffee-making, get henna tattoos, smoke shisha and camel ride. 

You’ll spend the night in an Arabic stone dwelling after a substantial dinner, and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of waking up in the desert to a fantastic breakfast.  

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, accommodation, and meals. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Ideal Private Tours from Dubai

➤ The Private Night Desert Safari takes your group in a vintage Land Rover to explore the desert after dusk, spotting the wildlife through night-vision binoculars as you drive around the Conservation Reserve, and stargazing at a desert retreat. 

There you’ll scan the sky with an astronomer-guide, feast on a 2-course dinner, and smoke shisha. 

This desert trip from Dubai also includes : Private roundtrip transportation from your hotel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ You’ll also hop aboard a vintage Land Rover on the Private Heritage Desert Safari , a 7-hour tour which takes you around the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with a private guide who will explain all about the local flora and fauna as you pass by the wildlife. 

You’ll then head to a desert camp to enjoy a falconry display, dance performances, camel rides, henna painting and a BBQ buffet dinner.  

This tour also includes : Private roundtrip transportation, donation to the Conservation Reserve. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Most Luxurious Desert Safari in Dubai

➤ To visit the desert with glamour, get the 7-hour Platinum Desert Safari so you can have canapés and sparkling date juice at an exclusive dining venue by a lake and bird sanctuary, as well as watch a falconry demonstration, smoke shisha, and enjoy a sunset camel ride and the magical live entertainment.

This Platinum Heritage Dubai Safari also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Platinum Luxury Desert Safari in Dubai offers a drive through the Conservation Reserve to meet the wildlife, a falconry demonstration, camel riding, and a gourmet 6-course dinner in a private cabana situated in an oasis, which you’ll enjoy under the stars. You’ll also witness a fantastic show and get henna tattoos. 

This VIP desert safari also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Photoshoot in Dubai Desert

To make sure you have spectacular snaps of your time in the desert, book this Dubai Flying Dress Private Photoshoot , which offers a very unique experience. You’ll visit the sand dunes with an experienced photographer, and get to try splendid dresses of different styles for your exclusive photoshoot.

The photographer will ensure the glamorous dress’ train is flying in the air as he snaps your pictures, which you’ll get to take home with you (and post on all your social media!)

This tour also includes : Private transfers, a flying dress, and 10 edited pictures + the original ones. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Combos and Passes to Visit the Dubai Desert

➤ The Dubai Safari with Burj Khalifa combines a trip into the desert with an entrance ticket to the world’s tallest building. After your visit to the Burj Khalifa, you’ll be taken to a camel farm in the desert and a Bedouin-style camp, where you’ll be greeted with Arabic coffee and dates, and get to watch the live performances, smoke shisha, and get henna tattoos, besides enjoying a BBQ dinner. 

This tour also includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, camel rides, and photo opportunities with traditional costumes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Dubai Explorer Pass grants you access to several attractions and activities (from 3 to 7, depending on the option you choose) from a list of over 45 possibilities, in which you have several desert adventures in Dubai, as well as regular excursions. 

You’ll also get to enjoy other experiences for much less than if you were to buy the individual tickets. 

This tour also includes : A digital guide to all the attractions. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The City Tour and Desert Safari Combo is the best desert safari in Dubai to see its main attractions: the skyscrapers and the sand dunes. You’ll begin the day exploring Palm Jumeirah, visiting the Blue Mosque, and taking an abra across Dubai Creek to visit the famous souks, all the while catching sight of the city’s most prominent landmarks. 

On the second day you’ll head for an evening desert safari in which you’ll go dune bashing in Dubai’s massive sand dunes, ride and feed a camel, and visit a camp to try shisha, get henna tattoos, and feast on a buffet BBQ dinner. 

This desert experience + Dubai tour includes : Hotel pick up and drop-off, water, snacks, and soft drinks, and a sunset photo stop in the desert. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Dubai Desert Safari Tours FAQ

Prices for desert safari vary depending on the type of tour, but a half-day safari costs around $33.

The desert is one of Dubai’s greatest attractions, and a safari into its sand dunes is very well worth the expense.

In our opinion, the Premium Red Dunes Safari is the ultimate desert safari from Dubai.

We think that Premium Red Dunes Safari is the best desert tour in the country, but some other fantastic options include: • Heritage Dinner Desert Safari • Red Dunes and Camel Safari • Private Heritage Desert Safari

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

Sign me up for the monthly newsletter!

The 5 Best Dubai Desert Safaris [2024 Reviews]

Dubai is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, with everything from the tallest skyscrapers in the world, beautiful beaches, and amazing sand dunes!

While many people set apart time to explore the city, many forget about the majesty and excitement the desert offers, too! The best way to venture out into the desert is by going as part of a reputable tour.

You need someone who’s rated highly, is safe, and will make sure you have fun! We have all of the top desert tours in Dubai right here, so don’t go anywhere!

Best Dubai Desert Safaris

Quick answer: the 5 best rated dubai desert tours for 2024.

• Dune Buggy Desert Safari (Morning Adventure) From Dubai
• 4WD Desert Safari Tour with BBQ Dinner and Live Show
• Overnight Dubai Desert Safari trip
• Desert Quad Bike Safari, Camel Ride, Sand Surf, & BBQ From Dubai
• Dubai Desert Safari with Dinner and Alcohol

Dubai Desert Tour Reviews

1. dune buggy desert safari (morning adventure) from dubai.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure: Pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: Variety Available
• Includes:  Pick-up and drop off in central Dubai, s oft drinks, r iding instructions, s afety gear, d une buggy

One of the best ways to start out the day is with an exhilarating dune buggy ride through the sand! You can experience all that and more with the From Dubai: Dune Buggy Desert Safari (Morning Adventure) !

This 3-hour tour is great if you have a packed schedule and need something that will fit a lot of adrenaline into a more compact amount of time!

With hotel/residential pickup and drop-off available, you don’t have to worry about spending extra time and money on arranging other transportation.

Not only that, but you get to skip the entrance line with a VIP entrance, meaning that you get to head right into the fun. Ideal for both private and small groups, you can take your significant other or the entire family!

Expand To See More See Less

Once you arrive, you’ll get to hop in to a twin-seater dune buggy which is great if one of you doesn’t want to drive or if you just want to experience it with someone else.

This off-roading is incredible, thanks to how expansive the desert is and the varying peaks/dips in the dunes. This makes for an exciting excursion great for all experience levels.

Each one is designed with your safety and mind – complete with a full roll cage, comfortable bucket seats, and a full safety harness. Not only that, but your guides will complete a safety briefing beforehand and ensure everyone’s buggies are in good working order.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them and provide you with instructions on how to operate the vehicle through the dunes. They also include soft drinks and water, so you stay well-hydrated the entire time.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. 4wd desert safari tour with bbq dinner and live show.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 2:30 to 4:00 pm (varies)
• Includes: Dune drive, s unset watch, c amel rides,  Henna painting, s and boarding (on a hill behind the camp),  Shisha (hubbly bubbly) corner, f ull buffet dinner, u nlimited soft drinks, coffee and tea,  Shawerma station,  Arabic bread station

Next up, we have a tour that’s known as one of the top-rated adventures in Dubai. The 4WD Desert Safari Tour with BBQ Dinner and Live Show is a magical experience that will give you a bit of insight into some of the fun many locals partake in.

The 6-hour tour will not only take you on a fun spin through the sand dunes, but offer camel rides, Henna painting, sand boarding, and much more!

Depending on the season and demand, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or residence anywhere from between 2:30 pm to 4 pm. Upon arrival, they serve you either a welcome tea or coffee, to ramp up the energy you will surely need!

Begin by heading out to the Arabian desert where you’ll receive a safety briefing and instruction on how to drive the vehicles correctly. Take some time zipping across the vast sea of sand, making sure to drink up the complimentary mineral water to stay hydrated.

Next up, you’ll be able to partake in a camel ride across the dunes and dress up in traditional Arabic wear with photo opportunities. Of course, this is all up to you – you get to fully customize your tour according to the activities that most interest you.

You’ll then head over to an interesting Bedouin campsite located right in the center of this enormous desert, where you’ll get even more activities to choose from! We highly recommend the sandboarding, especially if you’re experienced in board sports!

It hurts much less falling on sand than cement or ice! One of the most popular options is Henna designs, which has grown popular in the “Western world” as well.

Finally, after all that you’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner with belly dancers to entertain as you eat! Flatbread, Shwarma wraps, and much more are available! Oh, and you’ll also get a traditional dessert.

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. overnight dubai desert safari trip.

• Duration: 16 hours
• Departure: Pickup and drop-off is included
• Departure Time: Between 3:30 PM and 4 PM
• Includes:  Desert Dune bashing with professional driver, welcome drink with Arabic sweets, unlimited drinks, Fire Show and Belly Dance Buffet Dinner, Hubbly Bubbly corners, breakfast, Arabic coffee/tea, milk, and dates, sleeping bags, tents, cushion and mattress

Perhaps you’re looking for a more immersive tour that offers more of an in-depth experience of Dubai and the traditional culture. If so, you’re going to love the Overnight Dubai Desert Safari Trip ! It makes for an educational, exciting outing for a couple or for the entire family!

The trip starts out with you and the rest of your group being picked up from your hotel or residence by a luxury Land Cruiser perfect for this type of environment.  The journey out to the desert is a beautiful one, and on the way there, your guide will tell you all about the area’s history and traditions.

Once you arrive, they’ll offer you a delicious welcome coffee or tea which is a nice way to start things out and will give you that boost of energy you need for a day of fun.

Your first activity after drinking your beverage and enjoying some Arabic candies, will be to head out to your dune buggies!

Your professional driver guide will give you all instructions on how to use them as well as a safety briefing.

You’ll have plenty of time to speed around the valleys and hills before participating in a short camel ride. These are quite brief as they don’t want to overwork the camels, while still offering an interesting option for you. Then head over to a traditional Bedouin desert camp. Here, there are even more excursions to enjoy.

As the sun goes down, your guide will offer you and your group the chance to go take some photos at the top of the sand dunes which offer the best vantage point.

Once you arrive back to camp, you’ll be greeted with a delicious international buffet and BBQ dinner as you watch the Arabic Belly and Tanoura dancing.

They’ll provide you will traditional Arabic dress which is always a fun time!Should you choose, you can get Henna art on your hands and feet as well!

When it’s time to sleep, you’ll all be provided with sleeping bags, tents, a cushion and mattress to sleep comfortably under the stars. When you wake up, you’ll start the day off right with a tasty continental breakfast!

4. Desert Quad Bike Safari, Camel Ride, Sand Surf, & BBQ From Dubai

• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Includes:  BBQ buffet (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options), t ransportation by air-conditioned vehicle,  f uel, h elmet,  Arabic coffee,  Henna painting on women’s hands,  Shisha smoking , u nlimited water and soft drinks

While many people are under the impression that to have fun in Dubai, you need bags of money. This is simply not true at all, and the Dubai: Desert Quad Bike Safari, Camel Ride, Sand Surf, & BBQ tour prove that!

This is another 6-hour tour that’s perfect for those looking to get the adrenaline pumping while enjoying some of the area’s traditional culture and customs.

The tour starts out by them picking you up at your hotel or residency, so you don’t have to fret with planning transportation. The air-conditioned vehicle is very comfortable, and the ride out to the desert is quite pleasant as well.

While you ride, your guide will tell you all about the history of the area as well as its unique geography. Once you arrive, you’ll take a break to stretch your legs, use the restroom, drink a cup of Arabic coffee or tea, and listen to the instruction and safety briefing.

They’ll supply each of you with a helmet as well, which we do recommend wearing. You’ll be riding around for an hour through the beautiful, red sand dunes and can choose to follow your leader for the best spots.

Afterward, you’ll take a little breather before you try some sandboarding! These are a ton of fun, even if you’ve never had experience with them before. Just strap them to your shoes and carve down the dunes! No special boots, clothing, etc. necessary!

After that rush of adrenaline, head to the Al Khayma desert camp where you’ll get some more Arabian coffee, sweets, and dates in you for some refueling.

Then, meet the sweet camel you’ll get to ride briefly while admiring the majestic dunes. After taking plenty of photos, sit down and enjoy a mouthwatering BBQ meal while watching Tanoura and Khaliji dance performances with amazing music!

5. Dubai Desert Safari with Dinner and Drinks

• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Departure Time:  Variety Available
• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, regional BBQ dinner (Buffet style dining), entertainment, unlimited house beverages (beer and wine)

While all of the Dubai desert tours are an absolute blast, our next one is probably the most festive. Also, if you want to see the desert in both day and night, then this is a great chance to do so!

The Dubai Desert Safari with Dinner and Alcohol tour packs a lot into 6 hours, where you’ll get to learn a lot about their traditions and even participate in some!

Start off by being picked up at your hotel or residence in Dubai by a 4WD or 4×4 vehicle that’s perfect for traversing the desert and uneven terrain while keeping you comfortable.

Make sure to watch out the windows for some wonderful views and listen to the guide’s commentary on the history of the area. They’ll make sure to point out Dubai’s most famous landmarks as well, so you can check them out once back in the city.

Once you reach the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you’ll take a drive around this tranquil space as the guide tells you the history of the desert in relation to the massive city.

They’ll also fill you in on the local flora and fauna, pointing them out wherever possible. Then, see a falconry display which is quite interesting!

If the weather is being agreeable, you’ll be able to watch the sunset from the top of a sand dune so make sure to take some photos! Once the sun sets, take a short drive over to a Bedouin camp and gather ‘round the campfire as you enjoy a 3-course buffet and unlimited beer and wine.

Please keep in mind that during the holy month of Ramadan and other religious holidays alcohol will not be served.

If you choose, you can also try sand boarding on the dunes, going on a short camel ride, or simply hang out on the comfortable tent cushions and large carpets while watching the dancing performances under the sparkly night sky.

Dubai Travel Guide

Dubai is a modern city of unparalleled expansion. Over a period of 50 years, the population has grown from 60,000 people to 3,188,000. Obviously, with that growth over 98% of the city’s buildings and infrastructure is brand new. Here’s where you’ll find the tallest building, the tallest hotel, and the busiest international passenger airport in the world.

But the history of Old Dubai goes back over 3,000 years and the desert wilderness is only a short drive away. Today, there’s lots for everyone to see and do in this fascinating global supercity.

Airports & Entry

Although the Emirate of Dubai is a small kingdom within a country of fewer than 10 million people, Dubai International Airport is a major transportation hub and the world’s third busiest airport. That means the airport is huge and offers some great facilities. There are 3 terminals and 4 concourses. However, while Terminal 3 is modern and the largest airport terminal building in the world, Terminals 1 and 2 are dated and not so plush.

Inside the airport, you’ll find a broad range of stores and eating outlets—like Costa Coffee, Baskin Robbins, and McDonald’s—many open 24 hours. There’s free Wi-Fi on the “DXB Free WiFi” and “DWC Free WiFi” networks and abundant mobile charging stations. If you require internet access but don’t have a mobile device, there are internet kiosks beside Connect and Global Link (Gate C16).

There are Information Desks near the Duty-Free stores Airside, and assistants wandering around the airport wearing blue polo shirts with a “May I Help You?” logo. You can find 24-hour currency exchange counters in all 3 terminals as well as ATMs.

If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a Children’s Play Area in Terminal 3 Airside. You’ll also find Baby Care Facilities throughout the airport. To gain access, visit one of the Information Desks or ask a “May I Help You?” assistant for help.

For passengers stranded at the airport for a long time, there’s a Health Club with a gym, showers, swimming pool, steam room, and jacuzzi Airside behind the Dubai International Hotel. This is accessed from Terminal 1, Gate 115, or Terminal 3, Concourse 2. For the less health-conscious, there are smoking rooms in Terminal 1 Airside, Gate D12, Terminal 2 Airside, and multiple locations in Terminal 3.

In case of medical emergencies, Medical Care Centers are found in Terminal 1, Gate C13, and Terminal 3, Level 0. There are pharmacies in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Departures. Muslim prayer rooms are available in the car park and throughout the airport.

The airport is only 3 miles from the center of Dubai and getting there is simple by public transport. To use public transport, purchase a rechargeable NOL Card at the airport. NOL cards are used in Dubai to pay for buses, Metro, water buses, Dubai tram, and parking in RTA car parks.

The most efficient method is by Metro. Starting at 5.30 am and ending at midnight, services run every 10 minutes from Terminals 1 and 3. However, note that on Friday services don’t begin until 1 pm. Note there is a special “Gold Class” carriage at the front of the train if you want a scenic front window view during your journey. There are also designated carriages for women traveling alone and children.

Despite the distance being only 3 miles, the Metro journey to the city center takes 40 minutes. Because many hotels are situated next to Metro stations, it will be better for you to know where your hotel is and to plan your journey to go straight to that station rather than traveling to the city center. The cost is around $2.

The buses are operated by RTA and depart from bus stands opposite all 3 terminals. A special SkyBus service (also RTA) connects the airport directly to the most popular hotels. You’ll need a NOL Card to ride on a bus. Bus services are every 7 minutes during the day and 20 minutes at night. When the Metro is closed, you can still take a bus. The journey takes a minimum of 1 hour and may be much longer if there’s a traffic jam. The journey costs around $1.

The taxi rank is situated in the ground transportation area of the airport. Taxis driven by men are cream-colored, and taxis driven by women are pink trimmed. The ride into the city costs around $42 and usually takes less than 45 minutes. If you’re traveling with kids or elderly people, taking a taxi might be your best option to get quickly and safely to the hotel doorstep.

If you want the freedom of a hire car, note that there are more car rental companies represented at Terminal 1 Arrivals than at Terminals 2 and 3 Arrivals. You’ll need an International Drivers’ License and passport to hire a vehicle. You can hire a car for as little as $25 per day. Note that you may have to deal with traffic jams. I’d recommend using the Metro or a taxi rather than driving yourself in an unfamiliar city.

Planning Tips

Dubai is a popular destination, and the local people do their best to make visitors feel welcome. However, you’re not in Kansas anymore. Here are 5 tips for a trouble-free visit.

Tip #1: Decide what you want to do before planning when to go to Dubai

The weather is super hot in the summer. There’s a good chance you’ll feel uncomfortable on the beach if you try to visit during summer. Spring and fall are the best times to visit to enjoy the beach. And if you’re mainly interested in sightseeing, why not come in winter? However, note that December through February is the high season in Dubai, so the queues will be long.

Tip #2: Buy unique art and crafts

For unique souvenirs and gifts, visit the souks in Deira. This is the traditional market area in the city, and the Deira Gold Souk is famous.

Tip #3: Be careful not to offend with your clothing

Dubai is a liberal city where 70% of the residents are ex-pats. However, it is still an Islamic city. You don’t have to cover your head or wear traditional Arabic clothes (unless you’re visiting a mosque) but you are expected to be respectful. Avoid showing cleavage and midriff (unless in a nightclub or on a beach). Don’t wear super short shorts or skirts in public places where you’re likely to mix with locals, such as the shopping malls and museums. It’s not that it’s against the law…it’s being respectful of local customs and traditions.

Tip #4: Book in advance, especially during winter

Dubai is an especially popular destination. You won’t get into most nightclubs unless you book in advance. Many popular activities, such as going to the top of the world’s tallest building, can be booked in advance to avoid queues. Reputable tour companies offer refunds for tours tickets canceled with reasonable notice, so you’re not risking much when you book in advance.

Tip #5: Avoid visiting during Ramadan OR be patient and thoughtful

The timing of the month of Ramadan changes every year, but for 2020 it is around 23 rd April through 23 rd May. During Ramadan, you will find that many local people slow down and businesses close in the middle of the day for rests or early at night when the staff are due to break their fast. It is prohibited to eat in public during Ramadan, so you’ll only be able to eat in designated areas. You’ll be expected to dress more modestly during Ramadan and be especially polite.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Dubai is a fantastic place to sample Middle Eastern cuisine. Because of its central location in the Persian Gulf, the local fare is a tasty combination of Arabic, Iranian, and Lebanese food.

For breakfast, you could try margoogat. This is a rich vegetable stew with added Arab spices, such as bezar, cumin, and turmeric. Often made with tomato, squash, and eggplant, Dubaites often eat this dish to end their daily fast during Ramadan. Alternatively, manousheh is a popular breakfast dish from Lebanon composed of dough or flatbread topped with Akkawi cheese, olive oil, and za’atar herbs (thyme, oregano, and marjoram). It’s like a kind of pizza! You can sample Lebanese food like this at Enab Beirut , an eclectic food outlet near Al Khazzan Park.

Makbus, also known as kabsa, is a popular rice dish originating in Saudi Arabia and popular in Dubai. The rice, usually basmati, is mixed with chicken, lamb, or seafood and prepared in large pots with plenty of Arab spices, dried lemon, and salt. A popular restaurant to try this traditional rice dish is Al Barza Restaurant and Café on Jumeirah Street.

If you want to eat a traditional Bedouin dish, why not sample some camel milk and eat camel meat? Camel milk is saltier than cow’s milk but lower in cholesterol, richer in protein, and with more iron and Vitamin C. Dubaite chefs like to use camel’s meat in stews and burgers because of its exotic and robust flavor. You can sample camel steaks, kebabs, and chocolate camel milkshakes in Al Bastakiya Restaurant and Café on Al Fahidi Street.

Dubaite people have their own varieties of bread to eat with their meals. These include khameer, which is a date-sweetened bread you can eat on its own or filled with anything from chicken to cheese. Many eat traditional Iranian sangak, which is a leavened flatbread made from wheat. And main dishes are often accompanied by a zesty salad of cucumber, green onions, tomatoes, and mint called tabbouleh.

Speaking of salads, Dubai actually offers a wide range of traditional vegetarian dishes. Kousa mahshi is zucchini or courgettes stuffed with rice. Shirin polo is a delicious rice dish made from nuts, raisins, carrots, and basmati rice. However, be aware that there’s a non-vegetarian version of shirin polo with chicken added. And fatteh is a popular evening dish consisting of bread covered with chickpeas and topped with yogurt and tahini sauce.

For dessert, try kanafeh. This is a Levantine filo pastry coated in honey or syrup and sprinkled with chopped pistachios. Or assidat al-Boubar is a popular pumpkin porridge with almond flour, butter, sugar, milk, and raisins. And you may be offered luqaimat dumplings made from flour, starch, sugar, and cardamom powder and rolled in syrup.

But no meal is complete without gahwa. This is Arabic coffee offered to guests as an essential matter of hospitality. Unlike western coffee, this is seasoned with cloves and cardamom and tastes more bitter than the varieties you may be accustomed to. You may find it served to you in tiny cups without handles from ornate coffee pots.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Despite being an Islamic city on the edge of the desert, Dubai has an extremely wild and active nightlife with modern superclubs and international DJs. It’s like the Ibiza of the Muslim world. However, there are obviously many legal and cultural restrictions to be aware of.

The nightlife in Dubai starts earlier and ends earlier than in European or American cities. Nightclubs open between 10 pm and 3 am, and they are busy throughout this time with a peak around 1 am. All nightclubs and bars must close by 3 am.

All bars, nightclubs, and restaurants serving alcohol are inside hotel complexes. Legally, only hotels are allowed to serve alcohol.

You’ll find the dress code in the more exclusive nightclubs much stricter than in Europe and America. You won’t get in wearing shorts and crocks. You won’t even gain entry wearing jeans. Bouncers typically refuse entry to large groups of men. Mixed groups of men and women and small groups find easier entry into nightclubs.

To get into many clubs, you must already be on the guest list. So, research the clubs you’re interested in before setting out and make arrangements online using the club’s website or Facebook page. The best way to ensure entry is to reserve a table, but this is expensive.

The legal age to drink is 21 and drinking in the street is illegal. Many clubs only admit people over 25. Patrons must show their passport at the entrance to bars or nightclubs to gain entry. Never drive back to your hotel from a bar, club, or restaurant where you had a drink because if there’s an accident, even if it’s not your fault, you’ll be taken straight to jail. The United Arab Emirates has a zero-tolerance policy toward drink driving.

The busiest nights for nightlife are Thursday and Friday (because Friday is the Islamic Sunday). Tuesday is “ladies’ night” when women gain free entry into clubs and are offered discounts and free drinks. Don’t be too judgmental about “economic tourists”, but the nightclubs of Dubai are renowned for the large number of beautiful Russian women guests. Many are there to work in the businesses of this busy cosmopolitan city, but a few are seeking a wealthy spouse or patron.

You’ll find the nightlife where the hotels congregate, such as Medinat Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. The marina is a great place for romantic restaurant dates followed by an evening stroll along the canal.

Because Dubai is such a “Mecca” for businesspeople around the Middle East to escape the restrictions of their own city and let their hair down, you’ll find literally hundreds of nightclubs and bars. Many you will struggle to enter because they all have relatively low capacities and complete to attract the many millionaires and celebrities who frequent the city. Perhaps avoid the most exclusive nightclubs unless you happen to be a billionaire or movie star.

For example, Armani/Privé is one of the most famous clubs in Dubai and located inside the world’s tallest skyscraper. The dress code is super strict, and the entry and drink prices probably more than you earn in a month. If you do gain entry, you’ll find a raised VIP area, a dance floor, and a balcony overlooking the Dubai Fountain. Oh, and the interior décor was designed by Giorgio Armani.

White Dubai is the largest club in the city and sits on the rooftop of the ultra-modern Meydan Racecourse Grandstand. Here’s where you’ll find such famous names as Jason Derulo, Akon, and Nelly. There are incredible views, amazing light shows, and a dance floor open to the stars. But this is definitely a venue you’ll only get into if you’re on the guest list.

A slightly less exclusive nightclub is the N’Dulge Club in the Atlantis Dubai Hotel on the famous Palm Island artificial island. This superclub features an outdoor terrace and the N’Dulge Arena. The Lounge area operates alongside Nobu, a popular restaurant.

If you’re looking for a bar rather than a nightclub, you’ll find a good selection around the hotels of Dubai. For example, the Lock, Stock & Barrel is a large, New-York-style bar with exposed brick walls and pool tables. They offer live music and TV sports channels. The Treehouse is a rooftop bar with a garden terrace and an ambiance aimed at romantic couples. And Fibber Magee’s is a replica Irish pub designed to make you forget you’re in the desert. Everything is authentically Irish, including the live Irish folk music.

Getting Around

Because of the way Dubai has developed over the past fifty years, there are multiple centers dotted all over the city at considerable distances from one another. This means it’s not convenient to get around on foot. If you want to sightsee, you’ll find it easiest to get around by Metro or bus. To use the Metro, buses, water buses, and the Dubai tram you’ll need a rechargeable NOL Card .

Dubai’s modern Metro is fully automated, so you won’t see any drivers. Most of the Metro lines are above ground, so you’ll get great views of the city while getting around. But the Metro doesn’t reach everywhere. In New Dubai, you’ll sometimes have to use the Dubai Tram. And the Palm Island has its own monorail service.

The public bus service is the most affordable option to get around the city. There are 1,500 air-conditioned buses in the city. They go everywhere and run during the night when the Metro has closed.

It’s always an option to hail a taxi. While they aren’t super expensive, they’re pricier than the bus or the Metro. And, to be honest, you can probably get to most places on the Metro quicker than in a taxi. For ultimate freedom, you can always rent a car. To do this, you’ll require an International Driver’s License , passport, credit card, and insurance.

Accommodations

With its artificial islands and glitzy modern skyscrapers, you might expect Dubai to be an expensive place to stay. Yes, there are many exclusive 5-star luxury hotels and billionaires’ penthouses, but there are also affordable hotels and self-catering apartments suitable for travelers on a budget.

As a general rule, the further south you go, the newer and more expensive the accommodation becomes. Since most of the more interesting attractions are to the north, I’d recommend you stay in one of the Old Neighborhoods or nearby Downtown unless you’re only here for the beaches and nightlife and have a fat billfold.

The Old Neighborhoods

The older parts of the city are where you’ll find traditional butchers and bakers, street food, family restaurants, tailors, cobblers, and older residential buildings. These include Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama, Jumeirah, and Satwa.

In this area, you’ll also find the historic district of Bastakiya where old merchants’ mansions built using coral and mud have barjeel wind towers for natural air-conditioning. Some of these interesting structures now contain cultural centers and museums.

These neighborhoods are old, but they’re not run-down. And although they’re the cultural heart of the city, you’ll find accommodation in these areas generally cheaper than the recently developed areas. If you’re planning to self-cater, this is definitely the best area for you because the shops and markets in the old neighborhoods are cheaper than in the new city.

The Novotel in central Deira provides comfy rooms, tennis courts, and both adults’ and children’s swimming pools within easy walking distance of the Deira Metro Station. This is a good choice for solo women, families, and couples. And if you’re self-catering, consider the highly rated J5 RIMAL Hotel Apartments in Deira. The apartments come with living rooms and kitchenettes, so you can prepare your own meals and cut costs. Some of the higher-spec apartments also offer washing machines.

Business Bay and Downtown Dubai

This is the most central area of Dubai situated around the Dubai Mall between Old Dubai and Dubai Marina. It’s a convenient place to stay for visiting all the attractions because it’s so central and close to both Old Dubai and New Dubai by Metro.

In fact, some of the main attractions are found around the Dubai Mall, like the Dubai Aquarium and Dubai Fountain. Here you’ll find a good selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars as well as some of the more upmarket hotels with a lively nightlife.

Check out hotels like the Vida Downtown Dubai , which offers modern rooms a short walk from the Dubai Mall and Metro Station. The Manzil Downtown Dubai is even closer to the Dubai Mall and Metro and located in the liveliest part of Downtown Dubai.

Mall of the Emirates and Surrounding Area

Here you’ll find cosmopolitan Dubai where the mix of nationalities living and working in this area leads to a diverse range of food outlets and stores. It’s central and convenient for Metro Stations.

If you want to stay in luxury, there are plenty of 5-star options in this area, such as the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel , with its plush rooms and rooftop pool. But there are still budget options, such as Centro Barsha by Rotana , which offers comfortable rooms within walking distance of the Metro and Mall of the Emirates.

This is that shiny area to the south of the city around Dubai Marina and the famous artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island. This is where some of the glitziest buildings of Dubai are found. It’s the place to go if you want luxury hotels with Michelin-starred chefs and gold-plated faucets.

However, since billionaires and celebrities don’t use the Metro, you won’t find using the Metro so convenient in this area. There are no Metro stations on the artificial islands, for example. Dubai Marina does have a Metro station and offers a promenade for keen joggers and cyclists.

This is a great area to stay if you love beaches and want to spend much of your time sunbathing or swimming. But, the whole of New Dubai is a little distant from the main attractions and the lack of Metro stations makes it inconvenient for sightseeing.

The Movenpick Hotel in Jumeirah Lakes Towers is a 5-star hotel, but it’s one of the more affordable ones in this area. It’s in Dubai Marina, so it’s convenient for the Metro and the beaches. But if you want to stat in this area on a “budget”, consider an apartment at Marina View Deluxe Hotel . I use quotation marks around “budget” because this is the most expensive area, so even the budget options are relatively expensive. All suites come with refrigerators, microwaves, and kitchenettes for self-catering options, and it’s only a short walk from the Dubai Marina and Metro station.

Dubai has a hot desert climate. Unless you’re from Death Valley, take what you think of as hot and double it to imagine August in Dubai. You might think that swimming in temperatures of 100 0 F sounds great, but by the end of the day, you may envy lobsters. Midwinter temperatures in Dubai are similar to early summer in Massachusetts.

The weather in Dubai is coldest in January, with an average daily high of 75 0 F and a low of 58 0 F. It’s still sunny in winter. It’s not too cold to hit the beach and it’s a great time to go sightseeing. In April, the average high is 91 0 F and low of 70 0 F, which makes spring a perfect time of year for the beach.

It’s hottest in August, with an average high of 106 0 F and low of 87 0 F. In the afternoon, it’s too hot for the beach, but it’s okay before 11 am and late in the evening. By November, the average high drops to 87 0 F and the low is 68 0 F, making the weather much better for the beach.

Attractions

Many come to Dubai to admire the fantastic modern architecture and amazing monuments built over the past few decades, but the city also has a fascinating history.

The Dubai museum is a great place to visit to learn all about Dubai’s past. The museum is housed inside the Al-Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest building in the city built in 1787. The fort’s construction is entirely traditional using locally sourced materials. The walls are coral blocks cemented together with lime, and the ceilings are made from palm fronds and mud.

Inside the museum, you can learn about Dubaite cultural history through exhibitions like the traditional boats and palm-leaf house with a barjeel wind tower. Discover about Bedouin desert life and coastal pearl fishing. You’ll find the museum in the Bur Dubai area of the Old City.

In the nearby Bastakia Quarter, you can see historic homes built in the 19 th century for wealthy Iranian merchants who came here to deal in textiles and pearls. The traditional buildings are built from coral and lime and feature barjeel wind towers that provided natural air-conditioning.

The best-known house is one built for Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai. The building is considered an excellent example of Arabian architecture and now houses The Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents.

On the opposite side of Dubai Creek is the area of Deira. Here’s where you’ll find the traditional souks (markets) including the Deira Gold Souk, the biggest gold bazaar in the world. There are many historic houses in this part of the Old City including Heritage House, an Iranian merchant’s house from 1890, and the Al-Ahmadiya School of 1912, which is the Museum of Public Education.

Among these historic neighborhoods is an amazing modern building called the Dubai Frame . This is a series of galleries exploring the history of Dubai housed inside a building shaped like a 492-feet-high picture frame. The empty frame is intended to “frame” both the Old City and the New City as it frames one or the other depending upon where you stand in relation to the frame.

And there are many new buildings in Downtown and New Dubai, including the iconic Burj al-Arab, which is the world’s tallest hotel. The hotel stands on its own artificial island and is shaped like a dhow sail. Its underwater Al-Mahara restaurant enables diners to view the surrounding sea life while they eat, while the Skyview Bar at the top of the hotel provides fantastic panoramic views of the city.

But the most famous building in the city is the 2722-feet-high Burj Khalifa , which is the tallest skyscraper in the world. Much like outside the Empire State Building in NYC, tourists queue to visit the observation deck on the 124 th floor. To avoid a long wait, buy your “At the Top” entrance ticket in advance.

Many visitors to Dubai come to admire its huge shopping malls. The Dubai Mall is an interesting place to visit not only for the stores. It houses one of the most popular attractions in Dubai—the Dubai Aquarium . The aquarium features 140 species of sea life inside a huge tank on the ground floor of the mall. You can enter the Underwater Zoo to view this tank from underneath through aquarium tunnels.

If you want to get out of the city, the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is an interesting place to visit. There you’ll find bird and animal observation platforms and other attractions. At night, the Dubai Astronomy Group holds stargazing events in the reserve because the remote desert location boasts low light pollution.

Tour Guides

The Dune Buggy Safari is our Editors Choice for the best desert safari from Dubai

Robert Baker

Related articles.

The 5 Best Petra Tours From Jerusalem & Tel Aviv [2024 Reviews]

The 5 Best Dead Sea Tours From Jerusalem – [2024 Reviews]

The 5 Best Dubai Quad Tours [2024 Reviews]

🐫The 5 Best Camel Riding Tours In Dubai [2024 Reviews]

• Area Guides
• Building Guides
• School Guides
• Floor plans
• Market Trends
• Life at Bayut

The most exciting desert safari tours in Dubai

• Desert Safari Activities
• Best Desert Safaris in Dubai

Dubai’s amazing line-up of fun activities attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe. However, amongst all the entertainment options that the emirate offers, there is one activity that will always stay true to home – the Dubai desert safari. If you haven’t experienced desert safari in Dubai yet – don’t worry. Here’s an overview of what it is all about. Also, we have covered the top desert safari companies that are guaranteed to give you the best experience. 

DESERT SAFARI ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI

Desert safari tours in Dubai are fun adventures where you can experience the thrill of cruising the sandy dunes in the desert and enjoy live entertainment and delicious food.

And one of the reasons why desert safaris in Dubai are recommended is that it gives you a chance to learn more about Emirati traditions. You get to dress in traditional attire and indulge in the most scrumptious Arabic food.

Here’s a quick recap of the things you can do during a desert safari in Dubai:

• Dune bashing
• Quad biking
• Skiing on the sand dunes
• Enjoy live music, fire show, Tanoura dance and belly dance performances
• Henna painting for women
• Take photos with the glorious Arabian falcon
• Indulge in an appetising buffet

Let’s check out tour operators offering the best desert safari Dubai experience. 

Top Desert Safaris in Dubai

There are several highly-rated desert safari companies in Dubai that you can contact to book a Dubai desert safari tour.

PLATINUM HERITAGE LUXURY TOURS AND SAFARIS

Platinum Heritage is a luxury desert safari company in Dubai. Their desert safari packages include sustainable experiences that highlight the local Emirati culture and heritage. 

This is the only desert safari that uses 1950’s museum-quality, vintage Land Rovers on their safaris. So, if you want an authentic luxury experience, book a tour with Platinum Heritage.

• Price: From AED 595 per person
• Location: Office 1303, Control Tower, Motor City
• Contact: +971-4-412-6333

ORIENT TOURS

Experience authentic ‘Arabian style’ desert safari with Orient Tours. From pick up to drop off, you will be treated like royalty. Depending on the package, you can witness the Falcon show or drive through a camel farm besides all the traditional desert safari activities. Have your pick from the morning or evening desert safari, there are several packages available.

• Location: Level 3, Latifa Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road
• Contact: +971-4-282-8238

RAPTOR TEAM TOURISM

Raptor Team Tourism is the next entry on our list of best desert safari companies in Dubai. They are known for their wide range of tourism services that include outdoor activity packages such as city tours, dhow cruises and of course, desert safaris and campsite visits.

Raptor Team Tourism’s desert safari packages include morning and evening safaris as well as extreme adventure safari which will give you the most thrilling and authentic experience in the Arabian Desert.

You can experience camel riding, henna painting and ride on dune buggies and quad bikes depending on the selected safari package.

• Prices: From AED 150 per person (sharing)
• Location: GR 69, New Al Safiya Building, Deira
• Contact: +971-4-395-8501 | +971-56-747-1177

KHAT TOURS AND SAFARI

Next on our list of best desert safari operators in Dubai is Khat Tours and Safaris. This well-established tourism company has over 10 years of experience in the tourism and travel industry.

They have some of the best morning and evening desert safaris in Dubai. You can even book camel trekking packages that come with or without dinner. They even have a helicopter tour that allows you to fly over popular landmarks such as Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab.

• Price: From AED 661 (private tours)
• Contact: +971-5-640-31600 

DUBAI PRIVATE TOUR

One of the most popular names in the Dubai tourism industry is Dubai Private Tour. The company offers several intriguing tour packages for Dubai that also include the desert safari.

The desert safari packages comprise exciting activities for the adventure-seekers, such as sand-boarding, dune driving, dune bashing and camel ride. You can choose between the Dubai Private Desert Safari and the Luxury Dubai Safari Trips.

The good part is that the company customises the packages per their clients’ needs. You can book your desert safari tour online to enjoy great discounts.

• Price: From AED 875
• Location: Al Makhawi Building, 1st Floor, Office No 117, Umm Hurair Road, PB 120730
• Contact: +971-55-955-4333 | +971-4-3961-444

TRIBAL TRAILS

Tribal Trails offers a luxurious desert safari experience. Book a deal to enjoy the thrills of dune bashing in Dubai as it is meant to be. An added feature of Tribal Trials is that you can drive through camel farms. They offer several deals which include a dinner with live entertainment.

• Price: From AED 150 per person (sharing) | From AED 950 per person with Bab Al Shams Dinner
• Location: Rola Street, Bur Dubai
• Contact: +971-50-887-7917

OCEANAIR TRAVELS

The first entry on our list of the best desert safari companies in Dubai is OceanAir Travels. They have over 15 years of experience and are a registered agent in the U.A.E, India and Egypt.

They are known for their extensive knowledge of the local traditions and exclusive desert safari offers. The company operates in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

OceanAir Travels offers some of the best desert safari packages in Dubai. These include best-rated morning and evening desert safari tours and overnight desert safaris – all of which come with variations of activities such as dune bashing, camel riding and even brunch.

You can also choose from their combo tours, including a city tour and evening Dubai desert safari, both in one package. If you are looking for cheap desert safari Dubai deals, they have customised package options too.

Apart from desert safari, the company offers jet ski and it has an Emirati restaurant, Al Khayma Heritage House.

• Price: From AED 147
• Location: 1005, 10th Floor, Sobha Sapphire building – Al Khaleej Al Tejari 2, Street, Business Bay
• Contact: +971-4-584-0404

CITY ONE TOURISM AND TRAVEL

Next on our list of best desert safari operators in Dubai is City One Tourism & Travel. This company offers dune buggy safaris, overnight safaris, camel riding safaris and the classic desert safari packages where you can enjoy flavorful Arabic kahwa and dates, unlimited soft drinks and live entertainment.

They also offer pick-up services from your doorstep to the safari camps. With prices starting from AED 120, this is another tour operator to consider if you are searching for cheap desert safari Dubai packages.

• Price: From AED 300
• Location: G04, Tamani Arts Offices, Business Bay
• Contact: +971-4-252-5516 | +971-4-392-2959

ARABIAN NIGHTS TRAVEL

Arabian Nights Travels has been serving happy tourists for over 20 years. Rated as one of the leading companies offering desert safari, it was also included in the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice 2020. Hence, you can expect their services to be top-notch. Don’t forget to visit their official website to get some amazing discounts.

• Price: From AED 150
• Location: : Emgate Building 304, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl
• Contact: +971-4-321-6565

RAYNA TOURS

Looking for the perfect day out? Enjoy the comfort of a high-end 4×4 vehicle as you dune bash across the vast desert. Once this enthralling adventure is over, you can witness events that reflect bedouin tradition and culture.

• Price: From AED 225
• Location: ACICO Business Park Building, Office # 703, 704,705, Port Saeed Road, Deira, Behind Nissan Showroom
• Contact:  +971-4-208-7444

DXB Adventure

Are you looking for affordable desert safari Dubai deals? DXB Adventure offers one of the cheapest deals that you will find. The trip includes a variety of activities that you can customise based on your preferences.

These include dune bashing, Tanoura dance, belly dancing, sandboarding, camel and horse riding. The delicious BBQ dinner served in the evening tours is another highlight. A day of fun and excitement at reasonable rates, this might be the right deal for you.

• Contact: +971-55-610-7722

FAQs about Desert Safaris in Dubai

Can i go on a dubai desert safari with kids.

Yes, in fact, it is an amazing experience to share with the entire family. Kids particularly enjoy sandboarding, camel riding and dune bashing. Some of the desert safari packages also offer visits to camel farms and some pool time to cool off – activities the little ones are sure to love.

What is the cost of Desert Safari Dubai?

The cost of Desert Safari Dubai depends on the tour operator and the package you choose. The tour companies offer many different desert safari packages to suit all needs and their prices vary from season to season. A desert safari tour in Dubai ranges from AED 60 to AED 2,000.

Can I wear shorts on a desert safari?

Anything comfortable works for a desert safari tour. Keep the weather in consideration while planning for the tour. Ideally, you should wear something adjustable for both cold and hot weather. While the afternoons can be sweltering, the desert gets cold after sunset. For a camel ride, though, it is advisable to wear loose-fitting pants.

Booking a desert safari tour is a perfect way to celebrate weekends or have a fun time with family. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when planning a desert safari in Dubai .

If you want to make the most of the cooler evening in the city, plan an overnight desert safari in Dubai .

Plan your tour in a way that you can attend some of the top annual celebrations in Dubai . There are so many adventures in Dubai , you will be spoilt for choice.

That concludes our quick guide to desert safaris in Dubai. You can also find companies offering a desert safari in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

If you are looking for a new spot to visit, Al Hayer Oasis Al Ain could be a good option.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Popular restaurants in and around Jebel Ali – an eclectic mix

Student Housing & Accommodation In Dubai: What’s It All About?

All about Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

• Residential Plot

Sliding Sidebar

TheBetterVacation.com

Everything about tourist attractions

Best Desert Safaris in Dubai – prices, activities, timings

A desert safari is one of the best ways to experience Emirati culture during your holiday in Dubai.

Choosing the right one for you and your family/friends is difficult with so many desert safaris.

To identify the best desert safari in Dubai that suits your needs, consider its start time, duration, included activities, and cost. 

Since some tour operators are better, you must also factor in the local operator while choosing the perfect desert safari.

This is why most tourists are confused and don’t know which Dubai desert safari to book. 

This article covers Dubai’s five best desert safaris according to their popularity.

Top Dubai Desert Safaris Tickets

# Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma # Red Dune Safari, Camel Riding, Sandboarding & BBQ # Red Dune Safari, Camel Ride, Sandboard & BBQ Options

Table of contents

Best dubai desert safaris, premium red dunes, camel safari, & bbq at al khayma, red dune safari, camel riding, sandboarding & bbq, red dune safari, camel ride, sandboard & bbq options, desert safari, quad bike, camel ride & al khayma camp, desert safari, quad bike, camel ride, and sandboarding, best desert safari operator in dubai.

There are hundreds of options for tourists, out of which we have selected the five best desert safaris available in Dubai and explained them. 

All these desert safaris are highly rated, with a 4.8/5 or 4.9/5. 

Each of these safaris is designed to drive you into the depths of the Arabian sandy desert experience and make your Dubai holiday memorable. 

Rating:  4.9/5 Duration:  Seven hours Starting time:  2 pm Pick up:  Available from all hotels or apartments in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, as well as the cruise port (Port Rashid). Type of tour:  Small Group Tour Operator:  OceanAir Travel

A 4×4 Land Cruiser picks you up and drives you to the desert, after which you enjoy the adrenaline rush of a quad bike ride and dune bashing.

During this magnificent desert safari, you can also try sandboarding for an extra adrenalin kick.

This excellent desert safari continues to the Al Khayma Camp, where you will be welcomed with Arabic coffee, sweets, and dates. 

You can go on a camel ride, smoke Shisha, paint Henna, meet the resident falcon expert, etc.

The buffet barbecue dinner begins at sunset, and you can eat while enjoying traditional dances. 

After dinner, you relax and board your vehicle for a drop back at your hotel. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years):  AED 253 ($69) Child Ticket (3 to 11 years):  AED 209 ($57)

Back to Top

Rating:  4.9/5 Duration:  4 to 7 hours Starting time:  8 am to 3 pm (many options) Pick up:  Available from all hotels or locations within Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and the Port Rashid Cruise Terminal. Type of tour:  Small Group Tour Operator:  Ammar Tours

This tour is an opportunity to explore the Dubai desert in the best ways possible. 

It is one of the best desert safaris in Dubai if you want a thrilling adventure with family and friends. 

You will experience dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, etc., and then enjoy the brilliant desert sunset.

You can also enjoy the traditional Bedouin camp experience with a BBQ dinner, a classic Tanura show, and a belly dancing performance.

You will savor the rich flavors of local food at a BBQ dinner with Arabic coffee, fresh dates, falafel, and shawarma.

4-hour safari : AED 104 ($28) 7-hour safari (with BBQ dinner):   AED 228 ($62)

Rating:  4.8/5 Duration:  4 to 7 hours Starting time:  8 am to 2.30 pm (many options) Pick up:  Available from all hotels or locations within Dubai City and Port Rashid cruise terminal Type of tour:  Small Group Tour Operator:  Dream Journey Tourism

This tour is a 4-hour Dubai desert safari, which you can upgrade to a 7-hour safari with a BBQ dinner.

This outstanding desert safari in Dubai starts at 2.30 pm. However, there is a 10 am option as well.

You drive to the unforgiving Lahbab desert for some dune bashing. 

You can witness the splendid Dubai sunset from the highest dune around if you are lucky.

Dune bashing is followed by sandboarding before you head back to your hotel.

If you opt for the 7-hour tour, visiting a Bedouin-style camp is added.

You get closer to the locals by riding a camel, smoking a Shisha pipe, trying the Henna tattoo, and dressing up in Arabic costumes, followed by a belly dance, Tanoura show, and a barbecue dinner.

Ticket Cost:   AED 210 ($57)

Rating:  4.9/5 Duration:  4 to 7 hours Starting time:  7.45 am to 4 pm (many options) Pick up:  Available from Dubai, Sharjah, Dubai Cruise Terminal (Port Rashid), and Dubai Airport Type of tour:  Small Group Tour Operator:  OceanAir Travels

This guided dune-bashing safari is one of the best ways to discover the desert outside Dubai. 

Enjoy the opportunity to participate in various optional activities, including a quad bike ride, camel ride, or dinner and entertainment with an extended tour option.

For the cultural experience part of the safari, you will head to the best camp in the region – the Al Khayma camp.

The duration and cost of this exceptional safari depend on the activities you select.

Adult Ticket (12+ years):  AED 420 ($114) Child Ticket (3 to 11 years):  AED 354 ($96)

Rating:  4.9/5 Duration:  4 hours Starting time:  8 am to 2.30 pm Pick up:  Available from any hotel or location within Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and the Port Rashid cruise terminal.  Type of tour:  Small Group  Tour Operator:  Ammar Tours

On this fantastic desert safari, you will escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai and experience the calm of the surrounding desert.

For four hours, you will enjoy legendary Arabian hospitality and satisfy your sense of adventure in Lahbab, approximately 50 kilometers from Dubai’s city center.

After your 4WD Land Cruiser slips and slides like a roller-coaster across the dunes, you can try the camel ride, sandboarding, or quad bike experience. 

After enjoying the desert sunset, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Ticket Prices (with quad bike ride)

Adult Ticket (12+ years):  AED 364 ($99) Child Ticket (3 to 11 years):  AED 357 ($97)

Ticket Prices (without quad bike ride)

Adult Ticket (12+ years):  AED 203 ($55) Child Ticket (3 to 11 years):  AED 198 ($54)

According to Tripadvisor,  OceanAir Travel  is the best Dubai desert safari tour company.

It is rated No 1 for outdoor activities in Dubai, and all their desert safaris end at Al Khayma camp. 

Check out a preview of the camp –

OceanAir Travel offers many desert safaris in Dubai, and we have listed some of the best below –

Recommended Reading

# Best Desert Safaris in Dubai # Desert Safari from Sharjah # Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi # Desert Safari in Ras Al Khaimah # Price of desert safari in Dubai # VIP Desert Safaris in Dubai # Morning desert safaris in Dubai # Dubai Safari with BBQ dinner # Dubai Safari with Quad Bike # Dune Buggy Safari in Dubai # Overnight desert safari in Dubai # Safari in Dubai with belly dance # Safari without dune bashing # Falconry safari in Dubai

Popular attractions in Dubai

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in Dubai

This article was researched & written by

Hanan Irfan

Hanan Irfan is fascinated by exhilarating treks, alpine lakes, landscape photography, and football. He loves trying different cuisines and meeting people from around the world. He's a sucker for solitude and sunsets, capturing memories on the run. His favorite cities: Tromsø, Reykjavik, and Seychelles

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

10 best desert safaris in Dubai

By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on April 9, 2024

Skip all content and get ExpressVPN

Get unrestricted access with the fastest VPN for Dubai country.

No trip to Dubai would be complete without a desert adventure and there’s no better way to explore that sandy realm than with a safari.

But, how to choose which one’s best for you?

Do you want to take to the dunes on a camel, camp out under the stars or float above high above in a hot air balloon?

We’ve rounded up our best desert safaris in Dubai to help you choose , read on to plan your escape. 

In this guide to how to choose the best desert safari un Dubai, you find:

Table of Contents

• Desert safari Dubai cost
• Best desert safaris in Dubai
• Cheap safari
• Overnight camping safari
• Luxurious safari
• Private safari
• Sunrise safari
• Hotair Balloon safari
• Dune bashing safari
• Authentic safari
• Camel safari
• Practical information

Remember to get travel insurance for Dubai Dubai’s health care is terribly expensive, so insurance is a must. IATI Insurance offers different plans, for all budgets. Get your 5% exclusive discount if purchasing via this link

Price of a desert safari in Dubai. How much does it cost?

How much your Dubai desert safari costs is totally up to you and the activities you want to enjoy, there’s really something for every budget.

If you want to save a few pennies you can book a day trip for as cheap as $20, where you can still enjoy driving through the sand dunes, camel rides and a desert barbecue.

If you’re looking for something a little more high end you can enjoy a private desert safari for $280, a luxury adventure for $395 or even a hot air balloon safari for $335.

All you need to do is to decide which you’d prefer!

The 10 top desert safaris in Dubai

The cheapest desert safari un dubai.

Dubai might be known for its lavish events and big spenders but you can still have an epic desert escape without spending too much.

This super budget desert safari will lead you out to the Red Dunes of Al Hibab where you’ll have a go at dune bashing, before heading to a desert camp to enjoy traditional dance shows, a barbecue dinner and a camel ride.

You might be saving money but you’re not missing out on anything. 

Price: $ Duration: 4-7 hours

The best overnight desert safari in Dubai

To get the full desert experience we’d recommend spending a night in this arid landscape, nothing quite beats desert camping under the night sky.

You’ll spend your day enjoying dune bashing and sandboarding and your evening swapping stories as you enjoy dinner around the fire, smoking shisha and taking in local customs such as dancing and henna.

The next morning you’ll have a chance to soak up the sunrise with a traditional camel caravan. 

Price: $$ Duration: 17 hours

The best luxury desert safari in Dubai

If money’s no object, this is the top-rated 5-star desert safari in Dubai, an exclusive experience not many travelers can do.

Live like a king or queen for the day as you head out into the dunes in the Dubai royal family’s car of choice, the Range Rover.

You’ll travel to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to spot local wildlife, watch a falconry display as the sun sets, take a camel ride to your dinner venue before enjoying a  three-course meal in a private cabana at this exclusive royal retreat. 

Price: $$$$ Duration: 7 hours

Best private desert safari in Dubai (night)

Our favorite private safari also happens to be the best nighttime desert safari in Dubai.

Wait until the sun sets before you head out into the desert in a vintage 1950s Land Rover with a set of night-vision binoculars in search of nocturnal animals.

After you’ve enjoyed exploring the cool and quiet nighttime desert, you’ll dine under the stars as you enjoy a three-course dinner, shisha and Arabic coffee at an open-air camp (belonging to a local royal family no less).

Price: $$$ Duration: 5 hours

Best sunrise safari in Dubai

One of the best times to take in this arid desert landscape is early in the day before the sun rises.

You’ll set off on your adventure at the crack of dawn to ensure you get to watch the day begin as the sun crests over the sand dunes.

Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife at the Al Qudra Lakes before you sit down to a traditional Arabic picnic breakfast. 

Price: $ Duration: 4 hours

Best hot air balloon safari

Exploring the desert from the ground is one thing, but taking it all in from above is a totally different (and a once-in-a-lifetime) experience.

You’ll set off first thing in the morning whilst it’s still dark as you head to the Margham Desert where your hot air balloon awaits.

Next, you’ll float up to 4000 feet and watch as the sun rises over your spectacular desert surroundings, and after, enjoy quad biking, camel riding and a gourmet breakfast. 

Best desert safari for dune bashing

There’s little that can beat the adrenaline rush of hurtling up and down a sand dune, you’ll feel like a modern-day Lawrence of Arabia.

You can choose to hit the dunes in a jeep, quad bike, or buggy and you’ll have an hour to get your thrills as you take on the desert landscape.

Those looking for even more of an adventure can tack on sandboarding too. 

Price: $$ Duration: 4 hours

Most authentic desert safari in Dubai

If you want a taste of old-world desert safari charm, this is the trip for you.

You’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked back in time as you hop in your classic 1950’s Land Rovers as you drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve spotting wildlife.

You’ll enjoy traditional Dubai activities such as learning to bake bread, falconry demonstrations, camel rides, shisha and henna tattoos before tucking into a delicious dinner under the stars. 

Price: $$ Duration: 7 hours

Best camel safari in Dubai

If you say the words ‘desert safari’ the first image to come to mind is probably of riding across the dunes on camelback, and this is the best camel desert safari to go in Dubai.

You’ll have the opportunity to travel the same way people have been for thousands of years as you climb aboard your trusty stead and trek across the desert – and by sunrise, no less.

Once you’re finished with your ride, you’ll sit down to a light breakfast and sample Arabic coffee. 

Best horseback desert safari in Dubai

Horse lovers are well catered for too and can happily gallop into the desert on a horseback safari.

4x4s and buggies might be the most well-known mode of transport in these parts but there’s nothing quite like getting in the saddle and feeling the breeze in your hair as you ride through the striking desert landscape. 

Price: $$ Duration: 1 hour

Practical information for doing a desert safari in Dubai

What to wear for a desert safari in dubai.

You’ll want to make sure to choose the right clothes for a Dubai desert safari, layers of comfortable, breathable clothing that you can add or remove depending on the temperature because whilst the desert is hot in the day, it can drop to freezing once the sun’s set.

Women are advised to wear modest clothing that covers their knees and shoulders.

The ideal attire would be trousers made of a breathable fabric, a t-shirt and a lightweight shirt or jacket with a scarf for extra layers if needed. 

Dubai desert safari location

It’s approximately 55km from the center of Dubai to the desert so it takes around 35 minutes to reach.

What’s the best time to do a desert safari in Dubai

The best season is November to March, as the weather is much cooler than summertime and more bearable.

Can you go on a desert safari in the summer? You can but of them most run in the late afternoon and evening to avoid the overwhelming morning heat.

More information for your trip to Dubai

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Access blocked sites in Dubai – Remember that, if you want to use Skype, Whatsapp Call or Tinder you will need a VPN. For that, I recommend ExpressVPN, the best and fastest VPN in the market.

More UAE Articles:

• Most authentic restaurants in Dubai
• Dubai Travel Budget Guide
• Dubai off the beaten track
• Where to Stay in Dubai
• VPN for Dubai
• Dubai Itinerary
• North Korean Restaurant in Dubai
• Best tours, excursions and activities to do in Dubai
• Travel Guide to Liwa Oasis and the Moreeb dune

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

• How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2024)
• How to visit Los Llanos in Venezuela
• How to visit Angel Falls and Canaima National Park
• Things to do in Haiti in a 1-week itinerary
• Is Syria safe to visit in 2024?

• Desert Safari Deals

Sunset Desert Safari

• Morning Desert Safari
• Half Day Safari
• Dune Buggy Tour
• Quad Bike Tour
• Camel Caravan
• Overnight Safari
• Premium Desert Safari
• Luxury Safari
• Top Attractions
• Customized City Tour
• City Tour Packages
• Half Day City Tour
• Full Day City Tour
• Abu Dhabi City Tour
• Range Rover City Tour
• Private Yacht Tour

Sort By Date Price Low to High Price High to Low Sort By Name Sort By Popularity Sort By Review Score

Availability Daily

Instant Confirmation

Pick up & Drop Back

Duration: 06:00 Hrs

Luxury desert safari dubai.

Luxury Desert Safari Dubai offers visitors an exclusive and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Arabian Desert. Our desert safari offers visitors the chance to explore the desert in style with high-end vehicles, gourmet dining, and exclusive activities.

Our Luxury Desert Safari Dubai includes a range of exclusive activities, such as sand boarding, henna painting, and camel rides. Visitors can also enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner, complete with live entertainment, in a private setting. The food is prepared using the finest ingredients, and visitors can choose from a range of meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.

One of the most popular luxury desert safaris in Dubai is Arabian Luxury Tours . This tour operator offers a range of luxury packages, including morning, afternoon, and overnight safaris. Visitors can choose from a range of Land Rovers or Land cruiser, Range Rovers, each with its own private guide. 

Our Experiences

Desert safari tours, dubai city tours, self drive adventures, abu dhabi tours, top attractions in dubai, arabian luxury tours, luxury desert safari dubai offers.

Sunset Safari With Live BBQ

160 AED/Person

• Pickup & Drop Off with 4x4 vehicle

Sandboarding

• Modern Bedouin Camp
• Water and Soft Drinks

Arabian Dune Buggy Adventure

500 AED/Person

• Self Drive to Meeting Point
• For Pickup & Drop (400 AED Extra)
• 30 Minutes Dune Buggy
• Professional Guide

Quad Bike Adventure

220 AED/Person

• 30 Minutes Quad Bike

Half Day Desert Experience

120 AED/Person

Camel Riding

Camel Caravan Experience

250 AED/Person

• 45 Minutes Camel Ride
• Photo and Video (With your phone)

Our Signature Luxury Safaris in Dubai

Our signature luxury desert safari offer the ultimate in tour experiences, with a focus on impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and once-in-a-lifetime activities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a cultural immersion, we have the perfect tour for you. Book your Dubai luxury tour today!

Premium Desert Safari Experience

4200 AED/Person

Experience the magic of the Dubai desert on a premium luxury safari. Enjoy a thrilling dune bashing adventure in a Land Cruiser, followed by a relaxing camel ride and a traditional 5 star Resort Dinner with manual cuisine dinner under the stars. Stay overnight in a luxurious camp and wake up to the stunning sunrise over the dunes. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Arabian Luxury Desert Safari

800 AED/Person

If you are looking for a truly luxurious and unforgettable desert safari experience, then an Arabian luxury desert safari Dubai is the perfect choice for you. Soak in the stunning views of the dunes as you zoom across the desert in a Land Cruiser, then take a camel ride and enjoy a traditional 5 star Resort Dinner with manual cuisine dinner under the stars. Book your Arabian luxury desert safari today!

📞 +971566926653

* 24/7 support available *, luxury desert safari tour overview, pick & drop.

Pick & Drop From Hotel With 4×4 Luxury Vehicles.

Dune Bashing

Dune bashing is a thrilling ride across the golden dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. Your guide will take you on a roller coaster ride up and down the dunes, providing an adrenaline rush like no other.

Camel riding is a more leisurely way to experience the desert. These gentle creatures have been used to transport people across the desert for centuries, and they offer a unique perspective on the landscape.

Sandboarding is a fun and challenging activity that is sure to get your heart racing. Grab a sandboard and glide down the dunes, feeling the wind in your hair and the sand beneath your feet.

Buffet Dinner with BBQ

Stunning Universal Buffet  with 15 Dishes, Veg and non-Veg Options, with the bit of Flame Grill (BBQ), Salads, and Arabic Dishes.

Conventional Arabic Costumes

In  Dubai Luxury Desert Safari Tour , You’re welcome to put on Traditional Costumes for Photographs

Refreshments

Upon arrival at the desert base camp, you will have with Arabic Qehwa, Tea, Coffee, and boundless water packs.

Live Entertainment Shows

Our Live Shows Include Tanura Dance, 2  Belly Dance Shows & Fire Show.

Luxury Desert Safari - Inclusions

Free inclusions.

Sand-Boarding

Henna Painting (Limited)

Belly Dance with Traditional Music

Fire Show & Tanura Dance

Short Camel Ride

Sheesha (Hubble Bubble) Smoking Facilty

Welcome Arabic Tea / Coffee / Water

BBQ Dinner – Veg & non-Veg Dishes

Fresh Fruits & Sweet

Schedule & Timing

Pick up Time: 02:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Drop Off Time: 08:30 PM – 09:30 PM

Total Duration: 06:00 Hrs (Approx)

Payment Method

Cash Payments – Upon Pick up

ATM / Online Transfer Accepted

Why Choose Us For Luxury Desert Safari in Dubai?

We are not just blabbering around. It’s our responsibility to host you in the best way we can. So, some of our luxury desert safari services include:

Direct Booking

No 3rd parties or agents are involved in booking. You will directly contact us and will book a feasible package accordingly.

No Additional Charges

There are no additional charges included in our packages. Each package has a fixed rate and once you pay it, you won’t have to worry about it at all. You won’t be asked for any extra charges as long as you are enjoying the activities listed in the package you’ve selected.

Pickup From Hotel

Just tell us the address and we’ll send professional drivers in 4×4 luxury vehicles to pick you up right from your doorstep or hotel. The direct pickup service is not limited to a specific location only. We’ll pick you up, right when you book the package without any location dependency.

Our Luxury Desert Safari Packages are Market Competitive

We can proudly state that each of our packages is feasible and better than other companies working in the same criteria. The good news is that we also offer extra bonuses and privileges in case you decide to consider more than two packages.

Arabian Luxury Tours Highlights

About arabian luxury tours.

Arabian Luxury Tours offers a wide range of luxury desert safari packages to choose from, all of which are designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. We are the most trusted  Tour Operator in Dubai . The company’s tours are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are experts in the Arabian desert. Arabian Luxury Tours also offers a variety of exclusive activities and experiences that are not available on other desert safaris , such as private dune bashing adventures, romantic dinners under the stars, and falconry demonstrations.

Who We Are?

There are innumerable tourism companies operating in Dubai but there is always room for improvement and betterment in everything.  Arabian Luxury Tours is a Tour Operator based in Dubai with years of experience and serving thousands of Tourist each year. We are here to fill the much-needed gap in the market and offer you some of the most interesting, reliable, affordable and schedule friendly tours of Luxury Desert Safari ,  Dune Buggy Tours ,  City Tours ,  and  Desert Safari Tours . It can’t get better than this with the added advantage of requesting for a customized tour. We are more than ready to shuffle few things and make it up to the convenience of our customers because all what matters is the earned satisfaction of your customers.

Your #ArabianLuxuryTours Moments

Reviews By Google

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best luxury desert safari in dubai.

Looking for an unforgettable luxury desert safari experience in Dubai? Look no further than Arabian Luxury Tours. As part of the Arabian Luxury Tours, we are committed to providing the highest standards of service and safety.

What to wear in a Luxury Desert Safari Tour?

We recommend you to wear normal comfortable cloths. For Boys: Shorts or Cotton Pants withT-Shirts. For Girls: Shalwar Kamiz, or Pants & T-Shirts As you will feel more comfortable while the dune bashing and sand skiing. Also, much better if you wear sandals instead of shoes as the sand gets into the shoes and make trouble for you.

What is the payment method for Luxury Desert Safari Trip?

Direct cash payments upon the pickup or Cash Deposit in the ATM Account or Bank Transfer.

What stuff should I keep with me on dubai luxury desert safari tour?

Only take your necessary things with you such as Mobile, Camera, SunBlock Etc. Don’t take unnecessary things with you since it will be a bit late around 9:00 pm while coming back to hotel/home. Use a handbag to carry your things.

How can I get to my luxury desert safari in Dubai?

Reaching the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you will experience the best luxury desert safari, might seem like a hassle but with Arabian Luxury Tours, it’s easy! The all-inclusive luxury desert safari deals.

What is dune bashing in luxury desert safari tour?

Dune bashing  means driving at increasing and decreasing speeds over sand  dunes  within Land Cruiser, sliding up and down for the thrilling adventure.

Are Children under a specific age exempt from ticket charges? If yes, then what is age confine?

Children up to 3 years are absolutely free, Our Luxury Desert Safari is alright for babies too.

How much is uxury desert safari dubai cost per person?

It depends on the package you select, usually its AED 99 Per Person for Adult and 90 AED for Child above 3 years with pick & drop from your home/hotel anywhere in Dubai.

Subscribe to Our Special Offers

Our Mission is to deliver excellent quality service to our guests.

DESERT SAFARI

Morning Adventure Safari

Luxury Desert Safari

Dune Buggy Adventure

CONTACT INFO

+971566926653

[email protected]

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, UAE

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Why with us

How I can Help You!

• Office No:P6, 19th floor Conrad Hotel Opposite to World Trade Center - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Dubai, UAE

• VIP Evening Desert Safari with BBQ dinner and VIP camp
• Premium Evening Desert safari with Quad Bike
• Private Exclusive Evening Desert Safari
• Evening Desert Safari by 4×4
• Evening Desert Safari by Bus
• Morning Sunrise Desert safari
• Overnight Desert Safari
• Sharjah Ghost Town Tour
• Dubai city tour
• Desert Safari
• Marina Dhow Cruise with BBQ Dinner
• Abu Dhabi City Tour
• Private Yachts 36fts
• Hatta mountain Tour
• BBQ Dinner & Yachts
• Hummer Desert Safari
• VIP Hummer Desert Safari with premium 5star camp
• Desert Safari with Polaris Buggy
• Private Hummer Desert Safari
• VIP Jeep 4X4 Wrangler
• Jeep 4X4 Wrangler

• Quality 4.67
• Location 4.67
• Amenities 4

Evening Desert Safari by 4x4

• Quality 4.33
• Services 4.67

• Quality 3.67
• Location 4.33
• Amenities 4.67

• Booking Locations
• United Arab Emirates
• Booking Type

All Amenities

Explore real adventure.

Hatta mountain

Feel super fancy with your very own Private desert safari Dubai! It’s all about you, with everything customized to make you happy. 

Indulge in fancy desert fun with Luxury Desert Safari Dubai . Enjoy lavish adventures in the desert with all the fancy extras!

Get treated like a VIP in Dubai’s desert! With VIP Desert Safari , you get extra special stuff for an amazing time. Reserve your spot now!

Embark on a Magical City Adventure with Us

• Location 4.5

• Services 4.33

Our Unique Approach to Premium Desert Safari

At Sahara Rider, we are passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences for our valued customers at Premium Desert Safari, Dubai . With a team of dedicated professionals, we strive to provide exceptional service and unparalleled adventures in the stunning landscapes of the Sahara.

Call experts

+971 52 406 2156

Discover the Magic of the Arabian Desert Safari

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey with our Arabian Desert Safari! As you embark on this immersive experience, you’ll find yourself surrounded by endless stretches of golden dunes that seem to stretch to the horizon. These majestic landscapes hold a wealth of cultural wonders, inviting you to delve into the rich heritage of the region. Feel the rush of excitement as you partake in exhilarating activities such as:

• Dune bashing
• Sand-boarding and
• Camel riding

each offering a unique perspective on the desert’s beauty. Amidst the vastness of the desert, you’ll also encounter the warmth of traditional hospitality, with our expert guides ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout the journey. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the landscape, you’ll witness breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. Capture the moment as the desert transforms under the twilight sky, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. With memories to last a lifetime, our Arabian Desert Safari promises an unforgettable adventure.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the desert – book now and embark on the journey of a lifetime!

WhatsApp us

9 of the best places to see wildlife in the UAE

Welcome to the wild side….

Wildlife in UAE is not something a lot of people think about. But UAE is much more than the tall skyscrapers and unique activities.

When it comes to animals, there are plenty of places you can spot wildlife in the UAE and the venues don’t limit these wild majestic animals to four drab walls.

Here are 9 places to see wildlife in UAE

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

The land was previously a salt flat which flourished into a natural and man-made lake enabling many of Abu Dhabi’s wildlife to flourish. Speckled amongst nature, you will spot a large population of pink majestic flamingos, 250 species of birds, and a wide range of aquatic life. There are two self-guided walking trails (1.5 kms or 3 kms) where visitors can explore plus there’s a bird-watching hide to observe the flamingos.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Directions: T ake the E22 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain road and connect with the E30 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road, then follow signs for the reserve, open Mon to Sat, 8am to 5.30pm (last entry 4pm), free entry.  ead.gov.ae

Jubail Mangrove Park

The huge boardwalk through Abu Dhabi’s National Mangrove park offers visitors a chance to get a little closer to nature. There is a chance to get your kayaking snap amongst the vast greens, but your main motive to visit should be to say hello to wildlife. There’s a diverse list of animals including fish, crabs, birds (including flamingos), turtles, gazelle, crabs and more mysterious creatures.

Jubail Mangrove Park, Al Jubail Island (next to Saadiyat Island), Abu Dhabi, 8am to 7.30pm daily, Dhs15 for adult, Dhs10 (ages 3 to 7). Tel: (0)56 303 2423. park.jubailisland.ae

Sir Bani Yas Island – Arabian Wildlife Park

Getting to this island that’s home to over 11,000 animals takes a bit of time, but the sights are worth it. It’s a 25-minute boat ride from Jebel Dhanna (itself a two-hour drive from downtown Abu Dhabi) but once on the island, you are treated with wilderness, romantic vistas and more. The list of wild animals on this island paradise include different endangered species such as blackbuck antelope and Arabian oryx as well as giraffe, ostrich and cheetah. Guests on the island have the opportunity to go on-safari and snatch memorable opportunities to glimpse these rare creatures, without a single cage or handler in sight.

Sir Bani Yas is located 8 km off the coast of Jebel Dhanna (two hours’ drive from downtown Abu Dhabi), accessible by complimentary water taxi or private seaplane. You can book stays on the  anantara.com website.

Emirates Park Zoo

Animals you will encounter here include wildcats including lions, tigers leopards and more; herbivores like giraffes and zebras; primates such as capuchins; birds including the majestic owl, hawks, eagles and parrots; reptiles and more. You can get your thrills on a zipline or dine with elephants or feed the hungry hippos. Entry to the zoo costs Dhs40 per person and can be booked here . Do note, currently a green pass is required to enter.

Emirates Park Zoo, 12th Street, Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, open daily 9am to 8pm, Tel: (0)2 501 0000. emiratesparkzooandresort.com

This 400-hectare park’s was established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan back in 1968. It is one of the largest in the Middle East and many animals include gorillas, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, jaguars, lemurs, hippos, chimpanzees, wolves, and crocodiles call it home. Visitors can see endangered species preserved and taken care of within habitats similar to their own, and even interact with them. A number of experiences are available including feeding the king of the jungle (pictured above), partaking in a   mountain biking experience and more. Do note, a green pass is needed to enter. Tickets cost Dhs31.50 per adult and Dhs10.50 per child.

Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 6pm, Tel: (800) 966, alainzoo.ae

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve 

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the UAE’s first national park. As Dubai continues its rapid development, the Dubai Government recognised a need to preserve its unique and beautiful desert habitat. Thus, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve was created to protect endangered species and for the conservation of the natural desert habitat and heritage. See falcons, oryx, gazelles, go horse riding or on camel treks and more.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary located at the mouth of Dubai Creek is a pretty popular spot thanks to the 20,000 birds that call it home. The lagoons here are home to a flamboyance of pink flamingos. To see them, all you have to do is rock up to one of three viewing hides dotted around the perimeter of the sanctuary. The entrance is free and there are binoculars available to borrow, too.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Ras Al Khor Road, Ras Al Khor, Dubai, dm.gov.ae

Dubai Safari Park

This 116-hectare park is currently home to around 3,000 animals. This includes 78 species of mammals, 10 different carnivores and 17 primates, 50 types of reptiles, 111 kinds of birds as well as amphibians and invertebrates. There are different villages you can visit: Arabian Desert Safari; Asian Village where you can watch a Creature of the World show; Explorer Village where the drive-through trip will get you close to tigers, lions, zebras and more; African Village where you can get up close with Africa’s most exciting residents; a Kid’s farm (home to the cutest of animals) and Al Wadi where you can dine or enjoy a picnic. A list of all the packages can be seen here .

Dubai Safari Park, Al Warqa 5, Dubai, open daily from 9am to 5pm, ticket prices vary, under 3s and people of determination can enter for free. Tel: ( 800) 900.  dubaisafari.ae

Sharjah Safari Park

Sharjah’s huge safari park opened its doors last month on February 17 located within the Al Bridi Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid is 16 square kilometres, making it the largest safari project outside of Africa. Around 50,000 animals (120 species) call the safari home, including gazelles, giraffes, African wild turtles, crocodiles, lions, rhinos (make sure you spot the black rhino before you leave as it is one of the most important and rare animals in the safari), African rock python, elephants and flamingos. The park has a large natural lake and 100,000 African trees, as well as restaurants, cafes, a conference hall, safari visitors camp and more. The park is open daily from 8.30am to 6.30pm. The bronze ticket walking tour, which explores the ‘Africa’ zone is priced at Dhs40 for people aged 12 and above. A silver ticket bus tour explores all but one segment of the safari park and is Dhs120. A gold ticket, which allows you to tour in a luxury vehicle, is priced from Dhs275. You’ll need to head to the park to get tickets, as there isn’t an online ticket portal just yet.

Sharjah Safari Park, Al Dhaid Highway (E88), interchange 9, Sharjah @shjsafari

Images: Getty Images and Instagram