Desert Safari Dubai: A Simple Guide to Packages, Prices and What to Expect
A lot of people who visit Dubai arrive for the malls and the tall buildings. But ask them a year later what they remember most, and a good number will say it was the desert. A desert safari Dubai is easy to book, doesn't cost much and suits almost every age. You spend a few hours on the sand, ride over red dunes, watch the sun go down and end the night with dinner and shows at a desert camp.
At Arabian Adventure Tour, we plan desert trips for families, couples, friends and big groups. Below you'll find what happens on the trip, which package to pick, what it costs and some simple tips from our team.
How an Arabian Desert Safari Works
It all starts with a pickup from your hotel or home in a 4x4. Once the city is behind you, the driver lets some air out of the tyres and the fun begins. This is what people call dune bashing. The 4x4 goes up, over and down the dunes at angles that make everyone laugh or scream. It doesn't last long, but it's the part most guests talk about afterwards.
Next comes a stop on a high dune for sunset photos. The sand turns orange, then red, and the whole place goes quiet. Take a few pictures, then just enjoy the view for a minute.
From there, you head to the camp. You can try a short camel ride and a go at sandboarding down the dunes. Ladies and kids can have their hands painted with henna, and water and soft drinks are unlimited. When it gets dark, dinner is served, followed by the shows: a tanoura dancer in a bright spinning skirt, a fire show and a belly dancer. When the shows end, we drive you back to your hotel.
Which Package Should You Choose?
There's no single best safari. It comes down to your budget, who you're travelling with and how much adventure you are after.
Evening Desert Safari Dubai
Most of our guests go for this one, and for good reason. It includes dune bashing, a sunset stop, a camel ride, sandboarding, henna and live shows, so it's a proper get more info desert safari with BBQ dinner and a fun night at the camp. Our standard Arabian desert safari starts from AED 100 per person. First time in the desert? This is the best place to start.
VIP Desert Safari Dubai
Same trip, more comfort. You're picked up in a Land Cruiser, and at the camp you get VIP sofa seating and a VIP buffet. Our VIP desert safari Dubai starts at AED 130 per person, which is only a small step up in price. Couples and people celebrating something special often pick this one.
The Morning Desert Safari Dubai
Not everyone has a free evening. The morning desert safari Dubai takes about four hours and includes hotel pickup, dune bashing in a Land Cruiser, a camel ride, sandboarding and photo stops on the high dunes. There's no dinner or show, but the morning light is great for photos. It starts from AED 120 per person.
Desert Safari Dubai with Quad Bike
Want to take the wheel yourself? Go for the desert safari Dubai with quad bike. You ride your own ATV on the sand, then carry on with the full evening programme: dune bashing, a camel ride, shows and dinner. Safety gear is included and our team guides you the whole time. Prices start at AED 200 per person.
Dune Buggy Dubai
If you love speed, a dune buggy Dubai ride is hard to beat. You're in the driver's seat, once you've had a quick safety talk, with a guide leading the way and stops on the high dunes for photos. Plan for about four hours in total, with prices from AED 200 per person. Pickup and drop-off cost extra, so mention it when you book.
A Private Car Just for You
Prefer to keep it to your own group? A private desert safari Dubai gives you your own Land Cruiser and driver for up to five people, private dune bashing, a VIP area at the camp, a premium BBQ dinner and hotel pickup and drop. It costs AED 500 for the whole car, which is good value when you split it between four or five people.
Coming with a big group? We look after groups from 10 to more than 500 guests, with one coordinator as your single point of contact. Send us your numbers and we'll send a quote.
Desert Safari Dubai Price: A Quick Guide
Your desert safari Dubai price depends on the package you pick, the car and any extras. Here are our starting prices per person:
• Arabian desert safari (evening): from AED 100
• VIP desert safari: from AED 130
• Morning safari: from AED 120
• Quad bike adventure: from AED 200
• Dune buggy: from AED 200
• Private Land Cruiser: AED 500 for up to 5 people
Some very cheap offers online leave things out, such as transfers, dinner or soft drinks. Always check what's included before you pay.
Dune Bashing Dubai: What It Feels Like
Dune bashing Dubai trips feel wild, but our drivers know the dunes well. You'll bounce around, so keep your seatbelt on the whole time. Have a light lunch before you go, and sit in the front if you tend to feel car sick.
If you're pregnant, have back or neck problems or are travelling with a baby, tell us when you book. You can skip the bumpy part and still enjoy the camp, the food and the shows.
What to Pack for the Desert
• Loose cotton clothes that keep you cool
• Closed shoes or sandals you don't mind getting sandy
• Sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses
• A jacket in winter, because nights in the desert can feel chilly
• A fully charged phone or camera
The Best Season to Visit the Desert
October to April is the best time to go. The days are warm and the evenings feel fresh, perfect for sitting out at the camp. You can still go in summer, but the evening trip is the better choice then, as the heat drops after sunset. Weekends and public holidays get busy, so try to book two or three days in advance.
Why Book with Arabian Adventure Tour
We like to keep it simple: clear prices, pickup from your hotel and a team you can reach any time. You can WhatsApp us on +971 50 991 2456 at any hour, or email [email protected] and we'll reply within 30 minutes. Tell us your date, how many people and which package you like, and we'll take care of the rest.
Ready for the Desert?
A desert safari Dubai is one of those things you should do at least once. Whether it's the evening trip, a morning ride or a quad bike in the dunes, you'll go home with sand in your shoes and a lot of good photos. Visit arabianadventuretour.com or message the Arabian Adventure Tour team today to book your spot.
