One of the top things to do in Dubai, besides visiting the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and shopping in the grand Dubai Mall, is to go on a desert safari! The Arabian desert is a mysterious destination, beckoning travellers to navigate the dunes and experience the adventure that awaits in the sand.
Dubai has gained a reputation as the land of adventure, now famous for being one of the best places in the world for skydiving, scuba diving, and even skiing! But it is the desert safari that offers the authentic Emirati adventure. The safari combines a variety of extreme sports, taking you on an adrenaline-fuelled journey that will leave you breathless. Before booking your great Arabian adventure, learn about all the essential details of desert safaris in Dubai.
Best time for desert safari in Dubai
The key to an incredible desert safari experience in Dubai is in choosing the right season for your visit. Dubai’s desert experiences dramatic temperature swings. Summer months (from June to September) scorch with intense heat, making it the best time to avoid safaris.
The best time to visit Dubai for a desert safari is the winter months from November to March. Pleasant daytime temperatures allow for comfortable outdoor activities throughout your desert adventure. The desert is windy during the day and cool in the evening.
It is important to note that desert safaris operate in both the morning and evening, allowing you to customise your experience. The evening desert safari is the most popular among tourists, offering a magical sunset as it paints the sand dunes in vibrant hues. The morning desert safari doesn’t include sunrise, but it does promise a day filled with thrills.
What happens during the desert safari in Dubai?
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Journey into the majestic Arabian Desert near Dubai to embrace the beauty of sand dunes and enjoy the adrenaline rush of the adventure activities that await you. Dune-bashing is the heart and soul of every desert safari in Dubai. It is the heart-pounding excitement of riding over the ever-changing sand dunes, driving up the steep hills, and speeding down the valleys in a 4×4 vehicle.
Dune-bashing is included in all desert safari packages. However, they also offer add-on adventure sports that enhance the experience. Quad-biking along the sand dune on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is also a thrilling option to exploit solo or with a partner. You can even explore sandboarding down the sand dunes, another extreme sport mimicking the experience of snowboarding on snow. Additionally, you can traverse the desert in the traditional style through camel riding, or interact with the national bird of UAE, the falcon, and get clicked with this raptor.
Following your desert adventure, most tour groups conclude at a campsite far deep in the desert, where tourists are welcomed with hospitality, refreshments, and a chance to unwind. Performers showcase traditional Middle Eastern dances like belly dancing, the whirling Tanoura dance, and the fiery fire dance. The tour ends with a lavish meal featuring mouthwatering Arabic delicacies and sizzling barbecues to savour the flavours of the local cuisine.
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Explore your options: Types of safaris in Dubai
Travel booking sites like Klook, Headout and TripAdvisor offer a variety of desert safari packages curated by local operators in Dubai. While most packages share core activities, there are some key differences to consider. These packages typically include pick-up and drop-off from the hotel.
The order of activities usually followed during the desert safari in Dubai at the respective times.
Morning desert safari
- Pick-up from your hotel,
- Quad-biking,
- Dune-bashing,
- Photo opportunity with a falcon,
- Sandboarding,
- Camel ride,
- Lunch and entertainment at a desert camp,
- Drop off back at your hotel.
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Evening desert safari
- Pick-up from your hotel,
- Dune-bashing,
- Quad-biking,
- Sandboarding,
- Camel ride,
- Photo opportunity with a falcon,
- Dinner and entertainment at a desert camp under the stars,
- Drop off back at your hotel.
Overnight desert safari
The overnight safari is an extended desert adventure that follows the evening safari with additional highlights:
- Dinner and entertainment at the desert camp,
- Overnight stay in a comfortable, air-conditioned Bedouin-style tent,
- Optional morning camel ride into the desert (included in some packages),
- Breakfast at the camp,
- Experience the magic of sunset and sunrise amidst the picturesque desert landscape.
Travel Note: The exact order of activities may vary slightly between operators, but most follow a similar structure. If you choose not to participate in any optional additional-cost activities offered, you might have a short wait while others enjoy them before moving on to the next activity. While meals and entertainment are often highlights, you can opt-out. However, many reviewers recommend experiencing the full package for a richer cultural immersion.
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Things to know before your Dubai safari experience
- Wear light, breathable clothing with long sleeves and pants for sand and sun protection.
- If you go ahead with the evening night safari, carry a scarf or light jacket as temperatures can drop.
- Carry sunscreen.
- There is no need to carry water bottles or other snacks as they are included in the package.
- Pack a light bag that is easy to carry in the desert for the overnight safari.
- Since the desert safari involves adventure sports, physical fitness is essential.
- The cost of a desert safari in Dubai starts from AED 110 (approx. RM 141), but it can also be lower if you don’t opt for things like a meal or one of the activities.
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(Feature image credit: phoelixDE/Shutterstock)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
Related: 72 Hours In Dubai: Indoor Experiences To Enjoy In The City Of Gold
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Is desert safari worth it in Dubai?
Desert safari in Dubai is a fun adventure for thrill-seekers featuring extreme sports like dune-bashing and quad-biking.
– How many hours is a desert safari in Dubai?
The desert safari in Dubai can take up to four to five hours of the day.
– Can I wear shorts on a desert safari in Dubai?
You can wear shorts for a desert safari in Dubai, but it is advisable to protect yourself from the sand and sun by wearing pants.
– Are washrooms available during desert safaris?
Washrooms are available during the desert safari.
– What is the best time for a desert safari?
The best time for desert safari is the winter, from November to March.
– Are meals provided during the desert safari?
Most packages include meals during the desert safari.
– Is transportation provided for the desert safari?
Most desert safaris offer pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
– What is the difference between morning and evening desert safari?
The main difference between morning and evening desert safaris is the timing. The evening desert safari offers the opportunity to see the Arabian Desert at sunset and night. In contrast, the morning safari operates during the day and does not include sunrise.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi!
