No trip to Dubai is complete without a desert experience. The Arabian desert is 30 minutes from the city, and the range of experiences available — from budget group tours to private luxury camps — is vast. Here’s how to choose.
Types of Desert Safari
1. Morning Desert Safari
2–3 hours of dune bashing followed by sandboarding. Best for: first-timers, those who want the dune experience without a full day commitment. Costs: AED 100–200 per person. Book through your hotel or Viator.
2. Evening Desert Safari with BBQ
The most popular option. Dune bashing at sunset, camel ride, henna painting, BBQ dinner, belly dancing and tanoura show. Costs: AED 180–350 per person. Quality varies enormously — book through your hotel for vetted operators.
3. Overnight Desert Camp
Sleep under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp. Breakfast at sunrise. Magical for couples and families. Costs: AED 500–1,500 per person depending on luxury level.
4. Private Luxury Desert Experience
A private 4WD, chef-prepared dinner, private camp with real beds. Operators like Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures offer this from AED 2,000–5,000 per couple. Worth every dirham for honeymooners.
Our Recommendation
For most travellers: the evening safari with BBQ dinner covers everything — dunes, culture, food, entertainment — in one evening. Book through your hotel rather than street touts for reliable operators. Upgrade to private if your budget allows.