Our Dubai Desert Safari Experience is one of our most popular excursions, and for good reason. We believe it is one of the very best ways to discover the beauty, adventure and culture of the UAE desert. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for the first time or returning for another unforgettable holiday, this experience offers the perfect combination of excitement, stunning scenery and authentic Arabian hospitality.
We love the fact that this Dubai desert safari experience starts right at your front door (or hotel). You’ll be picked up by your expert guide in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle and driven towards the breathtaking desert landscapes surrounding the Hatta Mountains. On our last desert safari, our guide Jafar shared fascinating insights into desert wildlife, local traditions and the unique ecosystem that thrives amongst the dunes.
Your journey will be broken up with an exhilarating session of dune bashing. The vehicle tyres are deflated to allow the 4×4 to glide effortlessly across the sand, creating an exciting rollercoaster-style ride over the towering dunes. There were certainly plenty of excited shrieks and laughter in our vehicle!
Next, you’ll stop at a traditional camel farm, providing the perfect opportunity for photographs and a closer look at these iconic desert animals. From there, you’ll head deeper into the dunes to find the ideal location for sandboarding. A little advice about sandboarding – always lean back! One member of our group forgot this important tip and ended up with a mouthful of sand. Thankfully, only his pride was bruised and it provided plenty of laughs for everyone else.
As highlighted in our Dubai Desert Safari Guide, comfortable clothing, sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended, as the desert sun can be surprisingly strong even during the cooler months. Between the spectacular views, adrenaline-filled activities and unforgettable desert scenery, this is an experience that truly showcases why a Dubai desert safari remains one of the most sought-after activities in the UAE.
After all the excitement of dune bashing and sandboarding, you’ll continue your Dubai desert safari experience by heading to a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp, where Arabian hospitality awaits. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by one of the UAE’s most iconic birds, a magnificent falcon. We took the opportunity to snap a few photographs and learn more about the centuries-old tradition of falconry from the experienced handler.
You’ll also meet a beautifully decorated camel offering short rides around the camp. If you’ve never ridden a camel before, this is a must-try experience. Just be sure to hold on tightly as the camel rises from the ground – it’s always higher and more dramatic than first-time riders expect!
As highlighted throughout our Dubai Desert Safari Guide, sunset is one of the most magical moments of the entire experience. The golden light across the dunes creates incredible photo opportunities and spectacular desert scenery. We highly recommend wearing comfortable, closed shoes such as trainers, as walking through soft sand can be challenging in sandals or flip-flops.
As evening falls, you’ll be invited to relax in traditional Arabian low seating and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner featuring a variety of Arabic and international dishes. Soft drinks are included within the package, while alcoholic beverages are available to purchase separately. Prices are generally very reasonable compared to many venues within Dubai city.
The evening entertainment provides the perfect finale to your desert adventure. Guests can enjoy a thrilling fire show, traditional belly dancing performances and the mesmerising spinning movements of a Tanoura dancer. Together, these cultural performances create a memorable atmosphere and offer a fascinating insight into regional traditions.
Most desert safari experiences conclude around 9:00pm before your comfortable transfer back to Dubai. We always recommend carrying a small amount of cash to tip your guide and driver as a gesture of appreciation for their excellent service throughout the day.
For those looking to add even more adventure, many packages can be upgraded to include a quad bike or dune buggy experience. These exciting add-ons allow you to explore the desert terrain at your own pace and are particularly popular with thrill-seekers.
Whether you’re visiting Dubai for the first time or returning to discover more of the UAE, this unforgettable excursion remains one of the region’s most highly recommended activities. Our Dubai Desert Safari Guide is designed to help you make the most of every moment, from the first dune to the final sunset.
Contact GoToDXB today to learn more, discuss the best safari options for your group, or book your Dubai desert safari experience with confidence.
Written by Susi Russell-Park
- Founder of GoToDXB
- Dubai resident for 13+ years
- Luxury concierge specialist
- Corporate hospitality expert
- Link to LinkedIn profile
