A Complete Guide to Dubai Desert Safaris:
Morning, Evening & Overnight
Dubai desert safaris are more than just a tourist activity — they are the soul of Arabian adventure. From the golden dunes that stretch endlessly under the sun to starlit evenings filled with cultural shows and Arabian dining, a desert safari is the ultimate Dubai experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker craving dune bashing, a couple looking for a romantic night under the stars, or a family planning a cultural day out, there’s a safari package for everyone.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about morning, evening, and overnight desert safaris in Dubai, including what to expect, the activities included, pricing, tips, and the best operators to book with.
Why Choose a Desert Safari in Dubai?
A desert safari in Dubai isn’t just about adventure — it’s about connecting with the heritage of the UAE. The Bedouin lifestyle, traditional hospitality, camel riding, and falconry shows all give travelers a glimpse of Emirati culture. On the other hand, adrenaline activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, and desert buggy rides make it one of the most exciting excursions in the world.
Authentic Cultural Experience – Enjoy traditional Emirati music, Tanoura and belly dance shows, and henna painting.
Adventure Thrills – Dune bashing, sandboarding, and quad biking are included in most packages.
Scenic Beauty – Witness breathtaking sunsets and desert landscapes.
Family-Friendly – Packages are designed for couples, kids, and large groups.
Types of Dubai Desert Safari Experiences
There are three main types of desert safari tours:
1. Morning Desert Safari
If you love early adventures and want to avoid Dubai’s evening crowds, a morning desert safari is the perfect choice.
Highlights of Morning Safari:
Dune Bashing (20–30 minutes in 4x4 vehicles)
Sandboarding on steep dunes
Camel Rides for a traditional touch
Optional Quad Biking / Buggy Rides
Sunrise Views over the desert (if chosen at dawn)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Best For: Adventure seekers, families with small kids, and travelers with tight schedules.
2. Evening Desert Safari
The evening desert safari is the most popular option in Dubai. It combines thrilling desert activities with cultural and dining experiences.
Highlights of Evening Safari:
Dune Bashing Adventure (heart-pumping ride on the dunes)
Camel Rides & Falconry Photos
Sandboarding & Quad Biking
Sunset Photography in the golden desert
BBQ Buffet Dinner with vegetarian & non-vegetarian options
Entertainment Shows – belly dance, Tanoura dance, fire shows
Henna Painting & Shisha (hookah)
Duration: 6–7 hours (starts around 3:30 PM, ends by 9–10 PM)
Best For: Couples, families, first-time visitors.
3. Overnight Desert Safari
If you want the ultimate desert experience, an overnight safari is unforgettable. After the evening activities, guests stay overnight in desert camps under the stars.
Highlights of Overnight Safari:
All activities of the evening safari
Overnight stay in Bedouin-style tent
Stargazing in the peaceful desert
Bonfire with music and tea/coffee
Early Morning Sunrise Views
Traditional Arabian Breakfast
Duration: 16–18 hours (from evening till next morning)
Best For: Couples, honeymooners, and those seeking a deeper cultural immersion.
Popular Activities in a Desert Safari
No matter which package you choose, a Dubai desert safari includes a mix of cultural and adventurous activities:
🏎️ Dune Bashing
A 4x4 ride across the dunes at high speed — thrilling, safe, and guided by professional drivers.
🏄 Sandboarding
Slide down tall sand dunes on a board, much like snowboarding but on golden sand.
🐪 Camel Riding
A short camel ride gives you a sense of how Bedouins once traveled across the desert.
🚙 Quad Biking & Buggy Rides
Optional but highly popular, these self-drive experiences add an extra adrenaline rush.
🍴 BBQ Dinner & Traditional Food
Enjoy a lavish buffet featuring kebabs, grilled meats, hummus, salads, Arabic bread, and sweets.
💃 Cultural Shows
Belly Dancing
Tanoura Dance (Egyptian-style spinning dance)
Fire Shows
Live Music
🌌 Stargazing & Campfire Nights
Exclusive to overnight safaris, you can enjoy peaceful stargazing away from the city lights.
Pricing of Desert Safaris in Dubai
The cost of desert safaris depends on the type of package, inclusions, and luxury level:
Morning Safari: AED 150 – AED 250 per person
Evening Safari: AED 200 – AED 350 per person
Overnight Safari: AED 350 – AED 600 per person
Luxury / Private Safari: AED 800 – AED 2000 per person
Prices vary depending on operators, group size, and add-ons like VIP seating, private vehicles, or exclusive dining setups.
Best Time to Go on a Dubai Desert Safari
October to April – Best weather, cool evenings, and pleasant mornings.
May to September – Safaris still operate, but mornings and evenings are recommended due to the summer heat.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Wear light, breathable clothing and carry a jacket in winter evenings.
Apply sunscreen and sunglasses for daytime safaris.
Avoid heavy meals before dune bashing to prevent motion sickness.
Carry a power bank, water bottle, and camera.
Pregnant women, infants, and people with back/heart conditions should avoid dune bashing (choose a soft safari instead).
Why Book with Reputable Tour Operators?
A desert safari is only as good as the company you book with. Choose a licensed operator that provides:
Trained drivers with safety certifications
Insured vehicles
Hygienic food preparation
Flexible packages (private, shared, luxury)
Positive reviews and transparent pricing
FAQs About Dubai Desert Safari
1. What is the best time of day for a desert safari in Dubai?
The evening safari is the most popular because it includes sunset views, dinner, and entertainment.
2. How much does a Dubai desert safari cost?
Prices range from AED 150 for basic morning safaris to AED 2000+ for luxury private packages.
3. Is desert safari suitable for kids?
Yes, but dune bashing is not recommended for toddlers. Most camps have kid-friendly entertainment and dining.
4. What should I wear for a desert safari?
Light, comfortable clothing and sandals/sports shoes. Carry a jacket for winter evenings.
5. Can I book a private desert safari in Dubai?
Yes, private and luxury safaris are available with exclusive dining, private tents, and customized activities.
Final Thoughts
A Dubai desert safari is more than a tour — it’s an adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memory rolled into one. Whether you choose the morning safari for thrilling rides, evening safari for cultural dining, or overnight safari for romance and stargazing, each offers a unique glimpse into Dubai’s Arabian soul.
No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the desert — the golden dunes, Arabian nights, and Emirati hospitality make it a must-do.
POPULAR PACKAGE
Everything you need to know before booking our services......
Our standard desert safari includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, live entertainment shows (belly dance, tanoura, fire show), and more.
Comfortable, light clothing is recommended. Avoid heavy shoes — sandals or sneakers are best. Bring a jacket during winter evenings.
Dune bashing is not recommended for infants, pregnant women, or people with back issues. However, a soft desert drive or private tour can be arranged upon request.
City tours include major attractions like Burj Khalifa (photo stop), Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Mosque, Souks, and more. Abu Dhabi tours include Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Emirates Palace and many more for other city tour
Half-day tours last around 4–5 hours; full-day tours are typically 8–9 hours, depending on the city and itinerary.
Yes, all our city tours are led by experienced, multilingual guides who provide informative commentary throughout the tour.
Absolutely! Private and customizable city tours are available based on your interests and schedule.
The yacht tour includes a luxury yacht cruise from Dubai Marina, soft drinks & water, music, and professional crew service. Optional extras include BBQ, swimming stops, and sunset cruises.
No, all our yachts come with a licensed captain and crew. You can just relax and enjoy the cruise.
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. We also offer catering packages upon request.
We offer both private and shared yacht tour options. Private tours are ideal for birthdays, proposals, or group events.
No license is required. Our team provides safety instructions before your ride
Our Limousine Tour includes pickup in a stretch limo, sightseeing around Dubai's iconic landmarks, soft drinks, and a VIP ambiance perfect for birthdays, proposals, or special events.
Yes, all our city tours are led by experienced, multilingual guides who provide informative commentary throughout the tour.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund and 12 hours before you can get half money refund . Last-minute cancellations may be subject to a fee.
Yes, we offer custom packages and discounts for families, tour groups, and corporate events
You can book through our website, WhatsApp, or by calling us. We offer instant booking confirmation and secure payment options
We offer both private and shared tour options. Private tours are ideal for birthdays, proposals, or group events.