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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicola Chilton

Due to their often inaccessible locations, unrelenting heat and generally harsh living conditions, deserts are not something we come across or get the chance to experience often – which is why this is such an essential Dubai experience.

First, there are your desert outdoor activities for those with an interest in adrenaline. These include sandboarding, dune-bashing (driving over dunes in 4x4s) and quad biking. A number of more nature-themed safaris head instead to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a stunning environment populated with rehabilitated indigenous wildlife, including the once-endangered Arabian oryx and gazelle.

Second, a trip into the expansive desert outside of the city also allows you to tick off a checklist of distinctly Arabian experiences. Many tours will include the option to ride on a camel, watch a traditional falconry display, smoke a sheesha and get a henna tattoo.

Your Lawrence of Arabia desert experience concludes at a Bedouin-style desert camp for dinner, with entertainment supplied by traditional local performers, including belly dancers.

Platinum Heritage and Sonara Camp are amongst the best operators that have overnight camp options. You could then also arrange a sunrise hot air balloon flight – a surreally beautiful way to see the desert.

Some of the desert activities have minimum age requirements; for example, dune buggying is for over-14s only (passengers) or over-18s (drivers), camel riding for over 5s. The sunset dinner safaris are a great experience for children from about 5 upwards.

Desert falconry & wildlife

Falconry has been an integral part of Bedouin culture for centuries. Platinum Heritage offer a unique trip to witness an authentic desert falconry display, and even learn the basics. On the way back, you’ll take a guided wildlife safari through the Conservation Reserve.

Price from: £20+
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Duration: 4+ hours

Getting there & doing it

Numerous operators run tours into the desert, offering a variety and mix of activities and adventures, but it’s best to pick one that is licensed to operate in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a pristine environment full of indigenous wildlife. See their website for details.

For the full Arabian experience – distinctly touristy but lots of fun – choose a sunset dinner safari which ends at a makeshift Bedouin encampment within the reserve. If your focus is the wildlife, choose a nature safari.

Your tour operator will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back at the end of the day. All food and drinks are provided, including bottled water. Dinner generally includes an Arabic feast and there is always an abundance of food.

Take a hat and sunscreen during the hotter months and a scarf or shawl during the cooler months – the desert gets much colder than the city after nightfall.

When to do it

Desert safaris run all year round. Pick-up time for the sunset dinner safari is usually around 3.30pm (later in summer), with drop-off at the end of the evening, around 10.30pm. Other tours vary.

Despite the tours starting in the late afternoon, try to avoid the summer months, which can be too hot to be enjoyable.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Dubai: Red Dunes Desert Safari, Sandsurf, Camels & Quad Bike Option

Dubai

Dubai: Red Dunes Desert Safari, Sandsurf, Camels & Quad Bike Option
Taking a Morning Desert Safari Dubai is something that you cannot afford to miss! Plan the morning safari to experience this desert in full, along with a share of adventures in the form of Sandboarding, Dune bashing, Camel riding, quad bike then, relax in an air-conditioned tent and enjoy Arabian coffee with dates.

Price: $38

Min age: 3

Rating 4.93 / 5 [1670 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai Evening Desert Safari Tour with Hotel Transfer, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner

Dubai

Dubai Evening Desert Safari Tour with Hotel Transfer, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner
Explore the deserts of Dubai and ancient Bedouin culture of Arabia on this 6-hours adventure safari trip. Get picked up from your home place anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah and embark on an exciting journey; enjoy a traditional ride on a camel, do some sand-boarding on high dunes, stay in an ancient-style desert camp and enjoy live dancing shows. Then, enjoy the delicious live-cooked BBQ dinner and make your day a lifetime memory with your friends or families.

Price: $40

Min age: 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [1923 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Options

Dubai

Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Options
Escape the city and explore the desert region of Dubai in 4WD vehicle. Take a dune drive across the red sands and experience a scenic sunset on this desert safari tour. Choose from 4-hour program that includes dune bashing, sandboarding and camel ride or the full 7-hour program with the addition of a BBQ dinner and enjoy many other activities at a VIP Bedouin-style desert camp.

Price: $41

Min age: 3

Rating 4.80 / 5 [4451 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai desert safari, Dinner, Shows, Camel ride, Sand boarding, Optional ATV ride

Dubai

Dubai desert safari, Dinner, Shows, Camel ride, Sand boarding, Optional ATV ride
Head into the desert outside Dubai for an evening of dining and entertainment. First, enjoy a thrilling dune-bashing ride with an experienced driver at the wheel, then climb aboard your own quad bike for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Take part in other activities such as hookah or camel riding as you enjoy traditional Arab music and dancing at a Bedouin camp. A full buffet dinner is served in addition to tea, coffee, and other refreshments. Get an adrenaline rush while dune bashing in the Lahbab desert for 30-40 minutes Enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and photo ops from the highest desert dunes Treat your eyes with live entertainment showcasing Tanura & Belly Dance Savor delicious BBQ and local cuisine buffet (veg & non-veg) Choose from with quad bike or without quad bike option all-inclusive tour

Price: $45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [1083 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Morning Desert Safari with Quad biking

Dubai

Morning Desert Safari with Quad biking
Channelize all your Morning/Evening energy into an exciting Safari and Quad biking experience with our Top Rated Professional Guides in Dubai.

Price: $50

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [1169 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Morning Red Dunes with Camel Ride, Sandboarding and Refreshments

Dubai

Morning Red Dunes with Camel Ride, Sandboarding and Refreshments
Morning Desert Safari Dubai will make your day colorful and you will brim with happiness and joy. Don’t you wish to kick start your day in the mesmerizing beauty of desert?  .. The activities included in this package are energizing and the morning view of the sun is splendid.

Price: $50

Min age: 5

Rating 4.96 / 5 [999 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai Self-drive Quad Bike, Sand Boarding, Camel Ride and Refreshments

Dubai

Dubai Self-drive Quad Bike, Sand Boarding, Camel Ride and Refreshments
“Quad bike Desert Safari Dubai”, the solo adventure game is an amazing sports for thrill-seekers. This sports activity is a must try for every traveler who loves activities and games. Riders and free-spirits are die-heart fans of these sports because of the never-ending adventure and excitement it holds. “Dubai Red Dunes”, the most secluded and beautiful desert region of Dubai, with soft and silky sand dunes in different elevation. This tour is  hypnotic and amusement filled, a perfect way to engage your day!

Price: $60

Min age: 15

Rating 4.95 / 5 [1574 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Desert Safari (Premium Luxury VIP) 5* Live BBQ Dinner open buffet tables chair

Dubai

 Desert Safari (Premium Luxury VIP) 5* Live BBQ Dinner open buffet tables chair
VIP Desert Safari Tour offers exciting activities in one of the biggest deserts at Al Lahab. VIP Desert Safari Tour Dubai is a perfect blend of breathtaking Dubai desert safari adventure, entertainment shows, and Buffet dinner under the starlit sky. On VIP Desert Safari emerge yourself through the ups and downs of the sandy trails in 4X4 Land Cruiser with welcomes refreshments such as Arabian coffee and juicy dates. After that enjoy camel riding, dress up in Arabian outfits and click pictures, adorn your hands with Arabic henna designs, also revel in the traditional performances like Tanura and Arabic belly dance and watch Fire Show at Dubai desert campsite. VIP desert safari tour also includes a 5-star BBQ dinner(UNLIMITED SERVING) featuring an International buffet dinner with a choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, your request, we arrange facilities to enjoy quad biking activity. COMFORTABLE SITTING Quad bikes, Dune Buggies and Shisha are not including this price.

Price: $68

Min age: 1

Rating 4.91 / 5 [1456 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai Desert 4x4 Dune Bashing, Self-Ride 60min ATV Quad, Camel Ride,Shows,Dinner

Dubai

Dubai Desert 4x4 Dune Bashing, Self-Ride 60min ATV Quad, Camel Ride,Shows,Dinner
A complete desert safari experience in the Arabian Sahara included everything that you can do in the desert. In order offer maximum thrill and adventure we offer high dunes - where most drivers think twice...... due maintenance cost - however this is the natural and actual desert with flora and fauna. We do OPEN DESERT QUAD BIKING, NOT the "CIRCUIT RIDE" (circuit ride good for kids only). 60 minutes ATV Quad biking in the open desert - this makes us unique. You get a chance to enjoy the MALIS camp - the only camp in the middle of the desert far from roads. Safety, highest quality and hygiene is on priority. Enjoy, camel riding, try the Arabic costumes or relax with the Hookah (shehsa). Live shows and authentic 1001 arabian nites buffet BBQ dinner. Enjoy stargazing and admire the beauty of the desert at night. In order to offer best quality of service and hygiene we do not accommodate more than 100 guest at our Malis - whereas other camps half of our size take 1000 guest.

Price: $69

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [5137 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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DUBAI DESERT SAFARI Free ATV/Quads, BBQ Dinner, Camel rides, 4 Shows & Snacks

Dubai

DUBAI DESERT SAFARI Free ATV/Quads, BBQ Dinner, Camel rides, 4 Shows & Snacks
Venture into the desert with photo stops and enjoy a complimentary quad bike ride at the desert camp, barbecue dinner and traditional Emairati entertainment on this 5 to 6 hour 4x4 safari from Dubai. As the sun starts to set, scale the dunes on your 4x4 and arrive at a Bedouin-style camp for welcome snacks, shisha, Arabic coffee and dates. Then, take an exciting complimentary quad ride , watch henna artists at work, enjoy a camel ride, and admire impressive sand art. Finish with a barbecue dinner under the stars as you watch belly dancers and a ‘tanoura’ dance, with whirling dervish dancers spinning before you, fire dance.

Price: $69

Min age: 4

Rating 4.60 / 5 [890 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Red Dunes Safari, Quad Bike, Live Shows With BBQ Dinner

Dubai

Red Dunes Safari, Quad Bike, Live Shows With BBQ Dinner
Evening desert safari with the quad bike is a wonderful opportunity to every adventurer’s . With all activities of Evening desert safari, Quad biking is the feature of this safari. We recommend it as it will be worth more than every penny spent. The evening desert safari with quad bike starts at afternoon with pickup from your home located anywhere in Dubai. After a short Safety briefing From instructor for Quad Biking you can take control of your fully automatic quad bike and after Quad Biking. Our experienced safaris driver will take you for thrilling dune bashing in open desert with great photographic scenes and Sand Boarding then we will go to the campsite where you can enjoy camel ride, Tea, Coffee, Soft Drink, Cold Water, BBQ Dinner And 3 Live Shows Tanura, Fire Show & Belly Dance. After Thrilling Experience Guide/Driver will drop you back at your pick up location.

Price: $78

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [1312 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Desert Safari With BBQ, Quad Bike And Camel Ride

Dubai

Desert Safari With BBQ, Quad Bike And Camel Ride
Dubai Explorers provides you the opportunity to have the incomparable desert safari deals. Dubai desert safari is one of the most demanding adventures by the tourists. The evening is the best time to enjoy the desert safari as the temperature is comfortable. So, let’s take an overview of how these desert safari deals will look like. The journey will start when we’ll pick you from your hotel by Land Cruisers. The first and foremost adventure you will experience is the dune bashing in the Red Desert (As Known Labab Desert). As you will go up the sand dunes, your heart will pound, and the excitement will be at the peak. Marvelous views of the desert will occupy you for a while. We bet you will scream “this is the best Dubai desert safari ever” at that particular moment. Afterward, Short camel ride, 25 Minutes Quad bike experience, Arabic dress photography, Picture with Falcon. You will be served a delicious buffet dinner. We will make sure you enjoy the best desert safari Dubai ever had.

Price: $79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [418 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp™️

Dubai

Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp™️
Give a great end to your day in Dubai with our premium evening Red Dune Desert Safari. A 4WD in the sandy dunes of the deserts witnessing the sun going down into the depths of the golden sands will give any adventure lover the thrills of a lifetime. As the sun sets, the Al-Khayma Camp awaits you with a delicious BBQ and other fun-filled activities and when the stars light up the sky, be ready for an amazing star gazing session. Highlights Enjoy an evening at the exclusive Al Khayma Desert Camp Bash dunes for 30-40-minutes in the Lahbab desert Enjoy the BBQ with local cuisines (veg and non-veg) Smoke a shisha pipe, henna painting, Arabian makeover and a photography session with a falcon Ride on a camel caravan and also opt to ride quad bikes through the desert Watch the Tanoura, Fire Show, & Ladies Khaliji dance Enjoy a wonderful stargazing session with a telescope and admire the night sky

Price: $82

Min age: 3

Rating 4.96 / 5 [11657 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Quad Bike And Camel Ride Experience from Dubai

Dubai

Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Quad Bike And Camel Ride Experience from Dubai
For the individuals who need more excites in their forsake safari, we offer the choice to incorporate quad biking as one of the exercises. In the event that you have never been in the driver's seat of a four-wheeled quad bicycle, you will most likely discover it an exciting background. We will do our best to make the enterprise fun and safe for you, beginning with a well-being preparation before you go in the driver's seat of the bicycle. When you feel the energy of the bicycle as it zooms through the rises of the Dubai betray, you won't have any desire to stop notwithstanding when the time is up. Take a wild ride over Dubai's thrilling Red sand dunes Experience the beauty of the Dubai desert first-hand Quad biking experience Discover an authentic Arabic camp and take part in henna painting, or simply relax with a Sheesha! Watch as belly dancers and fire dancers enchant you with their moves Enjoy a BBQ dinner buffet at the Bedouin campsite

Price: $85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [3092 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai: Red Dunes ATV, Sandsurf, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp™️

Dubai

Dubai: Red Dunes ATV, Sandsurf, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp™️
Head into the Lehbab Desert and ride across the dunes on a quad bike. Continue to a desert camp for a delicious BBQ and traditional entertainment.

Price: $86

Min age: 14

Rating 4.96 / 5 [10165 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai: Overnight Desert Safari, Camel Ride, BBQ & Stargazing at Al Khayma Camp™️

Dubai

Dubai: Overnight Desert Safari, Camel Ride, BBQ & Stargazing at Al Khayma Camp™️
This overnight desert safari in Dubai is for those who want to ‘live’ desert life in real! Experience desert delights viz. dune bashing, camel riding, camping, bbq dinner with dance shows and stargazing with a telescope, and above all, stay overnight with a sunrise camel trek.

Price: $166

Min age: 5

Rating 4.98 / 5 [1853 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dune Buggy Ride in Red Dunes + Desert Safari- Private Experience

Dubai

 Dune Buggy Ride in Red Dunes + Desert Safari- Private Experience
The most amazing OffRoad Self Driving Experience in 3000cc, V6 Powered Dune Buggy with Private Luxury SUV with dedicated Guide at your Service throughout the trip. The Buggies are powered by 3000cc Engines with Automatic transmission and safety features. Our luxury SUVs pick you up from anywhere in Dubai. After reaching the location safety briefing is given and the desert adventure begins in a shared 2-seater Dune Buggy for the roller coaster ride! Enjoy the sand boarding Experience in the middle of the desert. Water and refreshments are served during the ride. Complimentary Dune bashing (Desert Safari) is part of this package. Helmets, Goggles are provided. The whole experience is covered by Insurance Dynamically designed buggies with highest safety standards and customer friendly staff with excellent communication skills. This experience is Private and a Luxury 4 X4 SUV and the Professional Guide will be at your service throughout the event.

Price: $272

Min age: 15

Rating 4.98 / 5 [996 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai Heritage Land Rover Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner & Entertainment

Dubai

Dubai Heritage Land Rover Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner & Entertainment
Pass through the desert in a vintage Land Rover and spend an evening dining under the stars at a Bedouin-inspired camp, tucked away in the grounds of a royal residence! This must-do cultural experience includes an afternoon safari through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, followed by a night of Emirati entertainment, hospitality and traditional food. Enjoy local music and dancing, cookery demonstrations and a falconry display; get a henna tattoo and ride a camel; and then relax during a 4-course set menu for dinner.

Price: A695

Min age: 5

Rating 4.89 / 5 [1734 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Camel Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner & Heritage Activities from Dubai

Dubai

Camel Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner & Heritage Activities from Dubai
Ride a camel through the desert and enjoy dinner at a Bedouin-inspired camp on this exciting 7-hour experience. Leave Dubai in an air-conditioned minivan and swap your vehicle for a camel for a memorable 45-minute ride to an exclusive desert camp amid the dunes. As the sun sets, enjoy a host of traditional Arabic activities: see a falconry demonstration and cookery displays, get a henna tattoo, and watch traditional dancing under the stars. The finale comes with a scrumptious 4-course banquet of Emirati dishes served Bedouin style.

Price: A695

Min age: 5

Rating 4.91 / 5 [836 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Platinum Luxury Dubai Desert Safari with Range Rovers, 6-Course Dinner in Cabana

Dubai

Platinum Luxury Dubai Desert Safari with Range Rovers, 6-Course Dinner in Cabana
Romance the night away with a torch-lit A La Carte dinner in the desert! After traveling through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve by luxury Range Rover, watch the sun set over the dunes whilst witnessing the flight of a falcon and then arrive at a beautiful exclusive dining site by car or by camel within the grounds of the Royal Retreat. Watch a falconry display as the sun sets over the dunes, and then retire to a private sanctuary tucked away in the desert for your private 6-course dinner. It’s the perfect evening for any special occasion, be that an end-of-vacation meal, anniversary or even a romantic proposal!

Price: A1,750

Min age: 5

Rating 4.93 / 5 [131 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dubai

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Burj Khalifa rising above Dubai downtown cityscape high angle view view at sunset. United Arab Emirates modern architecture and travel abstract

A desert city playground with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture in a setting of year-round sun, sand and sea. Great family hotels and a ridiculous number of family attractions too.