Desert Safari Dubai: All You Need to Know

Embarking on a Desert Safari in Dubai is an adventure like no other, offering a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping excitement and serene moments of reflection in the vast Arabian Desert. From the thrill of dune bashing to the tranquil beauty of a desert sunset, this experience is a must-do for anyone visiting Dubai. Whether you're seeking the rush of off-roading through towering sand dunes or the cultural richness of traditional desert experiences, a desert safari in Dubai promises a day filled with unforgettable memories and a deep connection to the region's natural beauty.

Temperatures of Dubai

Dubai experiences a hot desert climate with significant temperature variations between seasons. Here's a quick overview of what to expect throughout the year:

Best time to go on a desert safari in Dubai

The best time to go on a desert safari in Dubai is during the cooler months, from November to March. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The evenings are pleasantly cool, allowing you to fully enjoy the desert experience without the intense heat of summer. This season also coincides with Dubai's peak tourist season, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of activities.

Desert safari Activities

A Desert Safari in Dubai offers a diverse range of activities that cater to thrill-seekers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're embarking on a morning, evening, or overnight safari, each experience is filled with unique adventures that showcase the beauty and excitement of the Arabian Desert. 

Here's a list of some of the most popular activities you can expect on your desert safari:

1. Dune Bashing
2. Camel Ride
3. Henna painting
4. Belly dancing and Tanoura show
5. BBQ Dinner
6. Quad Biking
7. Desert Skiing
8. Bedouin Hospitality
9. Air Balloon Ride
10. Desert Sunrise and Sunset Views

• Dune Bashing

Dune Bashing is an exhilarating part of any Desert Safari in Dubai, where you'll embark on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 vehicle, expertly driven over the rolling sand dunes. This thrilling activity involves navigating steep slopes and sharp turns, providing an adrenaline rush as you experience the highs and lows of the shifting sands, making it a must-do for adventure enthusiasts visiting Dubai.

• Camel Ride

Camel Riding is a quintessential experience on a Desert Safari in Dubai, offering a serene and traditional way to explore the vast desert landscape. As you gently sway atop these "ships of the desert," you'll gain a unique perspective of the Arabian sands, much like the Bedouins did for centuries. This peaceful ride allows you to fully immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and tranquillity of the desert.

• Henna painting

Henna Painting is a delightful cultural activity that allows you to adorn your hands or feet with intricate, temporary designs created from natural henna dye. This traditional art form is often associated with celebrations and special occasions in the Middle East, offering you a chance to experience a piece of the region's rich heritage. It’s a beautiful and memorable way to enhance your Desert Safari in Dubai experience.

• Belly Dancing and Tanoura Show

Belly Dancing and Tanoura Show are captivating cultural performances that are often featured during a Desert Safari in Dubai. Belly dancing is a mesmerizing Middle Eastern dance form known for its fluid and expressive movements, often performed in traditional Arabic music. 

The Tanoura show, on the other hand, is a vibrant Egyptian folk dance where performers dressed in colourful skirts spin continuously in a trance-like state, symbolizing the spiritual journey of life. These performances add a rich cultural dimension to the desert safari experience, offering a glimpse into the region's artistic heritage.

• BBQ Dinner

BBQ Dinner is a highlight of the Desert Safari in Dubai, offering a delightful culinary experience under the stars. After an evening of thrilling activities and cultural performances, you can indulge in a delicious spread of grilled meats, traditional Arabic dishes, and a variety of sides and desserts. The BBQ dinner is often served in a traditional Bedouin-style setting, enhancing the authentic desert experience and providing a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the flavours of the region.

• Quad Biking

Quad Biking is an exhilarating activity often included in a Desert Safari in Dubai, where you get to ride a powerful all-terrain vehicle (ATV) across the vast sand dunes. This adventure allows you to explore the desert at your own pace, navigating the challenging terrain and enjoying the thrill of off-roading in a unique and dynamic environment. Quad biking is perfect for adrenaline junkies looking to add an extra dose of excitement to their desert experience.

• Desert Skiing

Desert Skiing, also known as sandboarding, is an exciting activity that is available during a Desert Safari in Dubai. It involves gliding down the steep sand dunes on a specially designed board, much like snowboarding but on sand. This unique experience allows you to enjoy the thrill of skiing in the middle of the desert, combining adventure with the stunning backdrop of endless golden dunes. Desert skiing is a must-try for those looking to add a fun and adventurous twist to their desert safari.

• Bedouin Hospitality

Bedouin Hospitality is an integral part of the cultural experience in Dubai safari. Guests are welcomed into traditional Bedouin-style camps, where they can enjoy the warm and generous hospitality that the Bedouin people are known for. This includes offerings of Arabic coffee, dates, and a glimpse into the customs and lifestyle of the desert dwellers. The emphasis on Bedouin hospitality adds a rich cultural layer to your Desert Safari in Dubai experience.

• Air Balloon Ride

Air Balloon Ride is a breathtaking experience often offered as part of a Desert Safari in Dubai, providing a unique perspective of the vast Arabian Desert. As you ascend into the sky at sunrise, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the rolling sand dunes, the distant mountains, and possibly even wildlife. This serene and majestic flight allows you to witness the desert's beauty from a completely different vantage point, making it a truly unforgettable part of your desert adventure.

• Desert Sunrise and Sunset Views

Desert Sunrise and Sunset Views are among the most mesmerizing highlights of a Desert Safari in Dubai. Witnessing the sun rising or setting over the endless expanse of sand dunes creates a stunning display of colours that paint the sky and desert in golden hues. These moments offer a tranquil and awe-inspiring experience, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos and enjoying the natural beauty of the desert landscape. The serene atmosphere during sunrise and sunset adds a magical touch to your desert safari adventure.

Types of Desert Safaris in Dubai

Dubai offers a variety of desert safaris, each providing a unique experience that showcases the stunning beauty and adventure of the Arabian desert. Whether you're seeking thrills or a serene escape, there's a desert safari to suit every preference.

Safari in the Morning

A Morning Desert Safari in Dubai offers an exhilarating start to your day as the golden sands of the Arabian Desert come alive with the first light of dawn. This early adventure is perfect for those who want to experience the desert's beauty before the heat of the day sets in, combining thrilling activities like dune bashing with the calm and serenity of the desert landscape in the morning hours.

• Morning Safari Activities: 

During a Morning Desert Safari in Dubai, you can look forward to exciting activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and capturing stunning photography, all capped off with light refreshments in the serene desert setting.

Safari in the Evening

An Evening Desert Safari in Dubai offers a magical experience as the desert transforms under the setting sun. This adventure allows you to witness the stunning colours of the sunset over the dunes while enjoying a range of activities that blend excitement with cultural immersion, making it a perfect way to end your day in Dubai.

• Evening Safari Activities:

During an Evening Desert Safari in Dubai, you can enjoy activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, sunset photography, falconry demonstration, henna painting, a traditional BBQ dinner, and live entertainment, including belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows.

Overnight Desert Safari

An Overnight Desert Safari in Dubai offers a truly immersive experience, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty and tranquillity of the Arabian Desert. As the night falls, the desert reveals a different charm, with the starry sky overhead providing a serene and unforgettable backdrop to your adventure. This extended safari combines evening activities with the unique experience of camping overnight in the desert, making it an unforgettable way to connect with the natural surroundings.

• Overnight Safari Activities:

During an Overnight Desert Safari in Dubai, you can enjoy activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, sunset photography, falconry demonstration, henna painting, a traditional BBQ dinner, live entertainment with belly dancing, Tanoura dance, fire shows, followed by stargazing, overnight camping in Bedouin-style tents, and a morning breakfast.

Essential Tips for Preparing for a Desert Safari in Dubai

When preparing for a Desert Safari in Dubai, it's important to consider both the adventure and the environment to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind:

• Clothing: Wear light, breathable clothing to stay cool during the day, but bring a light jacket or shawl for cooler evening temperatures. Opt for comfortable footwear like sandals or sports shoes.
• Sun Protection: The desert sun can be intense, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the UV rays.
• Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the safari, especially during the more active parts of the trip.
• Camera or Smartphone: Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery, cultural performances, and unforgettable moments.
• Personal Items: Carry a small backpack to store your essentials like lip balm, tissues, and any medications you might need.
• Cash: Bring some cash for optional activities like quad biking, purchasing souvenirs, or tipping guides.
• Health Precautions: If you’re prone to motion sickness, especially during dune bashing, consider bringing motion sickness tablets.
• Respect Local Customs: Remember to dress modestly in respect to local customs, especially if the safari includes a visit to a Bedouin camp.
• Comfort and Relaxation: Consider bringing a scarf or bandana to protect your face from sand during windy conditions, and possibly a pillow or blanket if you’re doing an overnight safari.
• Timing: Be aware of the timing and itinerary of your safari, including pickup and drop-off schedules, to make the most of your experience.

Desert safari ticket prices

Desert Safari ticket prices in Dubai generally range from AED 90 to AED 1,200 per person, depending on the type of experience you choose. Basic packages cover standard activities like dune bashing and camel riding, while more premium options include luxury amenities, private tours, or special activities such as hot air balloon rides. The wide price range allows for various budget and experience preferences.

How to Reach Desert Safari?

To reach a Desert Safari in Dubai, most tours offer pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a central location in the city. If you're driving, head towards the outskirts of Dubai, following the signs to the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) or the Lahbab Desert. Exact locations vary depending on the tour operator, so it's best to follow their instructions. Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem can take you to the meeting point provided by the tour company.

Where to stay in Dubai?

Arabian Dreams in Dubai is a highly regarded resort. This resort in Dubai is especially popular among travellers and Club Mahindra members, who appreciate its luxurious accommodations and exceptional hospitality. With a Club Mahindra membership, you can enjoy not only Arabian Dreams but also access to over 140+ resorts worldwide. Member’s reviews consistently highlight the resort’s convenient location and top-notch amenities, making it a preferred choice for members looking to enjoy a memorable stay in Dubai.