Pick your kind of desert.
Desert Safaris & Dune Experiences in Dubai
Morning dune drives, evening safaris with a Bedouin-camp dinner, and self-drive buggies — all within an hour of the Dubai skyline.
Tripadvisor rating
4.9· 1,008 reviews
From
AED 125
Start here
Three ways to do the desert safari
Same guides, same 4x4s, same free cancellation. The difference is how much of the desert you take on.
- CompleteBest value
+AED 100 on Premium. The same quad ride is AED 150 at Lahbab, and runs 20 minutes instead of 30.
Compare the packages
- Desert camp
- Standard camp
- Seating
- Standard seating
- Dinner
- BBQ buffet, veg options
- Camel ride
- Included
- Quad biking
- Add-on at Lahbab
Everything in Essential, plus:
- Desert camp
- Premium camp
- Seating
- Sofa seating
- Dinner
- Wider buffet, more dishes, veg & Jain
- Camel ride
- Long ride
Everything in Premium, plus:
- Quad biking
- 30 minutes, self-drive
In all three: hotel pickup & drop-off (Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman), dune bashing & sandboarding, live entertainment, free cancellation (Up to 24h).
Or see all 11 desert safaris — jump straight to a type.
4 options
Evening desert safaris
Dune bashing into sunset, then a BBQ dinner at a Bedouin-style camp — or a shorter run that's just the dunes.
2 options
Morning desert safaris
Cooler air, quiet dunes and soft morning light. Out at sunrise, back before lunch.
5 options
Dune buggy and quad biking adventures
Take the wheel yourself — self-drive dune buggies and guided quad bikes.
Available todayOpen Desert Quad Bike - Self-Drive at Lahbab
Available todayFour-Seater Dune Buggy - Self-Drive 1000CC Polaris
Available todayTwo-Seater Dune Buggy - Self-Drive 1000CC Polaris
Available today4-Seater Dune Buggy Desert Safari
Available todayEvening Desert Safari With Dune Buggy (2-Seater)
What to expect
Planning your desert safari
A Dubai desert safari is the city's signature day out: 4×4 dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and a Bedouin-camp dinner, all within an hour of the skyline. We run morning and evening departures with our own guides and 4×4s.
Some of it is fast — dune bashing, sandboarding, a buggy if you want one. Some of it is not: camel treks, Arabic coffee, dinner at a Bedouin camp under the stars. Every safari goes out with guides who have spent years reading these dunes.
The best time for a desert safari depends on what you're after. Early morning excursions offer cool temperatures and stunning golden-hour light — ideal for photography. Evening safaris reward you with the famous Dubai sunset and a traditional camp experience with live entertainment.
Book direct with Desert Thrill
A local team, clear booking details and human support.
Compare the exact inclusions and policies on each tour, then book directly with the licensed Dubai operator running your experience.
- Independent recognition
- 5× Travellers' Choice
- On Tripadvisor
- 4.9 · 1,008 reviews
- Payment
- Secure checkout by Stripe
Good to know
Questions before you book.
Clear answers about timing, what is included and choosing the right option for your group.
What should I wear on a desert safari?
Wear light, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees — both for sun protection and out of respect for local culture at the Bedouin camp. Closed-toe shoes or sandals are best for the sandy terrain. Bring sunglasses and a hat for daytime excursions.
Is a desert safari suitable for children?
Absolutely. Our family-friendly safaris are available for all ages. Dune bashing has minimum age requirements (usually 5+), but the camel rides, sandboarding, and camp activities are suitable for young children. Let us know the ages in your group when booking so we can prepare accordingly.
Morning or evening safari — which should I choose?
Morning safaris (typically 6am–11am) offer cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and the best photography light. Evening safaris (3pm–9pm) include the famous desert sunset, a traditional Bedouin dinner, and live entertainment including belly dancing and tanoura shows. Both are exceptional — it simply depends on your schedule.
What's included in a typical safari package?
Most packages include hotel pickup and drop-off, dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, camel riding, sandboarding, traditional Arabic coffee and dates, and a barbecue dinner at a Bedouin-style camp with live entertainment. Premium packages add quad biking, falconry demonstrations, and private tent dining.
Are there medical restrictions for dune bashing?
Dune bashing involves rapid movements over uneven terrain. We recommend guests with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant women avoid this activity and opt for a gentler camp-only experience instead. Please mention any medical concerns at the time of booking.
How far is the desert from Dubai city?
The main desert safari locations are 45–60 minutes from central Dubai. Your guide will collect you from your hotel and handle all transportation, so there's nothing to organise on your end.
Looking specifically for a dune buggy?
Buggies carry roughly 63% of all desert search volume in the UAE, so they have their own page — the two- and four-seater side by side, the per-vehicle maths that decides between them, and every ride duration. The same machines you see here, with the detail a tile cannot hold.
See dune buggiesReady when you are
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