Dubai’s desert isn’t just sand, it’s where you actually feel alive.

Dubai’s desert adventures are bucket list material—dune bashing thrills, sunset camel rides, Bedouin BBQ under stars. Perfect for first-timers, families, couples planning 2026 trips. From AED 120 family packages to AED 250 overnight camping, here’s exactly what you’ll get.

Top 10 Things to Experience in Dubai’s Desert

Evening Desert Safari (The Full Experience)

Experience the ultimate Arabian adventure with our evening desert safari, the most complete package and most popular choice. Starts with hotel pickup from Bur Dubai, Deira or Downtown. First stop is dune bashing, then sunset photo session at the tallest dune. Arrive at Bedouin-style camp for BBQ buffet (veg/non-veg options), fire show, Tanoura dancer and henna tattoos and a ride Back to the hotel.

• Total time: 6 hours round trip
• Sunset timing: Perfect golden hour photos
• Camp activities: BBQ buffet, fire show, belly dance
• Price: AED 150 adults, AED 80 kids.

Morning Safari (Skip the Heat)

Perfect for families and summer travelers, our morning desert safari is designed to help you beat the heat while still experiencing the magic of the dunes. Early morning  pickup means cooler temperature and lighter dune bashing suitable for beginners. Includes camel rides, sandboarding, and continental breakfast in the dunes. Less crowded than evening tours. 

• Pickup: 8AM from hotel
• Activities: Light dune bashing, camel rides, dunes breakfast
• Duration: 4 hours total
• Cost: AED 120 per person

Pro tip: children under 12 get a free ride with parents.

Dune Bashing – The Heart Pounding Classic

If you are looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, dune bashing is the heart pounding classic that everyone talks about. Your adventure begins as a powerful 4×4 Land Cruiser climbs massive red dunes at Lahbab Ridge, then drops down the other side at speed. It’s loud, bumpy, and lasts about 45 minutes in most packages. 

• Duration: 30-45 minutes of pure adrenaline
• Location: Lahbab Ridge (100ft+ dunes)
• Cost: AED 50 extra or included in packages
• Best for: Thrill seekers who don’t get carsick easily
• Pro tip: Motion sickness pills help if you’re sensitive. Ask for drivers with 5+ years experience—they handle the big drops smoothly.

Quad Biking (Self-Drive Thrills)

Automatic ATVs let you drive yourself on marked desert tracks. Safety briefing included, helmets mandatory. Quad biking has much more control than dune bashing since you’re the driver. Instructors stay nearby but let you explore at your pace. 

• Duration: 30 minutes (AED 100) or 1 hour (AED 150)
• Gear: Helmet, goggles included
• Group size: 6-8 bikes per guide
• Location: Designated safe tracks away from dunes

Camel Trekking at Golden Hour

Camels walk single file through golden dunes as the sun sets. Traditional wooden saddles with cushions. Guides lead from the ground while you snap photos. 

• Short ride: 10 minutes (free with packages)
• Long trek: 30 minutes (AED 50 extra)
• Group size: 2 people per camel

• Photo stop: Included at dune top

Sandboarding Down Giant Dunes

Think snowboarding but on warm, soft sand dunes. Instructors show basic technique, then you climb and slide. Best after morning dew when sand grips better. Ages 7+ can try. Repeat as much as you want during free time.

• Equipment: Boards provided free
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly (no speed control needed)
• Location: Soft golden dunes (not rocky)
• Time needed: 20-30 minutes

Bedouin Camp Experience

Arrive after dune bashing to a traditional camp with low Bedouin tents. During Ramadan, music stops and focus shifts to quiet conversations.

• Activities: Henna tattoos (AED 20), falcon photo (AED 20)
• Food & drink: Arabic coffee, dates, shisha pipes (AED 30)
• Entertainment: Tanoura dancer spins on fire
• Duration: 2 hours at camp

Overnight Desert Camping

For adventurers seeking  a truly deep connection with the Arabian landscape, our overnight desert safari offers the ultimate immersion. Same evening activities plus sleeping in air-conditioned Bedouin tents. Stargazing after dinner, sunrise camel ride next morning, breakfast in dunes.

• Total duration: 16 hours (3PM next day dropoff)
• Accommodation: Shared tents or private (extra cost)
• Inclusions: Dinner, breakfast, morning activities
• Price: AED 250 per person

BBQ Under the Stars

Unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee. Self-service style. Ask about vegetarian options when booking. Freshly prepared on-site over charcoal grills.

• Vegetarian: Grilled veggies, hummus, salads, pasta
• Non-veg: Lamb chops, chicken tikka, kebabs
• Drinks: Unlimited soft drinks, tea/coffee
• Dietary: Ask ahead for vegan/gluten-free

The Ultimate Combo: City + Desert

Can’t choose between city sights and desert? Half-day Dubai city tour followed by evening desert safari. Total 10-12 hours. Maximum convenience for short trips.

• Morning: Dubai city tour (Burj Khalifa view, Marina)
• Evening: Full desert safari experience
• Total cost: AED 250 (combo discount)
• Duration: 10-12 hours

Practical Booking Tips

• October-April = perfect weather (15-25°C evenings)
• Book 2-3 days ahead (weekends sell out fast)
• Wear pants/sneakers (sand gets everywhere)
• Bring power bank (sunset photos drain batteries)
• Confirm pickup time (Dubai traffic unpredictable)

FAQ