Dubai is famous for its skyscrapers and luxury, but the true essence of the city lies in its vast desert landscape. A Dubai Desert Safari is one of the most popular and unforgettable experiences for visitors, combining adventure, culture, and traditional hospitality in one exciting package.
From thrilling dune bashing to camel rides, sandboarding, and a traditional Arabian-style dinner under the stars, the Desert Safari gives travelers a glimpse of authentic Bedouin life. Book your Desert Safari tickets with Akbar Travels for the best prices and seamless booking experience.
What Is a Dubai Desert Safari?
The Desert Safari is a guided excursion into the golden dunes surrounding Dubai. The adventure takes place in the Lahbab Desert or Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, where visitors can enjoy a combination of adrenaline-filled activities and cultural experiences.
It is the perfect activity for families, couples, and adventure lovers who want to experience both the thrill of the desert and the traditions of Emirati life.
Types of Desert Safari Experiences
Akbar Travels offers multiple Dubai Desert Safari packages to suit different preferences and schedules.
1. Morning Desert Safari
For early risers and photographers, the morning safari offers breathtaking views of the sunrise over the desert.
Highlights:
- 4×4 dune bashing
- Camel rides
- Sandboarding
- Falcon photography sessions
Duration: 4 hours (approximately 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM)
This safari is ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer to avoid the evening rush.
2. Evening Desert Safari
The Evening Desert Safari is the most popular option and the perfect combination of adventure and entertainment.
Highlights:
- Pickup in a 4×4 vehicle from your hotel
- 20–30 minutes of high-speed dune bashing
- Sunset photography in the desert
- Camel rides and sandboarding
- Traditional BBQ buffet dinner (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options)
- Henna painting and Arabic costume photography
- Live performances including belly dance, Tanoura, and fire shows
Duration: Around 6 hours (3:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
This experience captures the beauty of the desert as the sun sets, followed by an evening of entertainment and dining under the stars.
3. Overnight Desert Safari
The Overnight Safari offers a complete desert experience. After an evening of entertainment, guests stay overnight in traditional Bedouin-style tents and wake up to a beautiful sunrise.
Highlights:
- All evening activities plus an overnight stay
- Bonfire and stargazing
- Morning breakfast with Arabic coffee and dates
Duration: 16 hours (3:00 PM to 7:00 AM next day)
This is a perfect option for those looking for an immersive experience away from the city lights.
Adventure Activities in the Desert Safari
- Dune Bashing: A thrilling off-road ride over sand dunes in a 4×4 Land Cruiser driven by an expert.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard — similar to snowboarding but on sand.
- Quad Biking: For those seeking extra excitement, optional quad bike rides are available.
- Camel Riding: A short, peaceful ride across the dunes to experience travel the traditional way.
- Falcon Interaction: Take photos with trained falcons, one of the UAE’s most important cultural symbols.
Cultural and Entertainment Experiences
The Desert Safari is not only about adventure — it also celebrates Emirati culture and heritage.
- Traditional henna painting for women
- Arabic coffee and dates served upon arrival at the camp
- Live performances including belly dance, fire show, and Tanoura dance
- Arabic costume photo sessions for memorable pictures
- BBQ buffet dinner featuring Middle Eastern and international dishes
Desert Safari Timings
| Type | Duration | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Safari | 4 hours | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Evening Safari | 6 hours | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Overnight Safari | 16 hours | 3:00 PM – 7:00 AM (next day) |
Timings may vary slightly depending on season and pickup location.
What to Expect on a Desert Safari
- Hotel Pickup: Guests are picked up in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
- Drive to the Desert: The journey takes 45–60 minutes from central Dubai.
- Dune Bashing: A 20–30 minute thrilling drive over the dunes.
- Desert Activities: Camel riding, sandboarding, and falcon photography.
- Cultural Camp: Enjoy entertainment, dinner, and relaxation in a traditional camp setting.
- Return to Hotel: Drop-off after dinner and performances.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing and closed shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Light jacket (it can get cool at night)
- Minimal personal items to keep hands free during activities
Why Book with Akbar Travels
When you book your Dubai Desert Safari with Akbar Travels, you get more than just a ticket — you get a trusted experience backed by over four decades of expertise.
Benefits of booking with Akbar Travels:
- Best price guarantee
- Easy online booking and instant confirmation
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off in most packages
- Flexible payment options (including Tabby installments)
- 24/7 customer support
- Option to add on other Dubai attractions like Burj Khalifa or Global Village
Akbar Travels ensures your experience is smooth, safe, and full of unforgettable memories.
Additional Safari Options
For travelers looking for something more customized, Akbar Travels also offers:
- Private Desert Safari: Exclusive 4×4 vehicle for families or couples.
- Luxury Desert Safari: Premium experience with gourmet dinner and VIP seating.
- Desert Safari with Dune Buggy: Includes a self-drive buggy ride over the dunes.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Aerial view of the desert at sunrise with breakfast included.
Each option provides a unique perspective of Dubai’s desert landscape.
Location
Most safaris take place in:
- Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes): Known for its scenic red sand and large dunes.
- Al Awir Desert: Closer to the city, ideal for evening safaris.
- Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve: Eco-friendly experience with a focus on wildlife and sustainability.
Akbar Travels will confirm your desert location and pickup time after booking.
Tips for an Enjoyable Experience
- Avoid heavy meals before dune bashing.
- Pregnant women and guests with medical conditions should skip dune bashing.
- Carry extra water to stay hydrated.
- Arrive early if you want front-row seats for evening performances.
- Book in advance during peak season (November to March).
Final Thoughts
A Dubai Desert Safari is more than an excursion — it’s an experience that captures the beauty, adventure, and spirit of the UAE. Whether you’re racing over the dunes, watching the sunset, or enjoying a traditional dinner under the stars, every moment tells a story of Arabian heritage.
Book your Dubai Desert Safari tickets with Akbar Travels today and create unforgettable memories in the golden sands of Dubai.