10 of the best desert tours from dubai 2024

Have you been wondering about the best desert tours from dubai? I’ve got you covered!

Dubai is one of the most beautiful and incredible places to visit, and taking a desert tour is one of the best ways to experience it!

I’ve been to Dubai a few times and have loved taking the time to escape from the city and get out into the desert. My favorite has always been Desert Safari Tours – they provide the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking views that you can only find in Dubai.

Desert Safari Tours are widely known as some of the best desert tours from Dubai, providing an exciting mix of activities like sandboarding, off-roading, camel rides, desert camping, quad biking, and more.

And with years of experience in the industry, you know you can trust them for their great service and reliability.

If you’re not sure which desert tours to choose from in Dubai, I’d highly recommend checking out the Desert Safari Tours – you won’t regret it!

1. Dune Buggy Ride In Red Dunes + Desert Safari – Private Experience

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3-4 hours | ✅ Book it!

Get some hands-on experience in a V6 engine dune buggy as you explore the towering sand dunes of the United Arab Emirates. You’ll also get a chance to go sand boarding, giving you two experiences in one on this tour. 

All safety equipment and instruction is provided, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off. Unlimited water will also be provided so that you can keep hydrated while out in the desert. 

“The experience was amazing. The pick up was seamless and we got directly brought to the Desert. Afterwards we had an incredible hour driving the buggy’s through the dunes. It’s an experience I would recommend everyone. Also, what made the experience so special was the amazing staff, which was super kind, funny, and caring. Next time in Dubai, we will definitely rebook this again! Don’t miss out!” – RainerFeras_S

Your professional guide will pick you up from your hotel in a luxurious four-wheel drive and take you out to the Red Dunes Desert. During the ride, they will fill you in on Arab culture and the history of UAE, as well as tell you all about the places and landscapes you pass.

Once you arrive, you’ll go through some instructions for staying safe, get fitted up with a helmet and goggles, then enjoy about an hour of dune buggy riding. These powerful 3,000 cc vehicles are perfectly designed to drive on sand.

Follow the path of your convoy leader as you climb over the amazing dunes. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity for some sand boarding before heading back to your hotel.

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time with pick-up from your accommodation 
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a one hour buggy ride, a convoy leader and back-up vehicle, a safety helmet and goggles provided, and water and soft drinks

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

3. Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camels, Stargazing & 5-Star BBQ At Al Khayma Camp™

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

This premium Dubai desert safari allows you to experience so many incredible activities all in one outing. Considered by travellers to be the best desert safari in Dubai, you simply won’t get this kind of adventure trying to do it all on your own.

Included in this day-long tour is dune bashing in a four-wheel drive through the Lahbab Desert, sand boarding, a camel ride, a gourmet barbecue buffet, traditional Bedouin-style entertainment, henna, and stargazing from the luxurious Al Khamya Camp™. ATVs are also available upon request for an additional cost. 

“We had a fabulous tour with Inaam who was both super friendly and knowledgeable. The day was filled with activities, dinner at the camp was plentiful and so tasty. Arrived back at the hotel happy and exhausted.” – Kirkland_M

Start this 7-hour safari tour in Dubai by being picked up from your hotel by your friendly “safari captain”. During the hour-long journey to your first destination, your driver will keep you entertained with plenty of stories and facts about Dubai. 

The first activities of the day are quad biking (if selected) and dune bashing. Prepare to kick up some red dust and climb the dunes of the Lahbab desert.

Afterwards, you’ll get a chance to freshen up before being taken to the 5-star Al Khyama Camp™. You’ll be treated like royalty here and be greeted with qahwa (Arabic coffee), gaymat (sweet Arabic dumplings) and local dates.

At the Bedouin camp, there are so many more activities for you to enjoy and plenty of opportunities to learn about Arab culture. Go on a camel ride, have a photoshoot with a falcon, smoke some shisha, and be painted in henna.

You can also get dressed up in traditional Arab attire – a kandura for men and an abaya for women – to make your time here feel even more authentic. 

For dinner, be treated to a 5-star open buffet barbecue, with options for vegetarians as well. As you eat dinner, watch some traditional Tanoura and belly dancing.

After the sun has set, go stargazing and hear tales from the past about how these stars once guided the Bedouins through the desert. Once you are full and exhausted, your driver will drop you off back at your accommodation. 

Important details 

• Start time and location: Hotel pick-up 45 minutes before your booking time
• Duration: 7 hours 
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off by an English-speaking driver, transportation in an air-conditioned four-wheel drive, dune bashing, sandboarding, henna for the ladies, an experience and photoshoot with a falcon, a camel ride with camel feeding, shisha, a visit to Al Khayma Desert Camp™, an open buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, local Arabic attire for makeovers, traditional dancing, unlimited water and soft drinks, coffee with dates and sweets, plus sunset watching and stargazing during the evening slots

4. Dubai: Overnight Desert Safari, Camel Ride, BBQ & Stargazing At Al Khayma Camp™

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 18 hours | ✅ Book it!

For the ultimate UAE experience, you can’t beat staying the night in a Bedouin camp! This 18-hour tour organised by OceanAir Travels is hands down the best overnight desert safari from Dubai.

Get all of the incredible activities you would with a day trip while also getting to hear campfire stories, sleep in a fancy tent, watch the sunrise, and enjoy a delicious Arabic breakfast. 

“Excellent experiences, food and accommodations. I felt well cared for and informed. Thanks to our guide Mansoor!” – Madeline_J

Begin this adventure of a lifetime with an hour-long drive to the Lahbab Desert in an air-conditioned four-wheel drive. Once you arrive, you’ll take a 20-minute break to prepare for your dune bashing ride, which lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.

Afterwards, you can try sand boarding, another adventurous Dubai activity. If you are hesitant to try, you’ll receive plenty of instruction on how to balance yourself on the wooden board.

For the next part of the tour, you’ll arrive at Al Khayma Camp™ and be welcomed with Arabic treats like coffee, sweets and dates.

You are free to spend the afternoon here as you wish. Go on a camel ride around camp, try some shisha, be painted with henna, put on some Arabian attire and pose for photos with a falcon, or simply relax and take in your surroundings.

Before dinner, watch some traditional entertainment on the centre stage as Tanoura and the Ladies Khaliji dances are performed. Then, dig into some delicious barbecue dishes. After dark, the lights will be turned off so you can see the stars above. There is even a telescope for a full stargazing session.

As the evening winds down, take a camel ride to the camping area where you will spend the night. Warm up by the campfire, listen to some interesting stories from your guide, and learn how to make Arabic tea and coffee. If you’re already exhausted from the busy day, head back to your tent and get some sleep.

15 minutes before sunrise, wake up and head further into the desert via the “camel caravan”. During your short camel ride, admire the amazing sight of the sun rising above the sand dunes.

At around 7:30 to 8 am, a freshly-cooked Arabic breakfast will be prepared. Spend your final moments at the campsite before saying goodbye to the desert and heading back to your hotel.

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time with pick-up from your accommodation 
• Duration: 18 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off by an English-speaking driver, transportation in an air-conditioned four-wheel drive, camping at the Al Khayma Desert Camp with free WiFi, shower facilities with complimentary towels, dune bashing, sand boarding, henna for the ladies, an experience and photoshoot with a falcon, a camel ride with camel feeding, shisha, a barbecue buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, local Arabic attire for makeovers, traditional dancing, stargazing with a telescope, Arabic bread with tea in the evening, unlimited water and soft drinks, coffee with dates and sweets, morning camel trekking, and an Arabic breakfast

5. Dubai Heritage Land Rover Desert Safari With Traditional Dinner & Entertainment

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

One of the best desert tours from Dubai is this 7-hour safari in an open-top Heritage Land Rover. Ride in style out the desert, enjoy traditional Emirati entertainment, and keep an eye out for local wildlife as you drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Since this trip doesn’t involve more intensive activities like dune bashing, it’s also the best desert safari Dubai for family with younger kids or even older grandparents. Infant seats are available and most travellers can participate, with the exception of pregnant women in their third trimester.

“The falcon show and riding the camel were unique highlights. But just driving through the beautiful sand was memorable.” – Paul_B

After being picked up from your hotel and travelling further into the desert, switch vehicles and hop in a stylish open-top vintage Land Rover. With an experienced driver, begin your safari adventure and make your way through the majestic Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Throughout this protected haven, you’ll see wildlife like Arabian gazelles and onyx, to name a few. You’ll then stop for a falcon display as you watch the birds soar impressively high in the air.

Board the Land Rover once again and drive to a traditional Bedouin camp, where you’ll find a setup of tents, colourful cushions and flickering torch lights. Be welcomed with snacks and drinks like Arabic coffee, learn how to make Emirati bread, get a henna tattoo, or take a short ride on a camel. 

Next, try some new food and dig into a delicious multi-course dinner made up of local specialities. As Arabic folk dancing and music keeps you entertained, admire the stars above and smoke some shisha if you wish to.

When everyone is ready, return to the camp entrance before boarding your air-conditioned minivan to take you back to Dubai. 

Important details

• Start time and location: Between 2 pm and 4 pm depending on the time of year, with pick-up from your accommodation 
• Duration: 7 hours
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, a nature safari inside the Desert Conservation Reserve, a falcon display at sunset, dinner, short camel rides, cultural entertainment, shisha and henna

6. Camel Desert Safari With Traditional Dinner & Heritage Activities From Dubai

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

Another amazing day-long Dubai desert tour is this camel safari operated by Platinum Heritage. The camel ride is the main event on this tour, so if you are hoping for a longer-than-usual ride, this will definitely be the best desert experience in Dubai for you.

Also included on the tour is a 4-course banquet dinner with traditional music and dancing, as well as Emirati entertainment and demonstrations like bread and coffee making. Overall, it’s a great day out for anyone wanting to learn more about the culture of UAE.

“The camel ride and meal were among the most memorable experiences I’ve had on any holiday, and it was a great opportunity to learn and understand more about UAE culture.” – Christopher_S

In an air-conditioned minivan, travel into the desert to meet your camel convoy. Hop aboard for a leisurely camel ride across the sands and learn why camels were ideal modes of transport for the nomadic Bedouins.

Arrive at a Bedouin-style camp owned by United Arab Emirates royalty and sip some Arabic coffee, get a henna tattoo, and follow along a step-by-step demonstration for making Arabic bread.

Admire the falconry demonstration as the sun goes down and wander into the dunes a little for some beautiful sunset photos. 

For dinner, get ready for a 4-course feast of Emirati dishes and enjoy the display of traditional music and dancing underneath the stars. After chilling out for a bit, you’ll be dropped off back at your Dubai hotel with plenty of memories and new friends.

Important details

• Start time and location: Between 2 pm and 4 pm depending on the time of year, with pick-up from your accommodation
• Duration: 7 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, a four-course dinner with water and juice, bread and coffee making, henna, a camel caravan, a falcon demonstration at sunset, and Emirati entertainment 

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

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 4-7 hours | ✅ Book it!

This Red Dune adventure is one of the few Dubai desert safaris that allows you to choose between a four-hour or a seven-hour trip.

Experience the adrenaline rush of dune bashing and sand boarding before ending with a camel ride, or extending your tour to include a scenic sunset with a Bedouin-style barbecue dinner.

“Ibrahim was an amazing guide… he really listened to our families needs and made sure we were all okay. He went above and beyond to capture our pictures…. we loved it!” – Toni_S

Begin the tour driving into the Lahbab Desert in a safari-style 4WD, as your driver/guide does their best to answer any questions you might have about Dubai or UAE. After arriving at the bright red dunes, hold on tight as you cruise around and the 4WD kicks up clouds of sand around you.

Like most desert safari tours in Dubai, you also have the option of surfing the dunes on a sand board and taking a camel ride afterwards.

If you have selected the four-hour option, your tour will end here and you’ll head back to the city. However, if you have opted for the upgrade, you’ll have three more hours of fun in the desert.

You’ll proceed to a stunning Bedouin-style camp to relax on the comfy cushions, taste some Arabic coffee and dates, get painted in henna, have a photoshoot in traditional clothing, smoke a shisha pipe and more. 

The seven-hour tour also includes a delicious barbecue dinner, with dishes like kebabs, hummus and salads. Water and soft drinks are included, with additional drinks you can purchase from the bar. Watch a vibrant belly dancing and tanoura show as you enjoy your meal, then return to Dubai for a good night’s sleep.

Important details

• Start time and location: Hotel pick-up 45 minutes before your prearranged start time
• Duration: 4 to 7 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking safari guide in a 4WD vehicle, dune bashing for 30 to 45 minutes, sand-boarding in the desert, short camel rides, a sunset photo stop, cold bottled water, Arabic coffee, dates and traditional sweets. The 7-hour tour option also includes a BBQ buffet dinner, shisha, a traditional Tanura and belly dance show, henna painting, more camel rides and unlimited soft drinks

8. Dubai: Red Dunes ATV, Sandsurf, Camels, Stargazing & 5-Star BBQ At Al Khayma Camp

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 6 hours | ✅ Book it!

Travellers who want to go all-out and get the most out of their trip to Dubai will certainly enjoy this ATV riding adventure through the red sand dunes. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there. Go sand boarding, camel riding, and take part in all the Emirati experiences you can during this authentic 6-hour tour.

“Had the most amazing time! William was a brilliant guide. There was so much stuff included which made it an unforgettable, amazing experience. Worth every penny! Thanks so much.” – NettyListon

Arrive at the Lahbab Desert and get ready for your once-in-a-lifetime desert quad bike adventure. After getting your helmet and listening to the safety briefing, start your adrenaline-pumping 60-minute ride through the red dunes. You can also take a break to try some sand boarding before driving back to the starting point. 

After freshening up a bit, continue the tour at Al Khayma Camp™. Meet with a falcon expert and take some photos posing with the magnificent bird, take a short camel ride around the camp, be painted in henna, and dress up in Arabian attire for the full UAE experience.

As soon as you know it, a tasty barbecue dinner will be ready, accompanied by entertainment like the traditional tanoura and the “Ladies Khaliji Dance”. As the evening wraps up, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Dubai.

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time with hotel pick-up
• Duration: 6 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, camel rides and feeding, a 60-minute quad bike ride with an experienced instructor and a helmet for safety, traditional dancing, a visit to Al Khayma Desert Camp, sand boarding, a sunset photo stop, henna for the ladies, a falcon experience, local Arabic attire for makeovers, a shisha area, a BBQ buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, coffee with dates and traditional sweets, and a stargazing session during evening tours

9. Morning Desert Safari With Quad Biking

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 4-5 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you like to get going early in the morning, don’t miss out on this morning desert safari. This is one of the few desert safari tours that allows you to see the sunrise, which is easily one of the most beautiful times of day in the Dubai Desert.

This trip is also for the adrenaline junkies, with the opportunity for quad biking, dune bashing, sand boarding and camel riding. This is quite a small tour, with a maximum of 20 participants at a time.

“Fantastic tour and a great guide Ansari who showed passion and drive to keep us happy and entertained.” – MohamedDawood_S

Be picked up in Dubai bright and early in an air-conditioned 4WD. On the way to the desert, your experienced English-speaking driver and guide will fill you in on the city’s most famous attractions, as well as a bit of its history.

Plenty of the guides are daredevils and will take you on a thrilling drive through the dunes, which is definitely not for the faint of heart!

Have some fun with the 25-minute quad bike ride, either following the group leader through the dunes or staying in the fenced-off area to ride around on your own.

Afterwards, try your hand at sand boarding, a unique desert sport. Lastly, a short camel ride is offered for the chance to get some classic touristy pics.

The guides will also provide you with plenty of water and food afterwards, even if they are fasting for Ramadan themselves. 

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time with hotel pick-up
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off in an air-conditioned 4WD, an English-speaking licensed Desert Guide, a 25-minute quad bike/ATV ride in a large fenced area in the desert, red sand dune bashing, sand boarding, a short camel ride and a photoshoot

10. Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Quad Bike And Camel Ride Experience From Dubai

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 6-7 hours | ✅ Book it!

Any trip to Dubai must include a desert safari, and this tour in particular is well-suited to the adventurous types.

Start with a fast-paced quad bike ride through the dunes before spending a relaxing evening under the stars with some delicious food and Arabian entertainment. All transfers to and from your hotel are taken care of, so you truly don’t have to worry about a thing.

“Everything was amazing. The ATV, the sandboarding, the food, the fire show and belly dancing plus the camel ride. I just wish the camel ride was a bit longer other than that 100/100 .. would definitely recommend.” – Teresa_L

In the late afternoon, arrive at the majestic Red Dunes Desert and kick off your tour with dune bashing in a comfortable Land Cruiser.

Afterwards, you can go on a 25-minute quad bike ride by yourself, try out sand boarding, or sit back and admire the magical sunset. End this part of the tour with a camel ride and a photoshoot while dressed in traditional Arabic clothing.

Before dinner, you can experience a Bedouin-style camp and taste some Arabic tea and dates. While you wait for dinner to be prepared, get some gorgeous Arabic henna designs painted on you or smoke some shisha.

Enjoy your buffet dinner under the starry night sky and be entertained with tanoura and belly dancing, as well as an incredible fire show. When you’re ready, make the journey back to your hotel with your driver. 

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time with hotel pick-up
• Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off in an SUV LandCruiser, a professional English-speaking guide, 40-minute dune bashing at Lahbab Desert, 25-minute quad bike riding, a welcome at the desert camp with tea and coffee plus Arabic sweets and fresh fruit, shisha, a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited water and soft drinks, sand boarding, henna painting, a traditional belly dancing and Arabic music show, and a full light and sound display around the camp

FAQs About best dubai desert safaris

is it worth going to the desert in dubai?

Dubai’s desert is a beautiful and unique attraction, offering travelers many activities and sights to explore.

Whether it’s taking in the stunning sunsets, riding a camel through the sand dunes or getting lost in the mystical landscape of the Arabian desert, there is something for everyone in Dubai.

The city is also teeming with luxury resorts, shopping malls and some of the world’s best restaurants.

The combination of these attractions ensures that your trip to Dubai will be filled with adventure, relaxation and unforgettable memories. So yes – it is definitely worth going to the desert in Dubai!