The Dubai desert safari is a unique and exciting way to experience the desert, where you can enjoy various activities and experiences, such as dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, camel riding, hot air ballooning, and cultural shows. You can also choose from different types of desert safaris, such as morning, evening, overnight, and luxury, depending on your budget, timing, and preference.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Dubai desert safari, including the types, activities, tips, and more.
Desert Safari Types

There are different types of desert safaris in Dubai, each offering a different experience and vibe. Here are some of the most popular and recommended types of desert safaris in Dubai:
1. Morning desert safari
This is the best option for those who want to enjoy the desert in the early hours of the day, when the sun is not too harsh and the sand is not too hot. The morning desert safari usually starts around 8 am and lasts for about 4 hours. You can enjoy activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, and camel riding, and also witness the sunrise over the desert.
2. Evening desert safari
This is the most popular and common type of desert safari in Dubai, as it offers a complete and immersive experience of the desert. The evening desert safari usually starts around 3 pm and lasts for about 6 hours. You can enjoy activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, and camel riding, and also watch the sunset over the desert. The evening desert safari also includes a BBQ dinner, a shisha smoking session, and a cultural show, where you can see performances such as belly dancing, fire dancing, and tanoura dancing.
3. Overnight desert safari
This is the most adventurous and romantic type of desert safari in Dubai, as it allows you to spend the night in the desert, under the stars. The overnight desert safari usually starts around 3 pm and lasts for about 16 hours. You can enjoy activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, and camel riding, and also watch the sunset over the desert. The overnight desert safari also includes a BBQ dinner, a shisha smoking session, and a cultural show, where you can see performances such as belly dancing, fire dancing, and tanoura dancing. After the show, you can relax in your tent or sleeping bag, and enjoy the silence and tranquility of the desert. You can also wake up early and watch the sunrise over the desert, and enjoy a breakfast before heading back to the city.
4. Luxury desert safari
This is the most exclusive and lavish type of desert safari in Dubai, as it offers a high-end and comfortable experience of the desert. The luxury desert safari usually starts around 3 pm and lasts for about 6 hours. You can enjoy activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, and camel riding, and also watch the sunset over the desert. The luxury desert safari also includes a gourmet dinner, a shisha smoking session, and a cultural show, where you can see performances such as belly dancing, fire dancing, and tanoura dancing. The luxury desert safari also provides you with a private and air-conditioned tent, where you can relax and enjoy the amenities, such as a mini-bar, a TV, and a bathroom.
Desert Safari Activities
Whether you are looking for some adrenaline-pumping action, some fun and leisure, or some cultural and historical insights, you will find something that suits your taste and interest in the Dubai desert safari. Here are some of the most popular and recommended activities and experiences that you can enjoy in the Dubai desert safari:
1. Dune bashing
This is the highlight and the most thrilling activity of the Dubai desert safari, where you can experience the thrill of driving or riding in a 4x4 vehicle or a hummer over the sand dunes at high speed. You can feel the adrenaline rush as you go up and down the dunes, and enjoy the spectacular views of the desert landscape. Dune bashing is a safe and fun activity, as the vehicles are driven by professional and experienced drivers, and the passengers are provided with seat belts and safety equipment. Dune bashing usually lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes, and is suitable for anyone above the age of 3 years.
2. Sandboarding
This is another fun and adventurous activity that you can enjoy in the Dubai desert safari, where you can slide down the sand dunes on a board, similar to snowboarding. Sandboarding is a great way to enjoy the desert in a different and exhilarating way, and to test your balance and skills. Sandboarding is an easy and enjoyable activity, as the boards are provided by the tour operators, and the instructors are available to guide you and teach you the basics. Sandboarding usually lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes, and is suitable for anyone above the age of 10 years.
3. Quad biking
This is another exciting and adventurous activity that you can enjoy in the Dubai desert safari, where you can ride a four-wheeled bike over the sand dunes, and explore the desert at your own pace. Quad biking is a great way to enjoy the desert in a more personal and independent way, and to experience the thrill of speed and power. Quad biking is a challenging and rewarding activity, as the bikes are provided by the tour operators, and the instructors are available to guide you and teach you the safety rules and techniques. Quad biking usually lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes, and is suitable for anyone above the age of 16 years.
4. Camel riding
This is one of the most traditional and authentic activities that you can enjoy in the Dubai desert safari, where you can ride a camel, the ship of the desert, and experience the desert life of the Bedouins. Camel riding is a great way to enjoy the desert in a more relaxed and peaceful way, and to appreciate the beauty and charm of the desert. Camel riding is a simple and enjoyable activity, as the camels are well-trained and friendly, and the guides are available to assist you and tell you more about the camels and the desert. Camel riding usually lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes, and is suitable for anyone above the age of 3 years.
5. Hot air ballooning
This is one of the most spectacular and romantic activities that you can enjoy in the Dubai desert safari, where you can fly over the desert in a hot air balloon, and enjoy the panoramic views of the desert and the city. Hot air ballooning is a great way to enjoy the desert in a more magical and memorable way, and to witness the sunrise or the sunset over the desert. Hot air ballooning is a safe and fun activity, as the balloons are operated by professional and licensed pilots, and the passengers are provided with safety equipment and instructions. Hot air ballooning usually lasts for about an hour, and is suitable for anyone above the age of 5 years.
6. Cultural shows
This is one of the most entertaining and educational activities that you can enjoy in the Dubai desert safari, where you can watch and participate in various cultural performances, such as belly dancing, fire dancing, tanoura dancing, and falconry. Cultural shows are a great way to enjoy the desert in a more lively and festive way, and to learn more about the Arabian culture and heritage. Cultural shows are an easy and enjoyable activity, as the performers are talented and professional, and the audience is invited to join and interact with them. Cultural shows usually last for about an hour, and are suitable for anyone above the age of 3 years.
Best time to go for a desert safari
The best time to go for a desert safari in Dubai is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, and the desert is more green and vibrant. However, you can also go for a desert safari in the summer months, between April and September, when the weather is hotter and drier, and the desert is more barren and desolate.
Weather
The weather in the desert can be very different from the weather in the city, and can change drastically throughout the day. The desert can be very hot and sunny during the day, and very cold and windy during the night. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast before going for a desert safari, and dress accordingly. You should also carry some essentials, such as sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, scarf, jacket, and water, to protect yourself from the sun, the sand, and the cold.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative guide to the Dubai desert safari, and has helped you plan and prepare for your desert safari adventure. The Dubai desert safari is a must-do and must-see attraction in Dubai, as it offers you a unique and exciting way to experience the desert, and to enjoy various activities and experiences, such as dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, camel riding, hot air ballooning, and cultural shows. You can also choose from different types of desert safaris, such as morning, evening, overnight, and luxury, depending on your budget, timing, and preference.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your Dubai desert safari now and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.