Going on a desert safari in Dubai: All the options + Tips!

You want to go on a desert safari during your trip to Dubai ?

Great idea!

In order to help you choose among the various options available, I have selected the 7 best desert safaris in Dubai.

Whether you want to go on the classic 4×4 safari, or you’re looking for a sportier version on a quad bike (ATV) or a buggy,  I have what you need!

And if you’re looking for a unique experience in the desert, you can even spend the night in a Bedouin camp or go on a hot air baloon flight above the dunes.

So, what are the best desert tours in Dubai?

Book your desert safari in Dubai at the best price

If you only want to book your Dubai desert safari at the best price, without reading this guide (you should read it, as it contains a lot of important information!), here is a summary table of the best desert tours.

Simply click on the tours names for more info and to buy them:

Desert Safari	Description	Price (from)
4WD tour	4WD dune ride Sandboard Camel Barbecue Dinner and animations	80$
Quad bike tour	Quad bike dune ride Sandboard Camel Barbecue Dinner and animations	80$
Buggy tour	Buggy dune ride Sandboard Camel Barbecue Dinner and animations	460$ per buggy for 4h 490$ per buggy for 6h
Night in the desert	4WD dune ride Sandboard Camel Barbecue Dinner and animations Night in the desert Breakfast	150$
Luxury desert safari	5h 4WD tour in Dubai natural reserve Breakfast in a 5* hotel in the middle of the dunes	165$
Hot Air Balloon Flight	1h hot air balloon flight over the desert Falconry demonstration Luxury breakfast, caviar and smoked salmon	320$
Dubai Explorer Pass	Dubai Pass more than 50 activities including desert safari	170$

Do you need to book a tour to go on a desert safari in Dubai?

Yes, it’s mandatory to book an organized day trip to visit Dubai desert.

It’s simply forbidden to go to Dubai desert with your rental car!

Even if you have rented a 4×4 (the type of vehicle you need to get around the desert), you will have to deflate the tyres before entering the desert area.

Add to that that driving in the sand is complicated, and if you don’t have any experience, you just risk getting stuck in the dunes after 50 metres.

Not to mention that in the desert, it’s very hard to know your way and that there is a considerable risk of getting lost 😅.

This is why, if you want to visit Dubai desert, the best (and only) solution is to book an organised day trip!

Best desert trips in Dubai

Here is my selection of the best Dubai desert tours:

1. 4×4 Desert safari in Dubai

This is the most comprehensive desert tour, including several activities to have a great day!

You will first be picked up directly from your hotel in Dubai, no matter where you choose to stay during your trip to Dubai. And of course, you’ll be dropped back at the end of the day.

You will then hop in a 4×4 Land Rover to discover Dubai desert, known for its magnificent red dunes. It’s an incredible landscape where you can take beautiful pictures.

The thrilling sensations will also be a part of the program as your driver (or rather your pilot😋) will introduce you to dune bashing and drifting on the dunes. You’d better hang on!

Want more?

So grab a sandboard (like a snowboard but the desert version!) and go down a few dunes!

And if you’re looking for something quieter, you can opt for a short camel ride.

At the end of the day, you will be taken to the Bedouin camp of Al Khayma to enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet.

The meal is accompanied by a traditional dance show and you can also experience smoking shisha or getting a henna tattoo.

Absolutely all activities are included in this Dubai desert tour, simply choose the options that suits you when booking. You will not have to pay any additional costs on site.

Even better: This Dubai excursion is GetYourGuide Originals certified, which means it’s so good that you will get a full refund if you are not satisfied of your tour!

So if you know your travel dates, you need to book your 4×4 desert safari in Dubai now by clicking on the green button below:

2. Quad bike (ATV) tour in Dubai desert

You’re looking for something sportier?

Then you should opt for the quad bike Dubai desert tour!

Here too, you will be picked up directly in front of your hotel and driven in a 4×4 to Lahbab desert.

You then get on your quad bike and ride through the desert for a 45-minute experience in the red dunes!

After that, you’ll have time to take beautiful photos in the desert and test your sense of balance by going down the dunes on a sandboard.

Your guide will then take you to the Bedouin camp, where you will enjoy a barbecue buffet. Several free activities are also offered at the camp: camel ride, dances, singing, henna tattoos, shisha and more!

To book your quad bike tour in Dubai desert, just click on the button below:

3. Buggy tour in Dubai desert

This buggy tour in Dubai desert is exactly the same as the quad bike tour I mentioned above, except that you will be riding a buggy instead of a quad.

Just like for the quad bike tour, you will drive your own buggy.

You can choose between 2 durations:

• A 3h tour with a 50 minute buggy ride in the desert + sandboard + drinks
• A 6h tour with buggy + sandboard + camel ride + barbecue dinner and activities at the Bedouin camp.

To book your buggy tour in Dubai desert (transport included from your hotel!), simply click on the button below:

4. Spending the night in Dubai desert

Rather than returning to your hotel after your trip, why not extend this great day by spending the night in the desert?

This unique experience in Dubai is possible with the following tour that includes:

• Transport from Dubai to Lahbab desert
• 4×4 ride in the dunes
• Sandboarding
• Photos at sunset
• Barbecue dinner at Al Khayma camp and entertainment.

After dinner, you will get a short night ride in the desert with a guide and then spend the night in a Bedouin tent equipped with comfortable beds.

In the early morning, you will have the opportunity to go for a camel ride in the desert before enjoying a good traditional breakfast and being taken back to your hotel.

To enjoy a great day trip and then spend the night in Dubai desert, simply click on the button below:

5. Luxury desert safari in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

You want to discover Dubai desert like a VIP?

In that case, you should book a luxury desert safari in Dubai.

You will be picked up at your hotel by a Range Rover for a 5-hour tour to a beautiful and preserved place: the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

This nature reserve is the first national park of the United Arab Emirates. It’s home to several protected plant and animal species.

You will be able to observe Arabian oryx (an animal close to the Antelope), gazelles, varans and many birds.

During your tour, your guide will also share his knowledge about the local fauna and flora.

And to end your tour in style, you will enjoy a breakfast served in a magnificent 5* hotel located in the reserve, the Al Maha Desert Resort.

Book your luxury trip to the Dubai desert by clicking on the button below:

6. Flying in a hot air balloon over Dubai desert

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Dubai desert, you should book a hot air balloon flight!

Fly for 1 hour and watch the sun rise over the desert dunes, a truly magical and unforgettable moment.

And for the experience to be even more exceptional, you will attend demonstration of falconry during your flight, made by master falconers. It’s really impressive to see the birds from this close.

Once back on land, you will then be served a luxury breakfast with a fruit tray, smoked salmon and caviar.

Click on the button below to book your hot air balloon flight in Dubai desert:

7. Visit the desert with the Dubai Explorer Pass

To visit Dubai desert, you have one last option: purchasing the Dubai Explorer Pass.

The Dubai pass includes a desert safari, similar to the 4×4 safari I mentioned above. It includes the transport from Dubai, a 4×4 tour in the dunes and the barbecue dinner at the Bedouin camp.

But, what is the Dubai Explorer Pass?

The Dubai Pass is a city pass that gives you access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions (depending on the package chosen). It’s a great way to save time and money during your trip!

In addition to the desert safari, the list includes 50 other activities including the Burj Khalifa, a luxury yacht tour around Palm Jumeirah or tickets to the Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark.

To buy your Dubai Explorer Pass and then book your day trip to Dubai desert, you just have to click on the following button:

And if you would like more detailed information about this pass, you can read my dedicated article: Dubai Pass: the definitive guide.

Other activities to do in Dubai

Now that you have all the information to decide which Dubai desert tour suits you best, you can read my selection of the other best activities to do in Dubai!

In the table below, you will find my top 10 tours and activities (including the desert tour).

Just click on the activity names for more info and to book:

Activities in Dubai	Description	Price (from)
Burj Khalifa	At The Top Ticket Access to the 124th and 125th floors	42$
Desert safari	4WD in the dunes Sandboard + camel ride Barbecue in a camp	80$
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark	Day at the best water park in Dubai	75$
Dubai Creek cruise	Dinner cruise with buffet + dancing/singing	60$
Boat trip	speedboat tour to the Atlantis Hotel + Burj Al Arab	25$
Luxury cruise	Yacht trip with breakfast, lunch or dinner	53$
Dubai Zipline	Zipline from the top of the buildings	170$
Half day guided tour	Guided walking tour of Old Dubai	36$
Full day guided tour	Guided tour of Dubai's must-sees By bus + on foot	150$
Excursion to Abu Dhabi	Transportation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Visit to the Louvre and the Grand Mosque	87$

Itineraries to visit Dubai

In addition to the desert tour, there are many activities and places to visit in Dubai, so it might be a bit hard to plan your stay, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

But no worries, I am here to help!

In order to help you organize your visits, I have prepared itineraries to visit Dubai in 2, 3, 4, 5 days or even a week. All of them, of course, include the desert tour.

In these guides, you will find day to day itineraries and maps. You will see, organizing your trip to Dubai will be super easy!

You can read them by clicking on the following orange links:

• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The definitive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days.

You should also read my article about the 30 best things to do in Dubai: The ultimate guide to visiting Dubai!

Where to stay in Dubai

There are hundreds of hotels in Dubai, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels in Dubai for each district, depending on your budget. I have also made a special list of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai.

As always, to get the best prices, you should book your hotel as early as possible!

The best hotels in Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa)

• DoubleTree of Hilton Dubai – Business Bay: Located 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Very spacious and comfortable room, well decorated and equipped from 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, good breakfast, comfort, tranquility. This my favorite hotel in Dubai for its exceptional value for money!
• Rove Downtown: Only 600 meters from the Dubai Mall. Bright and clean double room with view on Burj Khalifa, from 150€, breakfast for 15€. Strong points: Access to the Dubai Mall on foot, helpful staff, free shuttle service to the beach, Dubai Museum or Madinat Souk.
• Taj Dubai: Located 800 meters from Burj Khalifa. Modern and luxurious room with bay window overlooking the city and marble bathroom starting at 220€ per night, breakfast at 32€. Strong points: The magnificent view from the roof, the Indian decoration, the large swimming pool. An excellent hotel in Dubai city center, perfect for a romantic stay!
• Palace Downtown: Located on the lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this 5-star hotel offers magnificent rooms with balcony, with an exceptional view of the Burj Khalifa. From 380€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: the exceptional location, the beautiful surroundings, the very attentive and helpful staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Downtown Dubai!

The best hotels in old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)

• Golden Sands Hotel Apartments: Located in Bur Dubai, 1.5 km from the Dubai Museum. Apartment equipped with kitchenette and washing machine, from 80€ per night, breakfast from 11€. Strong points: Cleanliness, the heated swimming pool, the comfortable apartments
• Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: Located in Deira district. Warm and spacious room from 115€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: the pleasant staff, the view, the good breakfast. It’s my favourite in Old Dubai for its excellent value for money!
• Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences: Located next to Creekside Park. Very spacious, super comfortable and very well equipped rooms starting at 130€ per night, breakfast at 33€. Strong points: 5 minutes walk from the metro, the warm welcome, the quiet location, the spa.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek: 5* hotel located in Deira bay. Double room with balcony overlooking the bay from 150€, breakfast at 29€. Strong points: The proximity of the metro and the shops, the beautiful swimming pool, the comfortable bed and the amazing view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Old Dubai!

Dubai’s best beach hotels

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: Located 300 meters from the beach. Rooms and apartments with sea view from 125€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: The view, the comfortable beds, the location near the beach and the harbor.
• Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach – Dubai: Located along “The Walk”. Rooms with balcony overlooking the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah from 175€, breakfast at 24€. Strong points: the exceptional view, the proximity of the tram and metro, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hotel.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach: Located 150 meters from the beach. Contemporary room with balcony and sea view from 230€, breakfast at 22€. Strong points: the infinity pool, the very good breakfast, the spa, the ideal location to enjoy the sea.
• Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments: Located on the port promenade. Elegant and bright double room from 290€, breakfast at 42€. Strong points: Comfort, access to the private beach, the quality of the food.

The most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai

• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai: One of the emblematic hotels of the city, located in Palm Jumeirah. Room from 300€, breakfast from 42€. Strong points: Includes access to Aquaventure Park and The Lost Chambers aquarium, private beach, swimming pools.
• Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive: Also located in Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel offers all inclusive rooms (all meals included) from 452€. Strong points: the quality of the meals, the setting, the amazing rooms.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: Located directly on the beach of JBR Walk. Elegantly furnished rooms with balcony and sea view from 500€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: 6 swimming pools, a private beach, the spa, the very helpful staff.
• Armani Hotel Dubai: Located in the Burj Khalifa Tower! Rooms decorated by the fashion designer Giorgio Armani, starting at 550€ per night, breakfast at 41€. Strong points: the privilege of sleeping in the Burj Khalifa, the refinement of the place, the view.
• Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah: Located in Palm Jumeirah. Luxury suite with living room and dining room starting at 750€, breakfast included. Strong points: The private beach, the huge swimming pool and the beautiful gardens.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: THE luxury hotel, one of the rare 7* hotels in the world! The “smallest” suite is 170m² and prices start at 1290€, breakfast at 74€. I can assure you that your stay in Dubai will be truly exceptional and unforgettable!

Do you want to go on a desert safari in Dubai? Which desert trip appeals to you the most?

You’re traveling to Dubai? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Dubai: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai are listed there.

• Dubai: The 30 best places to visit – All best things to do and activities!

• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days!

• Burj Khalifa: The definitive guide to all tickets + Tips
• Dubai Aquarium: discover one of Dubai’s must see attraction

• Dubai Mall: How to plan your visit of this huge shopping center!
• Dubai Old Town: 10 best things to do
• Dubai Fountain Show: all my tips to enjoy it to the fullest!
• Palm Jumeirah: the 15 best things to do!

• TOP Activities in Dubai – The 30 best activities and excursions to do in Dubai!
• Dubai Zipline – Price, info and reservations for the best experience in town!
• The best desert safaris in Dubai – my 7 favorites! (4WD, quad, buggy and more)

• Where to stay in Dubai? The guide to the best hotels by district, for all budgets

• Dubai Pass: The best way to save time and money in Dubai!

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