8 Best Dubai Desert Safari Tours (2025 Reviews)

Dubai Desert Safari experiences have become my absolute obsession after my previous visit to this glittering emirate. There’s something almost spiritual about escaping the city’s sleek skyscrapers to witness the timeless beauty of rolling sand dunes.

The contrast between ultra-modern Dubai and the ancient desert landscape creates a magical tension that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world. And no matter how many times I go, it always feels like the first, especially when I’ve taken a moment to plan ahead. (If you haven’t already, check out this desert safari dress code guide; it’s one of those things that quietly makes a huge difference.)

I’ve bounced across golden dunes at sunset, savored aromatic Middle Eastern cuisine under starlit skies, and watched traditional tanoura dancers spin their colorful skirts beneath the desert moon. There’s drama, serenity, and storytelling in every movement, and the best tours let you feel it all.

And if you’ve got more than a couple of days in town, I always recommend pairing the desert with something different — like an Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai for a completely different view of the Emirates: one that’s quieter, grander, and built around cultural reverence.

If you’re wondering which desert safari will give you that perfect blend of adrenaline and authentic cultural immersion, you’re in exactly the right place. I’ve personally tested the most popular options to bring you this selection.

Below are my top 3 favorite Dubai Desert Safari Tours and full reviews on 8 tours.

Desert Safari Dubai is Worth Every Dirham!

Compare Top Tours: Dubai Desert Safari: Experience the Best of the Arabian Desert, Dubai Desert Safari With Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner, and Dubai: Quad Bike Safari, Camels & Al Khayma Camp BBQ Dinner

Dubai Desert Safari: Experience the Best of the Arabian Desert	Dubai Desert Safari With Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner	Dubai: Quad Bike Safari, Camels & Al Khayma Camp BBQ Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours	Duration: 7 hours	Duration: 6 hours
Pickup: Hotel pickup included	Pickup: Hotel pickup included	Pickup: Hotel pickup included
Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours	Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours	Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Includes: Dune bashing, Camel rides, BBQ dinner, Entertainment	Includes: Dune bashing, Camel rides, BBQ dinner, Cultural shows	Includes: Quad biking, Camel rides, BBQ dinner, Sandboarding
Premium 4×4 vehicles, Sunset photo stops, Traditional dress experience	Live entertainment, Henna painting, Shisha smoking, Belly dancing	Red dune desert experience, Private quad bikes, Smaller group sizes
👉 Reserve Your Spot!	👉 Reserve Your Spot!	👉 Reserve Your Spot!

Dune Bashing Dubai

• Tour 1: Dubai Desert Safari: Experience the Best of the Arabian Desert
• Tour 2: Dubai Desert Safari With Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner
• Tour 3: Dubai: Quad Bike Safari, Camels & Al Khayma Camp BBQ Dinner
• Tour 4: Dubai Desert Safari, Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ
• Tour 5: Dubai: Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Show & Optional Dinner
• Tour 6: 6-Hour Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Quad Biking
• Tour 7: Dubai: Jeep Desert Safari, Camel Ride, and Quad Bike Tour
• Tour 8: Premium Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner in the Red Dunes

Dubai Desert Safari Tours (2025 Reviews)

Tour 1: Dubai Desert Safari: Experience the Best of the Arabian Desert

✅ Meeting Point: Hotel pickup from any Dubai hotel or residence
✅ Departure Time: Afternoon pickup between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM
✅ Duration: 5-6 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking professional desert guides
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the experience
✅ Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, Arabic attire photo opportunity, BBQ dinner, cultural performances

I’ve always believed that the true soul of a destination reveals itself when you venture beyond its most polished surfaces. This principle has never felt more true than during my recent excursion into Dubai’s golden desert landscape, where the city’s gleaming veneer gives way to something far more timeless and profound.

Our guide, Samir, who grew up in a Bedouin family before Dubai’s transformation, arrived precisely at 3:00 PM in a meticulously maintained Land Cruiser.

His handshake was firm, his smile genuine, small details that immediately set the tone for the afternoon ahead. As we pulled away from my hotel, the architectural marvels of downtown gradually receded in the rearview mirror, replaced by an increasingly sparse landscape that seemed to inhale more deeply with each passing kilometer.

The transition into the desert happens subtly at first, then all at once. One moment you’re contemplating the last outposts of civilization; the next, you’re surrounded by undulating dunes that stretch toward the horizon like a golden sea frozen in mid-swell.

The dune bashing portion was a heart-racing 4×4 adventure up and down the steep slopes, managed to strike that perfect balance between exhilarating and controlled, with Samir expertly navigating the seemingly impossible angles with practiced ease.

We booked the Dubai Desert Safari: Experience the Best of the Arabian Desert based on a friend’s glowing recommendation, and the experience delivered on every promise. What surprised me most was the quality of those quieter moments between activities, the hush that fell over our small group as the sun began its descent, painting the sand in impossible shades of amber and rose.

I found myself removing my sandals to feel the still-warm grains between my toes, a simple pleasure that somehow felt profound in this ancient landscape.

The evening crescendoed at the desert camp, where we were welcomed with dates and cardamom-infused Arabic coffee served from a traditional brass dallah. The BBQ dinner that followed featured perfectly grilled meats and an array of mezze that would put many high-end restaurants to shame.

As darkness enveloped the desert, a tanoura dancer took center stage, his swirling skirts creating a hypnotic display of color and movement beneath the emerging stars.

A word of advice: bring a light layer for when the temperature drops after sunset, and don’t be shy about engaging with the staff; their personal stories add remarkable depth to the experience.

Tour 2: Dubai Desert Safari With Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

✅ Meeting Point: Complimentary pickup from any Dubai hotel
✅ Departure Time: Late afternoon pickup between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
✅ Duration: 7 hours
✅ Guide: Professional English-speaking desert guides
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, full refund with 24 hours notice
✅ Includes: Hotel transfers, dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, belly dance show, tanoura performance, henna painting, BBQ dinner with vegetarian options

There’s something deliciously disorienting about leaving behind Dubai’s air-conditioned perfection and surrendering to the primal rhythm of the desert. I found myself contemplating this shift as our Land Cruiser crested an impossibly steep dune, momentarily suspended before plunging down the amber slope in a shower of sand.

“The desert doesn’t care about your Instagram aesthetic,” I laughingly told my friend as we emerged from the vehicle, hair wild with wind and faces flushed with adrenaline. Our guide, Ahmed, sunglasses perched atop his keffiyeh, smiled knowingly. “The desert has its own beauty standards,” he quipped, gesturing toward the rippled landscape stretching before us, a canvas painted in gradients of gold and shadow.

The sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the dunes and bathing everything in honey-colored light that magical hour photographers chase and poets attempt to capture. I wasn’t prepared for how the simple act of removing my shoes and feeling warm sand between my toes would ground me so completely to the moment.

We had chosen the Dubai Desert Safari With Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner for its full spectrum of experiences, but it was the unscripted moments between activities that lingered: watching a falcon circle against the fading light, the rich aroma of cardamom coffee being prepared, the way conversations with strangers flowed easily in this otherworldly setting.

My camel, a gentle giant named Sahara with impossibly long eyelashes, regarded me with ancient eyes that seemed to hold the desert’s secrets. The rhythmic sway of her gait offered a meditation of sorts, a stark contrast to the adrenaline rush of dune bashing.

The evening culminated at a Bedouin-style camp where we sank into plush carpets under the emerging stars. The food, a feast of grilled meats, fragrant rice, and mezze, satisfied on a primal level. Later, as a belly dancer moved with hypnotic grace to drums that seemed to echo my own heartbeat, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours—perhaps the true luxury of desert time.

A tip? Pack a light scarf that can serve multiple purposes: sun protection, warmth when the temperature drops, and an impromptu backdrop for that perfect desert sunset photo.

Tour 3: Dubai: Quad Bike Safari, Camels & Al Khayma Camp BBQ Dinner

✅ Meeting Point: Hotel pickup included from any Dubai accommodation
✅ Departure Time: Between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM (varies seasonally)
✅ Duration: 6 hours
✅ Guide: English and Arabic-speaking desert specialists
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Quad bike riding, camel experience, sandboarding, BBQ dinner with live cooking stations, traditional entertainment, unlimited drinks

Have you ever had that instinctive moment when your entire body seems to recalibrate to a new rhythm? That’s precisely what happened as I straddled my quad bike and the engine roared to life beneath me, sending vibrations through my body that seemed to synchronize with the vast desert surrounding us.

I’d come to Dubai chasing luxury and found it in abundance in the marble-clad hotel lobbies, in the meticulously curated restaurant experiences. But it wasn’t until I was racing across russet-colored dunes, my scarf fluttering wildly behind me, that I found something more valuable: a raw, unfiltered connection to a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millennia.

“Faster!” our guide Khalid encouraged with a grin that suggested he’d seen countless city dwellers like me discover the intoxicating freedom of desert speed. I obliged, leaning into a turn that sent sand spraying in an elegant arc behind me. Was this what liberation felt like? The cool metal of the handlebars contrasting with the sun’s persistent warmth on my skin, the taste of desert minerals on my lips, the vastness stretching before me a playground without walls or expectations.

The transition from the adrenaline rush of quad biking to the gentle sway of camel riding offered a beautiful juxtaposition. After researching several options, we selected the Dubai: Quad Bike Safari, Camels & Al Khayma Camp BBQ Dinner specifically for this diversity of experiences.

My camel, a dignified creature with knowing eyes and impossibly long lashes, moved with a meditative rhythm that seemed to slow time itself.

As twilight descended, Al Khayma Camp emerged like a mirage among the dunes, lanterns casting pools of golden light across carpets so richly patterned they seemed to tell stories of their own.

The dinner that followed wasn’t just a meal but a celebration: slow-roasted lamb that fell from the bone, bread baked in earthen ovens before our eyes, and cardamom-laced coffee that lingered on the palate long after the cup was empty.

Between bites, I found myself exchanging stories with a family from Singapore, proof that desert hospitality dissolves the barriers we so carefully construct in our urban lives.

As stars emerged overhead with astonishing clarity, I realized I hadn’t checked my email in hours, perhaps the truest measure of a transcendent experience.

Tour 4: Dubai Desert Safari, Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ

✅ Meeting Point: Complimentary pickup from any Dubai hotel or residence
✅ Departure Time: Pickup between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM
✅ Duration: 6-7 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking expert desert drivers and guides
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, full refund if canceled 24 hours before the experience
✅ Includes: Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, cultural shows, henna painting, shisha experience

A particular kind of silence exists in the desert at sunset, not the absence of sound, but rather a presence that settles over you like fine silk.

I found myself surrendering to this quiet symphony as our 4×4 paused atop a majestic dune, the engine finally still after thirty exhilarating minutes of cresting and plunging across Dubai’s golden landscape.

“The desert has its own time zone,” whispered Faisal, our guide, handing me a bottle of water with a knowing smile. Isn’t it curious how profound simple statements can seem when delivered against such a dramatic backdrop? I took a long sip, watching as the late afternoon light transformed the rippled sand into a sea of honey and copper.

My previous trip to Dubai had been filled with the expected indulgences, champagne brunches, designer boutiques, and infinity pools with impossible views. But it wasn’t until I felt the gentle sway of a camel beneath me, its ancient rhythm completely unhurried by our modern obsession with efficiency, that I truly connected with this remarkable place.

The Dubai Desert Safari, Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ offers that rare balance of adrenaline and tranquility that satisfies both sides of my personality.

One moment, I was laughing wildly as our skilled driver navigated seemingly impossible slopes; the next, I found myself cross-legged on a Persian carpet, watching stars emerge while sipping cardamom-infused coffee from a tiny cup without handles.

The dinner that followed was far from the mediocre buffet I’d secretly feared. Instead, meats were grilled to perfection, the hummus was clearly house-made with a generous swirl of olive oil, and the desserts-oh-oh—, those honeyed, pistachio-laden morsels—would have impressed even my pastry-chef cousin, who judges everything with professional scrutiny.

Between the hypnotic swirls of a tanoura dancer’s colorful skirts and the gentle application of henna to my wrist by a woman whose lined face suggested stories I longed to hear, I realized I’d found that elusive travel sweet spot: cultural immersion without contrivance, adventure without planning.

Tour 5: Dubai: Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Show & Optional Dinner

✅ Meeting Point: Hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai
✅ Departure Time: Afternoon departure, 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM
✅ Duration: 6 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking desert guides
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Dune bashing, sunset photography, camel rides, cultural performances, dinner option

Don’t you find that travel’s most genuine moments often arrive unannounced, in places where your expectations are thoroughly upended? This thought danced through my mind as our 4×4 crested a particularly magnificent dune, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across ripples of sand that resembled nothing so much as a golden ocean frozen in time.

I’ve spent countless hours in luxury resorts across six continents—sipping craft cocktails in infinity pools and indulging in elaborate spa rituals—but there’s something about the elemental simplicity of desert landscapes that strips away pretension and quiets my perpetually buzzing mind in ways no five-star wellness retreat ever has.

Our driver Mohammed, with hands calloused from years of navigating these ever-shifting dunes, slowed to point out a desert fox in the distance—its delicate form barely visible against the sand. “They’re survivors,” he noted with unmistakable respect. Aren’t we all trying to be, I thought, in our own air-conditioned ways?

After thorough research and perhaps one too many spreadsheet comparisons (a professional hazard), I chose the Dubai: Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Show & Optional Dinner for its balance of adventure and cultural immersion. What I hadn’t anticipated was how the simple act of removing my sandals to feel warm sand between my toes would ground me so completely in the present moment—a rare state for someone whose mind typically races between past reflections and future plans.

The desert camp emerged as twilight settled, lanterns casting pools of amber light across intricately patterned carpets. I found myself cross-legged on plush cushions, fingers wrapped around a tiny cup of cardamom coffee so fragrant it seemed to contain the essence of hospitality itself. The dinner that followed—tender lamb, smoky baba ganoush, bread still warm from stone ovens—satisfied on a level that transcended mere hunger.

Later, watching a tanoura dancer spin in hypnotic circles beneath stars that seemed close enough to touch, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours, perhaps the true luxury in our hyperconnected world.

Tour 6: 6-Hour Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Quad Biking

✅ Meeting Point: Hotel pickup service from any Dubai location
✅ Departure Time: Afternoon pickup between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM
✅ Duration: 6 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking desert guides and professional drivers
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, full refund with 24-hour notice
✅ Includes: Dune bashing, quad biking (30 minutes), BBQ dinner, cultural shows, unlimited beverages

Have you ever noticed how travel memories crystallize most vividly around sight and sensory contrasts? The cool touch of evening air against sun-warmed skin. The silence that follows an engine’s roar. The surreal contrast of your cocktail dress from last night has now been swapped for desert boots coated in fine golden dust.

I found myself contemplating these delicious paradoxes while perched atop a quad bike, my hands firm on the handlebars, staring down a rippled dune that seemed to cascade endlessly toward the horizon. My heart quickened—half anticipation, half that particular brand of fear that reminds you you’re gloriously alive.

“Just lean back and trust the machine,” advised Tariq, our guide, his eyes crinkling with amusement at my obvious city-girl hesitation. So I did—surrendering to gravity and mechanical power, letting out an involuntary whoop as I carved a path down the slope, sand spraying in an elegant arc behind me.

After meticulous research (and yes, perhaps too many TripAdvisor rabbit holes), I’d chosen the 6-Hour Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Quad Biking for its balance of adrenaline and culture. What surprised me most was how quickly time recalibrated here, stretching and contracting in ways my Google Calendar could never comprehend.

The traditional camp appeared like a mirage as sunset painted the dunes in impossible shades of amber and rose. Lanterns cast pools of golden light across carpets so vibrantly patterned they seemed almost alive.

Over dinner, succulent lamb, bread still warm from stone ovens, dates so sweet they made my teeth ache, I found myself in conversation with a family from Barcelona, proof that desert hospitality dissolves the artificial barriers we construct in our urban lives.

Later, watching stars emerge with astonishing clarity, I wondered if perhaps this was Dubai’s true luxury—not its gleaming towers or designer boutiques, but these ancient dunes that remain magnificently indifferent to our human concept of time.

Tour 7: Dubai: Jeep Desert Safari, Camel Ride, and Quad Bike Tour

✅ Meeting Point: Complimentary pickup from Dubai hotels and residences
✅ Departure Time: Afternoon collection between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM
✅ Duration: 6-7 hours
✅ Guide: English and Arabic-speaking desert experts
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Dune bashing in jeeps, quad biking, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, cultural entertainment

Isn’t it fascinating how we spend so much of our lives cultivating control, only to discover that true joy often lies in its surrender?

This thought floated through my mind as our jeep tilted at what felt like a physically impossible angle, sliding sideways down a massive dune while I clutched the door handle and laughed with equal parts terror and exhilaration.

“Habibi, this is only the beginning!” called our driver Khalid, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror with a glint that promised further adventures. Having traded my carefully selected midi dress and hotel slippers for loose linen pants and sturdy footwear, I felt myself slipping into a different rhythm, one dictated by sun and sand rather than Gmail notifications.

The dune bashing segment transitioned beautifully into quad biking, an activity I’d initially approached with urban-girl trepidation. Yet there’s something transformative about the rumble of an engine beneath you and endless golden waves stretching toward the horizon.

My knuckles, normally occupied with laptop keys and wine glasses, turned white against the handlebars before gradually relaxing into newfound confidence.

I’d researched numerous options before selecting the Dubai: Jeep Desert Safari, Camel Ride, and Quad Bike Tour for its perfect balance of adrenaline and cultural immersion. What the online description couldn’t capture was the quality of silence that descends as the sun begins to set, a hush so profound it feels almost tangible.

The traditional camp appeared like something from a fever dream after our adventures, lanterns swaying gently, carpets unfolded beneath a deepening indigo sky.

Over dinner, I found myself in conversation with a French photographer who’d been documenting desert life for decades. “The dunes never truly repeat themselves,” he observed, passing me a plate of honeyed pastries that tasted of cardamom and possibility.

Later, watching the stars emerge with impossible clarity, I realized I’d forgotten to check my phone’s battery percentage—perhaps the truest vacation victory.

Tour 8: Premium Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner in the Red Dunes

✅ Meeting Point: Luxury hotel pickup service throughout Dubai
✅ Departure Time: Premium afternoon departure at 3:00 PM
✅ Duration: 7 hours
✅ Guide: Multilingual professional desert guides
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes, full refund with 24-hour notice
✅ Includes: Premium dune bashing in luxury 4x4s, red dune experience, gourmet BBQ dinner, private seating areas, enhanced cultural performances

A special change happens when you leave behind Dubai’s polished marble and air-conditioned precision for something far more ancient.

I felt it the moment our gleaming white Land Cruiser turned off the highway and the first ripples of sand appeared, this seismic shift from urban sophistication to something more primal, more honest.

“The red dunes are different,” explained Yasir, our guide, whose elegant keffiyeh-framed eyes had clearly witnessed thousands of sunsets across this landscape. “The iron oxide in the sand—it’s like nature decided to paint with a different palette here.” How wonderfully refreshing to find myself in a place where nature, not human ambition, dictates the aesthetic.

The dune bashing portion was a heart-racing ballet of gravity and skill, struck that perfect balance between exhilaration and elegance. Unlike previous 4×4 experiences in Morocco, where I’d questioned my mortality more than once, this felt controlled, intentional, almost choreographed.

Yasir navigated slopes that seemed to defy physics, the vehicle dancing sideways across dunes while I alternated between gasps and laughter.

After extensive research (aided by one too many glasses of Sancerre in my hotel room), I’d selected the Premium Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner in the Red Dunes for its promise of something beyond the standard tourist circuit. The premium designation proved more than marketing, evident in the thoughtful spacing between vehicles during sunset photography, the traditional camp’s quality, and the staff’s attentiveness.

Sunset transformed the already remarkable landscape into something almost mythological, dunes aflame with crimson and gold, shadows extending like liquid across the sand. I removed my sandals, feeling warm grains between my toes, and experienced that rare travel sensation of being exactly where I was meant to be.

Dinner unfolded beneath stars so brilliant they seemed almost three-dimensional. The tender lamb seasoned with sumac, smoky baba ganoush, and bread still radiating warmth transcended my high expectations.

Between sips of cardamom-laced coffee served from a dallah with theatrical flair, I found myself in conversation with a fascinating Italian architect, testimony to how shared experiences in remarkable settings dissolve our usual social boundaries.

FAQs (8 Best Desert Safari Dubai (2025 Reviews))

What should I wear for a Dubai desert safari?

Comfort is key. I recommend lightweight cotton or linen pants rather than shorts (sand gets everywhere, trust me). A t-shirt with a light long-sleeve layer is perfect for desert temperatures that drop surprisingly quickly after sunset.

Closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable for activities like quad biking and sandboarding. I usually bring a light scarf that serves triple duty: sun protection, warmth after dark, and impromptu photoshoot accessory. Oh, and sunglasses are essential; the golden hour light is magnificent but intense.

Is dune bashing safe? I get motion sickness easily.

The honest answer? It’s designed to be thrilling, not terrifying. Professional drivers are incredibly skilled at navigating these dunes safely. That said, if you’re prone to motion sickness (I empathize completely), take your usual medication 30 minutes before departure and request a seat in the middle of the vehicle where movement is less pronounced.

Let your guide know about your concerns; they can often adjust the intensity. Some tours also offer the option to skip dune bashing while still enjoying other activities. My friend who gets queasy on carousel rides managed just fine after following these tips.

How physically demanding are desert safari activities?

Most desert safaris cater to a wide range of fitness levels. Dune bashing requires no physical effort, you’re simply a passenger. Camel riding demands basic balance and flexibility for mounting/dismounting (though guides assist everyone).

Sandboarding can be as easy or challenging as you choose. I’ve seen grandmothers and children enjoying it. Quad biking requires some upper-body strength to handle the vehicle. If you have specific concerns, mention them when booking.

I traveled with my aunt, who has mild arthritis, and guides were wonderfully accommodating, helping her participate comfortably in most activities.

What’s typically included in the BBQ dinner? Are there vegetarian options?

The dinner spread is genuinely impressive, not just “good for being in the desert” but legitimately delicious. Expect grilled meats (lamb, chicken, beef), traditional mezze (hummus, baba ganoush, tabouleh), fresh salads, Arabic bread, and sweet pastries.

Every safari I’ve experienced offered substantial vegetarian options, but it’s worth specifying dietary requirements when booking. My vegan friend was delighted with her specially prepared dishes on our last trip. Beverages typically include water, soft drinks, and Arabic coffee. Some premium tours include alcoholic options, but most don’t due to licensing restrictions.

How much should I tip my desert safari guide?

Tipping culture in Dubai strikes that interesting balance between Western expectations and Middle Eastern hospitality traditions. For a group desert safari, 50-100 AED ($14-28) per couple is appropriate for excellent service. For private tours, 10-15% of the tour cost is a good guideline.

I usually prepare smaller bills in advance, as the magical desert evening isn’t ideal for calculating percentages or asking for change. Remember that many guides rely significantly on tips, especially those who go above and beyond with personalized attention and insider knowledge.

Can I bring my camera or drone to capture the desert landscapes?

Bring your camera! Desert landscapes offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. Most safari companies welcome photography enthusiasts. I’ve seen people with professional DSLRs and tripods without issue. However, drones require permits in the UAE and may be restricted in certain desert conservation areas.

Even if technically allowed, the sound can disturb other guests seeking that magical desert silence. My suggestion? Focus on ground-level photography during your safari and perhaps book a specialized desert photography tour if capturing aerial footage is your priority.

Is a desert safari suitable for children? What’s the minimum age?

Though policies vary, most safari companies welcome children as young as 4-5 years old. The dinner and cultural performances are delightful for all ages, while dune bashing might be too intense for very young children or those easily frightened. Some activities, like quad biking, have minimum age requirements (typically 16).

Based on my observations, children between 7-12 seem to enjoy these tours most—old enough to appreciate the adventure but young enough to be mesmerized by camels and endless sand. Consider morning safaris for younger children to avoid disrupting bedtime routines, and always bring extra water, snacks, and sun protection.

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501 Places and Tours Editor’s Ranking: Dubai Desert Safari: Experience the Best of the Arabian Desert

501 Places and Tours Editor’s Top Choice

Dubai Desert Safari: Experience the Best of the Arabian Desert is the #1 Ranked Tour in 8 Best Dubai Desert Safari Tours based on a dynamic blend of category-specific criteria.

Ranked Criteria:

• Wow Factor
• Guide Energy
• Route Variety
• Scenic Views
• Value for Money