Dubai Desert Safari: Discover the Dunes On A Desert Tour With Platinum Heritage Dubai

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I’ve had many adventures over the years, but a Dubai desert safari is unique. It’s like entering a new softer world, close to the city’s shine. Imagine endless golden dunes, the excitement of falcon show, education about the dunes and its wildlife, and a dinner under the stars.

Planning a trip to Dubai? Make sure to include a desert safari. It’s unforgettable. Top desert safari operators in Dubai mix adventure with culture, however we specifically were looking for a desert tip with no dune bashing or camel rides. We wanted to learn about the desert and the Bedouin culture and not be crazy in a 4wd.

Table of Contents

That and I am not a camel fan!

The best time for a desert safari in Dubai is from October to May. The weather is better, and you can enjoy the desert without getting too hot, however as its evening you can do it in any weather really.

Ariel view of Ibex in the deserts of Dubai
Ibex around a desert oasis in Dubai

Understanding Dubai Desert Safari Experiences

Dubai’s desert safaris are a great escape from the city. There’s something for everyone, from luxury to overnight adventures, from exclusive VIP trips to family friendly ones.

Different Types of Desert Safari Tours

There are many tours to choose from. Evening safaris are popular, but you can also find afternoon and sunset tours. For a deeper experience, try an overnight safari. This one that we did had the option to add both camel rides and an overnight stay. We opted for the day trip only and loved it.

Best Seasons for Desert Safari

The best time for desert safaris is from October to May. The weather is cooler, making it more fun. I’ve learned that booking early is key, even more so during peak season.

SeasonTemperatureCrowd Level
Winter (Oct-May)20-30°C (68-86°F)High
Summer (Jun-Sep)35-45°C (95-113°F)Low

Duration and Timing Options

Most evening safaris last 5-6 hours. Pick-up times vary from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM depending on the weather, sunset time and how many guests they have. The trip to the dunes takes about 1.5 hours.

The desert trip lasted until about 9pm and we return to Dubai arriving around 11 PM.

dubai overnight desert safari

Premium Desert Safari Operators in Dubai

Dubai’s best desert safaris are offered by top-notch operators. They mix luxury, adventure, and cultural experiences. Here are some top choices for your desert trip.

Platinum Heritage Experiences

Platinum Heritage is known for its luxury desert safaris in Dubai. Their Heritage Safari costs about $300 AUD per person but it was well worth it. It includes vintage Land Rover tours, a falcon show, dinner and optional camel rides.

What makes them special is their focus on conservation and true Bedouin experiences. We were very glad we chose this operator and were a little sad that we didn’t think to bring cash for tipping. That is something to remember.

luxury desert safari dubai

For the ultimate desert adventure, these premium operators offer unforgettable experiences.

Timeline Of Our Evening Desert Safari

Pickup:

We were advised of a pickup time of 2:30 pm however they did move this later to 3:30 pm the next day. Like a lot of Asia, a lot of companies use WhatsApp for communication so when you book just put your WhatsApp number and mention that is your preferred method of contact and they will use it.

They picked us up in a very nice Toyota Landcruiser for the drive out to the desert. There was 6 of us and it was very comfortable.

The Drive Out To The Desert

On the way our guide communicated well and told us many stories about the UAE, the history, some current affairs and heaps more. The money that is spent there is staggering. He was telling us about some number plate that sold for over 20M Euro!!

Arrival At The Desert

We arrived to the desert where we were gifted a scarf which was tied to our head for us. They are very skilled at that and after I took mine off later in the evening I couldn’t get it back on as tightly.

You are grateful for the scarf once you get into the land rovers.

Getting my head scarf secured on our desert safari in Dubai
Getting my head scarf secured on our desert safari in Dubai

Driving Through The Desert In the Open Top Cars

This is a great way to see the UAE desert environment. They go quite slowly and explain heaps about the national park, the animals and the conservation efforts. You stop for a sand dune sunset view which is nice and then move on to the falcon show.

The Falconry Show

This was what I went for and I was not disappointed. The young falconer was a South African lad who had been living in Dubai and training the falcons for a few years. The birds were so much smaller than I imagined them to be which really surprised me.

He gave us heaps of information about the birds and their capabilities along with the history of falconry in the region. Then he showed us what the birds can do with a great show that was very impressive.

Finally you could have your photo taken, which we did. We stayed back a little and asked him heaps of questions and he very graciously answered them all.

Sue with the falcon from our falcon show on the desert tour
Sue with the falcon from our falcon show on the desert tour

Dinner At The Bedouin Camp

After the falcon show we drove to the overnight camp for our dinner. The camp is very well setup and the food was great.

They have large tents with traditional cushions and log seats and a wide variety of food on offer. You get heaps of time to eat before you can retire to the communal area for a relax under the stars or a shisha if you wish.

There is an option to stay overnight but we didn’t take that up. The camp tents are spacious and the facilities are good but it is fans only overnight. It didn’t get super cool like I thought it might so you would have to be prepared for a warm night if you chose to stay.

I would have been fine as we don’t use AC in our bedroom at night and I live on the Gold Coast where it does get quite warm. Not Dubai warm but we often have nights that don’t drop below 23 or 24 degrees which I would say is comparable.

Don’t forget its the desert and it can get quite chilly at night.

Inside the meals tent at our Bedouin dinner
Inside the meals tent at our Bedouin dinner

Conservation Efforts In The Desert

Top desert safari operators work hard to protect the desert. The companies like Platinum Heritage use vintage Land Rovers to reduce harm to the environment. They also help with local conservation projects by donating a percentage of the tour cost back to the Ibex conservation project.

They are also great at educating you about how the conservation of the are is handled and funded which we really loved.

Overall I couldn’t recommend Platinum Heritage enough. It was a great night out and we loved it.


Ibex on our desert safari in the UAE
One of the many Ibex that the conservation efforts have helped.

Alternative Dubai Tour Desert Safari Activities and Adventures

A dubai desert safari is full of exciting activities and unique experiences. I’ve tried a few, and they’re all worth it! There are many different options so you will have no trouble finding something to suit your personal tastes.

Dune bashing is a must-try if you’ve never done it. Racing up and down golden sand dunes in a 4×4 is an adrenaline rush you won’t forget! It’s not for everyone and while I did it once, I don’t feel the need to do that again.

Safari Tours That Offer Dune Bashing

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For a more relaxed pace, camel rides let you see the desert in a traditional way, however getting up and down is a little nerve wracking!

Sandboarding is another favorite of mine. It’s like snowboarding, but on sand! And for more speed, ATV quad biking and dune buggys is available for an extra cost. Please give quad bikes the respect they deserve. They aren’t infallible and speed and an unbalanced surface is a great way to hurt yourself. Follow what they say and keep your whit’s about you.

ActivityDurationStarting Price (AED)
Evening Desert Safari6 hours300
Sunrise Desert Safari4 hours150
Overnight Desert Safari16 hours500
Sandboarding Tour3 hours250

For a taste of local culture, try henna painting or dress up in traditional Emirati costumes. Some tours include falconry demonstrations – it’s amazing to see these birds up close and its great to learn about the custom.

With over 20 types of Dubai tour desert safari adventures, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for thrills or cultural insights, the Dubai desert offers unforgettable experiences.

Sue and I on our desert tour
Sue and I on our desert tour

Cultural Experiences in the Desert

A Dubai desert safari is more than just adventure. It’s a peek into Arabian culture and they offer a unique experience beyond just the dunes.

Traditional Bedouin Camp Experience

Many offer overnight stays in a Bedouin-style camp. It’s like traveling back in time to the desert life of 100 years ago! You’ll learn about Bedouin traditions and even try some activities.

Arabic Entertainment and Shows

The entertainment from a lot of these tours are top-notch! Belly dancing (except during Ramadan) is a hit. But the Tanoura dance is my favourite. It’s a pretty cool sight with male dancers in light-up costumes. And the fire shows are always worth seeing.

Cultural Demonstrations and Activities

ActivityDurationPopularity
Camel Ride15 minutesHigh
Henna Painting10-15 minutesVery High
Tanoura Dance Show20 minutesHigh
Fire Show15 minutesVery High

Safety Measures and Guidelines

Safety is a concern for your desert safari. Check that all 4×4 jeeps have roll bars, seat belts, and that first aid kits are on hand. Ask about how drivers are trained for desert driving. But, dune bashing isn’t for everyone. Make sure that your transfer vehicles have seat belts and be sure to use them. You are on the highway out to the desert at high speeds so be safe.

Photography Opportunities

Don’t forget your camera! The desert safari is full of photo opportunities. You can take stunning sunset shots or pictures of your sandboarding. Many tours stop at beautiful spots for those perfect Instagram shots. We purchased the photos from the professional photographer on our tour, but to be honest I wouldn’t do that again.

I got the exchange rate mixed up and we ended up paying $150 AUD for about 20 photos which I wouldn’t have paid if I hadn’t have stuffed up the conversion.

Driving through the desert on our Dubai Safari

Dining and Entertainment Under the Stars

Almost all of the sunset or evening tours will visit a traditional Bedouin-style camp for a meal.

You’ll usually find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, from Arabic to international flavours, however if you have particular dietary requirements please check with the tour operator prior. The low tables and cushions make it feel like a real Arabian night but if you have mobility issues, maybe let them know beforehand so they can accommodate that. .

After dinner, join the stargazing session. It’s a calm way to end the night, watching the desert sky. For luxury, some offer fine dining and private cabanas.


What to Expect and How to Prepare

Let’s dive into the essentials to make your Dubai tour desert safari unforgettable. From packing to timing, I’ve got you covered with insider tips.

Dress Code and Essential Items

For your desert safari, comfort is key. Wear loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes. The desert can be chilly, so pack a light jacket from September to February. Shoes that tie on are essential as you aren’t always on sand. You can remove your shoes on the dunes and in the camp, but there are some areas with stones and compacted dirt so shoes are essential.

Don’t forget these must-haves:

  • Sunscreen (reapply every two hours)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (be wary of sand infiltration)
  • Water bottle

Best Time to Book

Dubai’s peak tourist season is from November to March. It’s the perfect time for a desert safari with cooler temperatures. Book your tour in advance to secure your spot, as these months are busy.

Transportation Details

Most Dubai tour desert safari operators offer hotel pick-up services. Tours start around 3:00 PM and last about six hours. Expect a 45-60 minute drive to the desert. Pro tip: avoid heavy meals before dune bashing to prevent motion sickness.

Tour DetailInformation
Average Duration6-7 hours
Pick-up Time3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Drive to Desert45-60 minutes
Tour InclusionsDune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, BBQ dinner, entertainment

Remember, your desert safari is more than just a tour – it’s an adventure. Pack smart, book early, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the dunes!

Accommodation In Dubai

Dubai has an amazing amount of accommodation options so you won’t have trouble finding anything. The usual hotel booking websites will help, however I’ve also used VRBO a few times in Dubai and have really liked the variety on their website. Last time we managed to book a 2 bedroom in a hotel apartment complex. That was so handy to have out own space to cook if we wanted, but also to have the hotel restaurant and breakfast available too.

Conclusion

I’ve been on a few desert safari trips in the UAE. Whether you want the best or something affordable, there’s a perfect choice for you. A standard package starts at 150 AED, but you can find deals as low as 109 AED for a limited time. That’s a great deal for 6-8 hours of fun!

On my last trip, what really stood out was the eco-friendly focus. Our safari was in a conservation area, showing that adventure and care for nature can go together.

Whether you’re quad biking in Al Qudra or stargazing in Lahbab, each desert has its own charm. A dubai desert safari is more than a tour. It’s a journey into Arabian culture and nature.

Vintage land rovers doing desert tours in Dubai
Vintage land rovers doing desert tours in Dubai

FAQ

What types of desert safari tours are available in Dubai?

Dubai has many desert safari options. You can choose from evening, afternoon, sunset, or overnight tours. There are both standard and luxury tours, depending on what you like and can afford.

When is the best time to go on a desert safari in Dubai?

The best time for a desert safari is from October to May. This is when the weather is cooler, making your trip more comfortable.

How long do desert safari tours usually last?

Most evening safaris last 5-6 hours. You’ll be picked up between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM, depending on the season and tour.

What activities can I expect on a Dubai desert safari?

On a desert safari, you can do lots of fun things. Activities include dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and ATV quad biking (for an extra fee). You can also enjoy cultural experiences like henna painting, trying on traditional clothes, and smoking shisha.

Are there any luxury desert safari options available?

Yes, there are luxury options like those from Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures. These include gourmet meals, private tours, and special activities like vintage Land Rover rides or hot air balloon flights.

What should I wear for a desert safari?

Wear comfy, light clothes like jeans and t-shirts. Sports shoes are best for safety. In winter (December to March), wear light woolen clothes for warmth.

Is dune bashing safe?

Dune bashing is safe with experienced drivers. It has safety features like roll-over protection cages and seatbelts. But, pregnant women, young kids, and people with health issues should not go.

What kind of food is served during the desert safari?

Most tours offer a big BBQ dinner with many dishes. You’ll find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some tours also have unlimited soft drinks and even alcohol.

Can I see wildlife during the desert safari?

Yes, you can see native wildlife like Arabian Oryx and gazelles. Some tours also have falcon shows, showing off these amazing birds.

How far in advance should I book a desert safari?

Book your tour early, specially during busy seasons. This way, you can choose your preferred date and safari type.

Are desert safaris suitable for children?

Many desert safaris are good for families. But, check with the tour operator first. Some activities, like dune bashing, might not be safe for young kids or pregnant women.

What’s the difference between a standard and a luxury desert safari?

Luxury safaris offer unique experiences like private tours, gourmet meals, and special activities. They provide a more personalized and high-end experience than standard tours.


Jenny Marsden - Charge The Globe
About the author

Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She’s always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.