A desert safari is the one Dubai experience almost every visitor wants — and with good reason. Within an hour of the skyscrapers you’re surrounded by rolling red-orange sand dunes, racing over them in a 4×4, then watching the sun set before dinner under the stars. But there are hundreds of desert safari companies in Dubai, prices range from under AED 100 to over AED 1,500, and packages that look the same can be very different.
This guide explains every type of desert safari in Dubai — evening, morning, overnight, quad bike, dune buggy and VIP — with 2026 prices, what’s included, a typical timetable, who shouldn’t do dune bashing, what to wear and how to choose a good operator. Prices come from recent guides such as The Better Vacation’s 2026 price breakdown; they change with the season, so always compare the live price when you book.
Desert safari Dubai prices 2026
| Safari type | Price (adult) | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning desert safari (shared) | from about AED 104 | about 4 hours | Short on time, hot months, photographers |
| Morning safari + quad bike | about AED 290 | about 4 hours | Adventure |
| Evening desert safari with BBQ dinner (shared) | about AED 210–253 | 7–8 hours | First-timers, families, couples |
| Evening safari + quad bike + BBQ | about AED 420–499 | 7–8 hours | Thrill-seekers |
| Overnight desert safari | about AED 716 | about 18 hours | Stargazing, sunrise, a unique night |
| Private VIP safari | about AED 900–1,200 per vehicle | 7–8 hours | Families of 5–6, groups, special occasions |
Source: The Better Vacation, updated July 2026. Child prices (about ages 3–11) are lower, e.g. about AED 99 for a shared morning safari. Prices in US dollars: AED 210 ≈ $57, AED 499 ≈ $136 (AED 3.67 = $1).
Why is one desert safari AED 99 and another AED 400? The difference is usually the camp quality, group size, food, the vehicle (shared vs private), whether quad biking is included, and hidden extras. Very cheap deals often add costs at the camp or rush through the activities.
Evening desert safari Dubai: what to expect
The evening desert safari is the most popular choice and the one we recommend for a first trip. Evening safaris usually start between 2 and 3 pm and bring you back to your hotel between 9 and 10 pm (source). A typical evening looks like this:
- Hotel pick-up (2–3 pm) in a 4×4, usually a Land Cruiser shared with up to 6 people.
- Drive to the desert (45–60 minutes). Most operators use the Lahbab red dunes, about 50–60 km from central Dubai (source).
- Dune bashing (20–30 minutes): your driver lets some air out of the tyres and races up and down the dunes — a roller-coaster on sand.
- Photo stop and sandboarding on a high dune as the light turns golden.
- Sunset in the desert — the best moment of the day.
- Desert camp: a short camel ride, henna painting, Arabic coffee and dates, shisha, and optional quad biking.
- BBQ dinner (grilled meats, salads, rice, vegetarian dishes) with a tanoura and fire show, and belly dancing at many camps.
- Return to your hotel around 9–10 pm.
Drinks at the camp bar cost extra, and the bar is closed during Ramadan (source). During Ramadan, some entertainment is also reduced.
Morning desert safari Dubai
A morning desert safari is shorter (about 4 hours), cheaper and more focused on adventure: dune bashing, sandboarding and often a camel ride, with no dinner or shows (source). Morning safaris usually start between 8 and 10 am. Choose one if:
- your evenings are already booked (Burj Khalifa at sunset, a dhow cruise);
- you’re travelling in summer and want to avoid the afternoon heat — although even mornings are very hot from June to September;
- you want to add quad biking or a dune buggy without spending the whole day out.
Quad bike, dune buggy and dune bashing in Dubai
Quad biking (ATV) and dune buggies are the most searched add-ons. You’ll find them in three forms:
- Quad bike included in an evening or morning safari: usually a short guided ride on a set track (around 20–35 minutes).
- Self-drive dune buggy tours: 1–2 hours driving your own buggy behind a guide in the open dunes — much more thrilling, and more expensive.
- Quad bike only: a short session at a desert centre, without the full safari.
You usually need to be 16 or 18 to drive a buggy alone (rules vary by operator), and you’ll be asked to sign a waiver. Closed shoes are a must.
Overnight desert safari and VIP packages
An overnight desert safari (about AED 716 per adult) adds a night in a Bedouin-style tent, stargazing far from the city lights, and a sunrise camel trek — about 18 hours in total (source). It’s unforgettable in the cooler months, from November to March.
A private or VIP safari gives you your own vehicle and driver, flexible timing and often a quieter, more upscale camp. For a family of 5–6, a private 4×4 can cost less per person than shared seats (source). Some premium operators use vintage Land Rovers and skip aggressive dune bashing in favour of wildlife, falconry and a gourmet dinner.
Desert safari with kids: is it safe?
Desert safaris are very popular with families, but dune bashing is not recommended for very young children (under 3), pregnant women or people with back problems, and it can cause motion sickness (source). Good options for families:
- A “no dune bashing” safari, which drives smoothly to the camp.
- A private vehicle, so you control the pace and can stop when needed.
- Asking for car seats in advance — not all operators have them.
Children usually love the camel ride, sandboarding and henna. Bring snacks and a change of clothes. For more family ideas, see our Dubai itinerary with kids.
What to wear on a desert safari
- Light, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees (the camps welcome all nationalities, but modest clothing is respectful and protects from the sun).
- Closed shoes or sandals you don’t mind filling with sand.
- Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
- A light jacket from November to March — the desert gets cool after sunset (source).
- A scarf or buff to protect against blowing sand.
How to choose and book the best desert safari in Dubai
- Read recent reviews and look for comments on driving safety, camp cleanliness and food.
- Check exactly what’s included: hotel pick-up, dinner, soft drinks, sandboarding, camel ride, quad bike (often extra), photos.
- Ask about group size in the vehicle and at the camp — some camps host hundreds of people.
- Prefer licensed operators with insurance; avoid street sellers.
- Book online: prices are often 10–20% lower than at hotel desks or counters (source).
- Check the cancellation policy — sandstorms and rain occasionally cancel trips.
Best time for a desert safari in Dubai
- November to March: the best weather, warm days and cool evenings. Book 24–48 hours ahead (source).
- October and April: hot but good value.
- June to September: cheapest, but temperatures reach 40–45°C — choose an evening safari, which spends the hottest hours in an air-conditioned car.
- Weekdays are usually cheaper and less crowded than weekends.
Read our full guide to the best time to visit Dubai for month-by-month weather.
Desert safari Dubai tips
- Don’t eat a big lunch before dune bashing.
- Sit in the front if you get motion sick, or tell the driver to go gently.
- Bring cash for camp extras (drinks, photos, quad bikes).
- Keep your phone in a zip bag to protect it from sand.
- Plan your days: the safari takes up the whole afternoon and evening, so pair it with a beach morning — like Day 3 in our Dubai itinerary.
- Get travel insurance that covers adventure activities: compare travel insurance for Dubai.
Is a desert safari in Dubai worth it?
Yes — for most visitors it’s the highlight of the trip, and it’s the easiest way to see a completely different side of the UAE. If you’re not into adrenaline, choose a smooth “no dune bashing” or heritage-style safari; if you love speed, add a self-drive dune buggy. Either way, the sunset over the dunes is worth it.
More Dubai guides
- Dubai itinerary: 3, 4 and 5 days
- Burj Khalifa tickets: prices and best time
- Where to stay in Dubai
- Best time to visit Dubai
- Dubai travel guide
Still planning? Compare hotels in Dubai and flights to Dubai.
FAQ: Desert safari Dubai
How much is a desert safari in Dubai?
About AED 210–253 per adult for a shared evening safari with BBQ dinner, from about AED 104 for a morning safari, and about AED 900–1,200 per vehicle for a private VIP safari.
Which is better, morning or evening desert safari?
The evening safari for most people: it includes sunset, dinner and shows. Choose a morning safari if you’re short on time or want pure adventure.
How long is an evening desert safari?
About 7–8 hours, from a 2–3 pm pick-up to a 9–10 pm return.
What is included in a desert safari?
Usually hotel pick-up, dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, henna, Arabic coffee, a BBQ dinner and shows. Quad bikes and alcoholic drinks usually cost extra.
Is a desert safari safe for kids?
Yes with a good operator, but dune bashing isn’t recommended for children under 3. Choose a no-dune-bashing or private safari for young families.
Where do desert safaris go in Dubai?
Most go to the Lahbab red dunes, about 50–60 km from central Dubai (45–60 minutes by car).
What should I wear for a desert safari?
Light, modest clothes, closed shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket in winter.
When is the best time for a desert safari?
November to March, when evenings are pleasant. In summer, choose an evening safari to avoid the worst heat.
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