Escape the metropolis with a Dubai desert safari – one of our favourite things to do in the UAE.

Think of Dubai and we bet you picture towering skyscrapers and luxury shopping. But just a short drive outside the city is something entirely different – an endless sea of sand dunes waiting to be explored. 

Whether you fancy dune bashing and sand surfing, or would prefer to get up close and personal with the UAE‘s fascinating desert wildlife, there are plenty of reasons to book a day trip into the desert. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Desert Safari in Dubai: Our Experience

We started the day bright and early after our guide picked us up. After collecting a few more guests, it took around 30 minutes to reach the edge of the desert from our hotel in the Barsha Heights neighbourhood. 

The moment we arrived, we were led to a cosy tent at the Al Khayma camp. Here they offered us some refreshing mint tea and dates to snack on. They briefed us on the day’s activities and gave us some time to wake up properly. It was still early, after all!

Camels and Quads

After sipping our tea, it was time to visit the camels. Numerous tour groups met up here, so make sure you stick with your guide and are clear about which activities you have booked. Some members of our group opted for a short ride before hitting up the quad bikes nearby.

We passed on the quad bikes and – this may not be standard – visited a small camel farm whilst we waited for the rest of the group. It was incredible to get up close and personal with these desert giants, and the camels were surprisingly chill. This wasn’t advertised in the tour, but send a message to your guide in advance if you would like to arrange this.

More Sandy Fun

Then it was time for dune bashing, which is equivalent to riding a rollercoaster across the sand. Our driver warned us to hold on before he sped up and down the dunes, sending us flying as we went. Without a doubt, this is one of the most fun adventure activities in Dubai.

A word of warning: it can make you feel super nauseous. We had to pull over a couple of times because one of our group members was pretty affected by the motion. So, if you’re someone who gets car sick, bring some anti-nausea tablets or be prepared for a few stops.

After the thrill of dune bashing, we had the chance to snap some photos of the otherworldly landscape. Our tour guide was extra AF, making sure we got the perfect Insta shot.

Then it was time to give sandboarding a go. Balancing on the board as you slide down the dunes is a lot harder than it seems, but so much fun. The worst part is having to schlepp back up to the top of the dune as you sink further and further into the sand.

We headed back into Dubai in the early afternoon, just as the heat started to intensify.

Best Tours in Dubai Desert

There are so many tours to choose between – what we love the most about a desert safari is how customisable it is. You get to decide between sunrise, sunset, quad biking, camel riding, and more – the itinerary is completely up to you. Next time we visit, we want to book this overnight tour and spend an evening camped out underneath the cool desert sky.

Best Time to Visit Dubai 

You can visit Dubai year-round but we recommend avoiding the summer months (June to August). This time of year is extremely hot and some outdoor tourist attractions will remain closed.

We love visiting in winter and early spring when the weather is more manageable (and all tourist attractions are open). It’s worth checking the dates for Ramadan as, while this shouldn’t affect your trip too much, some people prefer to avoid Dubai during this holiday.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Don’t be put off by thinking Dubai is extremely expensive; there are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Most travellers opt to stay in Jumeirah or Downtown Dubai. However, we really like staying in the Al Barsha area for general sightseeing.

Dubai Desert Safari: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re taking a guided tour, most items and arrangements will be sorted for you. However, there are still a couple of things to note. Make sure you check whether you guide provides water, as the heat can be intense during the day. Otherwise, bring plenty with you.

Also, pack a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt if you’re staying overnight; the desert can cool down significantly in the evening, especially after sunset. Comfortable footwear is a must for walking on the dunes, and don’t forget sunscreen, as the sun can be harsh.