Choose a morning, evening or overnight safari in the Dubai desert. We collect you from your hotel or home in a 4×4, take you dune bashing across the red sands, and finish at a desert camp with camel rides, sandboarding, live shows and a BBQ buffet dinner.
Most guests choose by time of day first. The evening safari is the classic choice, the morning safari is shorter and more adventurous, and the overnight safari adds a night under the desert stars. Here is how the three compare before you look at the full packages.
Pickup between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, back between 10:00 PM and midnight. Dune bashing at golden hour, sunset photos on the dunes, then camel rides, sandboarding, henna, live shows and a BBQ buffet dinner at the camp.
Read about the evening safariPickup between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM, back between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Three and a half to four hours of dune bashing, sandboarding and a short camel ride in the cooler morning air, with the rest of your day free.
Read about the morning safariPickup between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, return the next morning between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Everything in the evening safari, then a night at the camp, a quiet sky full of stars and a desert sunrise before breakfast.
Read about the overnight safariEvery price below is per person and comes from our current price list. Pickup and drop off in a 4×4 are included unless a package says you drive or meet us at a central point. Tap a package to enquire on WhatsApp with the package name already filled in, or use the booking form further down the page.
Six hours, pickup around 2:30 PM, drop off around 9:30 PM
The classic evening with a more comfortable camp experience
VIP seating plus a 20 minute quad bike ride
Drive your own car to the desert meeting point, 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Join us at a central location, 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Our most comfortable evening in the desert
Optional quad bike add ons: single quad bike 150 to 350 AED, double quad bike 350 to 450 AED, depending on the ride. Luxury buggy desert safari: 800 to 1,149 AED depending on the buggy and the duration. Morning safari from 200 AED, overnight safari from 299 AED and private red dune safari from 650 AED; see each safari page for its options.
The core desert programme is the same across the evening packages. What changes is how you travel, where you sit at the camp, and whether a quad bike or buggy ride is included.
| Package | Price per person | Transport | Camp seating | Quad or buggy | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self Drive Desert Adventure | 99 AED | Your own car to the meeting point | Standard | Not included | Residents with a capable car |
| Central Meeting Point | 110 AED | Join at a central location | Standard | Not included | Groups who can reach the meeting point |
| Classic Desert Safari | 125 AED | 4×4 pickup and drop off | Standard | Optional add on | First time visitors and families |
| All Inclusive VIP Seating | 190 AED | 4×4 pickup and drop off | VIP area with table service | Optional add on | Couples and guests who want comfort |
| VIP with Quad Bike | 300 AED | 4×4 pickup and drop off | VIP area with table service | Quad bike, 20 minutes | Adventure seekers |
| Luxury G Class | 1,149 AED, minimum 4 guests | 4×4 Land Cruiser transfers | VIP area with personal service | Quad bike or buggy, 30 minutes | Celebrations and premium groups |
The evening desert safari is the experience most visitors picture when they think of Dubai. It starts in the middle of the afternoon, when your driver collects you in a 4×4 from your hotel, apartment or villa. The drive out of the city takes you past the last towers and into open desert, and the change of scenery is quick. Within an hour the road gives way to soft red sand.
At the edge of the dunes the driver lowers the tyre pressure and the dune bashing begins. The 4×4 climbs, turns and drops across the dunes for an exciting ride that most guests remember long after the trip. Drivers adjust the pace to the group, so tell us if you would like a gentler drive, for example if you are travelling with older relatives or young children.
The vehicles stop on a high dune for sunset. This is the best photo moment of the day: long shadows, warm light across the sand and wide views over the desert. Sandboarding is available here and at the camp, and it is easier than it looks. Most first timers manage a seated run straight away and try standing on the board by the second or third attempt.
As the sun goes down you arrive at the desert camp. Inside you will find low seating, a henna artist for ladies, Arabic costumes for photos, tea, coffee, soft drinks and water. Short camel rides take place at the camp. Then the evening programme begins: a Tanoura dancer spinning in a coloured skirt, a fire show, and a belly dance performance with Arabic music.
Dinner is a BBQ buffet with starters, grilled dishes and vegetarian options. You return to your pickup point late in the evening, usually between 10:00 PM and midnight, depending on traffic and your location.
The evening safari is available as the Classic package from 125 AED, the VIP Seating package from 190 AED and the VIP with Quad Bike package from 300 AED. For full timings, photos and answers to common questions, visit the evening desert safari page.
Ask About the Evening Safari
Times vary with your pickup area, the season and the time of sunset, but most evenings follow this rhythm. Knowing it in advance helps you plan dinner reservations, flights and early starts the next day.
Your driver arrives in a 4×4 within your confirmed window and messages you on WhatsApp. Most guests share the vehicle with one or two other small groups, unless a private safari has been booked.
The vehicles gather at the edge of the desert. There is a short stop for restrooms and refreshments while the drivers prepare the tyres for the sand.
Around half an hour of driving across the dunes. Tell the driver if you want it softer or more exciting; the pace is adjusted to your group.
A stop on a high dune for photographs as the sun goes down, with time to try sandboarding on the slope. This is the moment most guests share with friends at home.
Camel rides, henna, Arabic costumes for photos and drinks at the camp. Guests on VIP packages are shown to their reserved seating area.
The Tanoura show, fire show and belly dance run around dinner. The BBQ buffet opens during the programme, and the drive back to your hotel starts after the final show.
A desert safari is also a short introduction to Emirati and wider Arabian hospitality. Many of the things you see at the camp have roots in desert life long before Dubai became a modern city.
Camels. For centuries camels carried people and goods across the Arabian Peninsula, and they are still raised and raced in the UAE today. The short ride at the camp gives you a sense of how high and how steady these animals are. Hold on as the camel stands up, because it rises back legs first.
Arabic coffee and tea. Offering coffee is a traditional sign of welcome across the Gulf. At the camp you can try tea and coffee as often as you like throughout the evening.
Henna. Henna designs are applied for weddings, Eid and other celebrations across the region. The paste is natural and the design fades over one to two weeks. If you have sensitive skin, ask the artist before the design is applied.
Tanoura. The Tanoura dance comes from a spiritual tradition of whirling dance. The performer spins continuously in a heavy, colourful skirt that opens like a wheel and often lights up after dark. It is one of the most photographed moments of the night.
Dress at the camp. The camp is a relaxed tourist setting and there is no formal dress code. Light, comfortable clothing is fine. Arabic costumes are available if you would like photos in traditional dress.
The morning desert safari suits travellers who want the adventure without giving up a whole evening. Pickup is between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM and you are usually back between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, so the trip takes three and a half to four hours in total.
Mornings in the desert are calm and the light is soft, which makes this a good choice for photography. The sand is cooler underfoot, and the programme focuses on activity: dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding on the slopes, and a short camel ride. Quad bikes can be added if you want to ride yourself.
The morning safari does not include the evening camp shows or the BBQ dinner, which is why it is shorter. Many families use it on a day when they have dinner plans in the city, and many visitors on a short trip pair it with a city tour in the afternoon.
Morning safari prices start from 200 AED per person. Options, timings and current availability are on the morning desert safari page.
Ask About the Morning SafariIf one evening in the desert does not feel like enough, the overnight safari lets you stay. Pickup is between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. You enjoy the full evening programme first: dune bashing, the sunset stop, sandboarding, camel rides, the live shows and the BBQ dinner.
When the day visitors leave, the camp becomes quiet. Away from the city lights the night sky is much darker than most visitors expect, and on a clear night the stars are the main event. You sleep at the camp and wake early for sunrise, which is one of the most peaceful moments the desert offers.
After breakfast you are driven back, arriving between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM the next day. The whole experience lasts sixteen to eighteen hours. It is popular with couples, with friends celebrating a special occasion, and with families whose children are old enough to enjoy a night outdoors.
Overnight packages start from 299 AED per person. Camp options and what to pack are explained on the overnight desert safari page.
Ask About the Overnight Safari
A standard safari is shared with other guests in the vehicle and at the camp. If you want more space, better seats or the whole experience to yourselves, there are three ways to upgrade.
The VIP Seating package at 190 AED gives you a dedicated seating area at the camp and table service, so drinks and dinner come to you instead of queueing at the buffet. It is the easiest upgrade and the one couples choose most often.
See VIP desert safari optionsThe Luxury G Class safari at 1,149 AED per person, for a minimum of four guests, combines VIP seating, personal table service, a 30 minute quad bike or buggy ride and Land Cruiser transfers. It suits birthdays, anniversaries and visiting family.
Enquire about the G Class safariA private safari means a vehicle and driver for your group only, so you set the pace, the photo stops and the timing. Private red dune safaris start from 650 AED. Ask us about private options for proposals and honeymoons.
See the private red dune safariDune bashing is exciting, but you are a passenger. If you want to take the controls yourself, add a quad bike or choose a buggy experience.
Quad bikes. A single quad bike costs 150 to 350 AED per person and a double quad bike, which two people share, costs 350 to 450 AED, depending on the ride. The VIP with Quad Bike package includes a 20 minute ride for 300 AED in total, which is usually the best value if you already want VIP seating.
Buggies. The luxury buggy desert safari costs 800 to 1,149 AED depending on the buggy and the duration. Buggies have a roll cage and seats side by side, so they feel closer to driving a car than riding a quad bike.
Sandboarding. Sandboarding is included in every evening package. The boards are simple, the sand is soft, and children often enjoy it more than anything else on the trip.
Ask us about age rules and safety equipment for quad bikes and buggies before you book, and we will recommend the right option for your group.
Ask About Quad Bikes and Buggies
Children love the camel rides, the sandboarding and the fire show, and the camp has separate washrooms for men and women. For young children we recommend the Classic or VIP Seating package and asking the driver for a gentle dune drive. Bring a light jacket for the evening, sunscreen and a change of clothes for sandy children. Read more in our family desert safari guide.
For couples the sunset stop is the highlight, followed by a quieter dinner with table service. VIP seating or a private safari gives you more space and better photos. If you are planning a proposal or a honeymoon surprise, tell us in your enquiry and we will suggest options. Our romantic desert safari guide has ideas.
Large groups can travel together and sit together at the camp. Groups that can reach a central point can choose the 110 AED meeting point package, and residents with a capable car can use the 99 AED self drive option. For corporate outings and celebrations, send us your group size and date and we will prepare a quote.
If anything in your package is unclear, ask us on WhatsApp before you book. We would rather answer a question now than have you surprised in the desert.
Pickup and drop off in a 4×4 vehicle are included in the Classic, VIP Seating, VIP with Quad Bike and G Class packages. We collect guests from hotels, apartments and villas across most of Dubai, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Palm Jumeirah, Deira and Bur Dubai.
When you book, send us the name of your hotel or your building and area. Before the safari we confirm your pickup time window. On the day, your driver contacts you on WhatsApp when they are close, so keep your phone switched on and be ready in the lobby at the start of the window.
Travelling from outside Dubai? We also run desert safaris from the other emirates. See our pages for Sharjah desert safari, Ajman desert safari, Al Ain desert safari and Ras Al Khaimah safari.
Morning safari
Pickup 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM, return 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening safari
Pickup 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, return 10:00 PM to midnight
Overnight safari
Pickup 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, return 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM next day
Exact times depend on your area and traffic. We confirm your time before the safari.
Tell us what kind of desert safari experience you are looking for. Our team will review your enquiry and get back to you with the relevant package details.
Prefer to message us? Send your date, group size and hotel on WhatsApp and we will reply there.
Chat on WhatsAppEmail: desertelitesafaris@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +971 56 313 3460
We use your details only to reply to this enquiry and arrange your safari. We do not add you to any mailing list.
Use the form or WhatsApp. Tell us your date, how many adults and children, your hotel and the package you like.
We check availability for your date and reply with the matching package, the total price and the pickup details.
Reply to confirm. We send your booking confirmation and your pickup time window.
On the day your driver messages you on WhatsApp when nearby. Be in the lobby at the start of your window.
Clear prices for every package. Every package on this page shows its price per person and what it includes, so you can compare before you message us. If your plans change the price, we tell you before you confirm.
Choice for every budget. Options start at 99 AED for self drive guests and go up to the Luxury G Class experience, with VIP seating, quad bikes and private safaris in between.
Real people on WhatsApp. Questions are answered by our team, not a bot. You can ask about children, dietary needs, celebrations or pickup from your area before you book.
Experienced desert drivers. Dune bashing is done by drivers who know the desert and adjust the drive to your group.
Safaris across the UAE. Besides Dubai we run desert safaris in Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, which helps if you are staying outside Dubai.
Have a question before you book? Message us on WhatsApp or email and we will help you choose the right safari for your dates, group and budget.
Email: desertelitesafaris@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +971 56 313 3460
Wear light, loose clothes in breathable fabric and closed shoes or sandals that you do not mind filling with sand. Sunglasses and a scarf protect against wind and sand. From November to March the desert can be cool after sunset, so bring a light jacket for the evening and overnight safaris. Our desert safari outfit guide has more detail.
Bring your phone or camera, sunscreen, any medication you need and a small amount of cash for extras. Water and soft drinks are included at the camp. For the overnight safari, add a warm layer, a toothbrush and a power bank.
Dune bashing involves bumps and steep angles. It is not recommended for pregnant guests, people with back or neck problems or heart conditions, or very young infants. Tell us in advance and we will suggest a gentler alternative such as a camp only visit. Seat belts must be worn in the vehicle at all times.
Residents often use the safari for visiting family, birthdays and weekend breaks. Weekend dates fill quickly in the cooler months, so send your enquiry a few days ahead. If you have a suitable 4×4, the self drive option is the most affordable way to enjoy the camp.
Guests from the United Kingdom, Europe, India, the United States and Australia usually book the evening safari for one of the first days of their holiday. You can enquire before you travel and confirm once your plans are set. Send your hotel name once you know it.
Families from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman often prefer VIP seating or a private safari for more privacy. Separate washrooms are available at the camp, and we can advise on the best seating for family groups.
The best season for a Dubai desert safari is from October to April, when days are warm and evenings are pleasant. Safaris run all year; in the summer months the morning and evening programmes avoid the hottest part of the day. See our guide to the ideal time for a Dubai desert safari.
If you are staying outside Dubai, or simply want a different landscape, the other emirates offer their own desert experiences. Each has a dedicated page with timings and packages.
Sharjah sits next to Dubai, which makes it convenient for guests staying on the northern side of the city. Its desert has wide dunes and a quieter feel than the busiest Dubai routes. Sharjah safari details
Ajman is a short drive further north and is popular with families staying along the coast. The programme combines dune bashing with a desert camp evening and BBQ dinner. Ajman safari details
Al Ain, known as the garden city of the UAE, sits near the Omani border and offers a different, more traditional desert setting. It suits guests already visiting Al Ain or Abu Dhabi. Al Ain safari details
Ras Al Khaimah combines golden dunes with mountain views on the horizon and is a good choice for guests staying at its beach resorts. Ras Al Khaimah safari details
Not sure which location fits your trip? Compare them on our desert safari destinations page, or tell us where you are staying and we will recommend the closest option.
Our Classic evening desert safari costs 125 AED per person with 4×4 pickup, dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, live shows and BBQ dinner. VIP seating costs 190 AED, VIP with a quad bike costs 300 AED, the self drive option costs 99 AED and the Luxury G Class safari costs 1,149 AED per person for a minimum of four guests. Morning safaris start from 200 AED and overnight safaris from 299 AED. For every package and add-on in one place, see our desert safari Dubai price guide.
Yes, 4×4 pickup and drop off are included in the Classic, VIP Seating, VIP with Quad Bike and G Class packages. The self drive and central meeting point packages do not include transport. Send us your hotel or building when you enquire.
The morning safari is a shorter three and a half to four hour trip focused on dune bashing, sandboarding and a camel ride. The evening safari lasts six hours or more and adds the sunset stop, the desert camp, live shows and a BBQ dinner.
Yes. Children enjoy the camel rides, sandboarding and shows. Ask the driver for a gentle dune drive if you are travelling with young children, and tell us their ages when you enquire.
A private safari is worth it if you want your own vehicle, your own pace and more privacy for photos, a proposal or a family occasion. Private red dune safaris start from 650 AED.
A 20 minute quad bike ride is included in the VIP with Quad Bike package and a 30 minute quad bike or buggy ride is included in the Luxury G Class package. For other packages a quad bike can be added for 150 to 450 AED depending on the bike and the ride.
Yes. The BBQ buffet includes vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. Tell us about allergies or other dietary needs in your enquiry.
Light, loose clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring a light jacket for evenings from November to March.
Dune bashing is carried out by experienced drivers and seat belts are worn at all times. It is not recommended for pregnant guests or people with back, neck or heart conditions. Tell us in advance and we will suggest an alternative.
Fill in the booking form on this page or message us on WhatsApp at +971 56 313 3460 with your date, group size, package and hotel. We reply with availability and booking details.
Our Dubai safaris head to the red dunes outside the city, such as the Lahbab area. The exact location depends on your package. We also run safaris in Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah.
Plan for about six to eight hours from pickup to drop off. Pickup is between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM and most guests are back at their hotel between 10:00 PM and midnight, depending on where you are staying and the traffic.
For most first time visitors the Classic evening safari at 125 AED covers everything people come for: dune bashing, sunset, camel ride, sandboarding, shows and dinner. If you would like more comfort at the camp, the VIP Seating package at 190 AED is the simplest upgrade.
We run desert safaris from Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah. Guests in those emirates can enquire about a safari that starts closer to them, or arrange pickup to the Dubai programme. Tell us where you are staying and we will advise.
Booking a few days ahead is best, especially for weekends and the cooler months from November to March. Same day requests are sometimes possible, so it is always worth sending a WhatsApp message to check.
Yes, tell us about the occasion in your enquiry. VIP seating, the Luxury G Class package and private safaris are the usual choices for celebrations, and we will suggest what fits your group.
Dune bashing and camp activities can be adjusted when the wind is strong. If conditions make the safari unsafe, we will contact you to reschedule.
Tell us your date and group size and we will reply with the best package for you.
