Which makes Desert Safari Dubai so famous? Here's a full guide to the top activities for an unforgettable travel experience

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad

BUY

If you are visiting the UAE, then a Dubai desert safari is an adventure that you should not miss. The sprawling expanse of the Arabian desert provides an ideal mix of heart-pumping adventure, cultural immersion, and stunning landscapes. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a person trying to spend some time away from the city under the starry, desert sky, this activity offers a variety of top activities in the dunes to experience. To know about the dunes and how you can enjoy the desert safari to its full extent, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Dune Bashing

Dune bashing is the most thrilling of all Dubai Desert Safari Activities. The tour includes a skilled driver driving a 4x4 car at high speed, through the golden dunes. The wild ride features tight turns and sudden drops and heart-racing climbs that make it seem like a rollercoaster in the sand.

2. Sandboarding

Sandboarding is a fun way to get to know the desert. Similar to snowboarding, sandboarding is riding a board on sand dunes. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the soft sand makes it a fun and safe activity for all ages. Sandboarding is included in many Desert Safari Dubai packages, making this a thrilling experience in the dunes.

3. Camel Riding

No desert safari can be complete without a camel ride. Known in Arabic as “al-jamal,” these majestic creatures have played important roles in the desert community for centuries. Guests can take a short camel trek to give them a sense of how vast the desert felt to the Bedouins who used to travel it.

4. Quad Biking

If off-roading is your thing and you want to take charge of your adventure, then you need to go on a quad ride. Exploring the desert landscape while riding a powerful all-terrain vehicle (ATV) over dunes offers a one-of-a-kind, exhilarating experience. Quad biking is frequently optional within Dubai Desert Safari packages, allowing you to enhance your experience with an additional thrill.

5. Falconry

Falconry is a long-standing tradition of the UAE and one of the highlights of the desert safari experience. These trained falcons display their incredible hunting abilities, and guests can even get up close and personal.

6. Traditional Arabian Entertainment

As the sun declines, most Desert Safari Dubai packages include Arab traditional entertainment with Tanoura dance shows, belly dancing and fire shows. These cultural acts bring magic to the evening, transporting the audience back to the Arabian Peninsula's rich history and delicious traditions.

7. Henna Painting

Henna painting is a favorite activity for people wanting to take a cultural souvenir back home from their excursion in the desert. Local artists make elaborate henna graphics on hands and feet with natural dye lasting for several weeks. It is a stunning and ephemeral way to encounter Arabian artistry.

8. Enjoying an Authentic BBQ Dinner Under the Stars

One of the highlights of a Dubai Desert Safari is a chance to enjoy an authentic Arabian BBQ dinner. Guests can feast on grilled meats, kebabs, fresh salads and traditional sweets while reclining in a Bedouin-style camp.

9. Overnight Desert Safari

Those wishing to extend their desert safari experience can opt for a night in the desert, which is a great option. After a night of fun activities guests can chill at the traditional Bedouin-style camp and sleep under the stars. It is a truly magical experience to wake up to the sunrise over the dunes and have a deeper connection to the desert landscape.

10. Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon ride over the Arabian desert is an outstanding way to get thrill, gain inspiration, and relax all at once. Floating above the dunes, the visitors can see the sea of golden sands, the sunrise and also may see some wildlife like gazelles and oryx in the desert.

Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Dubai Desert Safari

1. Book with a Trusted Operator

Not all safari companies are alike. Opt for a well-reviewed tour company that has experienced drivers and high safety standards.

2. Avoid Eating Right Before Dune Bashing

The bumpy ride could be too intense and too much food in your stomach might make you feel nauseous. Eat lightly at least one hour prior to the activity.

3. Wear Breathable Clothes but Bring a Jacket

The desert can be blistering in the daytime and cool at night. The best fabrics are lightweight and breathable, but be sure to bring a jacket for post-sunset.

4. Closed Shoes Over Sandals

Sand will be scorching hot and it gets into everything. Sneakers or closed-toe shoes are a better barrier than flip-flops.

5. Don’t Wear Contact Lenses

The blowing sand in the desert is fine, so it can get in your eyes. So if you’re wearing lenses, it can be very uncomfortable. To avoid that, wear glasses or sunglasses.

6. Secure Your Gadgets from Sand

The hot desert sand can destroy cameras and phones. Keep them safe in zip-lock bags or a dry pouch.

7. Drink Water Smartly

Protect yourself from dehydration long before, but don’t guzzle water right before something lengthy like dune bashing, or you can end up in discomfort.

8. Cash is Handy for Extras

Most packages include basic activities, but other services (like quad biking, souvenirs and tips) will require cash, and card machines that are often non-functioning in rural areas.

9. Plan for Minimal Restroom Access

After leaving the city, bathroom access is limited. Use a toilet before you leave, you will have limited access at desert camps.

10. Respect Local Culture

Modest dress and behavior etiquette is followed in Dubai. Similarly, avoid clothing that’s too revelatory and be respectful of cultural norms in public and at camps.

Whether you want to experience the thrill of dune bashing, ride a camel through the sands or simply spend a quiet night under the stars, there’s something there for everyone. From exhilarating experiences such as quad biking to memorable cultural experiences such as henna painting and other traditional performances, a desert safari is the perfect way to witness the beauty of Dubai’s golden dunes.

As a reminder! The UAE is a popular tourist destination, welcoming millions of visitors every year. However, before planning a trip, it is important to familiarize yourself with the laws of the country in detail, as the rules in the Emirates are quite strict, and some prohibitions may surprise travelers. We have already told you what rules you should follow to avoid fines and penalties, and what luggage requirements Dubai introduced in 2025.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.