Exciting Dubai Desert Adventures You Can’t Miss
Dune buggies, dune bashing, camel rides, desert camping, and quad biking are just a few of the exhilarating activities that should top your Dubai bucket list. With the weather now at its prime, it’s the perfect opportunity to don your safari gear (or simply some comfortable attire and a sunhat) and venture into the majestic dunes to soak in the breathtaking scenery that Dubai has to offer.
Desert Safaris
The allure of spending a few hours in the heart of the stunning UAE desert never fades. Whether it’s the breathtaking views, the feeling of being one with nature, or the picturesque sunsets perfect for your Instagram feed, the experience is truly unique. Get ready for an adrenaline rush with some exhilarating dune bashing! Most desert safaris come packed with engaging activities, including falconry, camel rides, and a traditional dinner under the stars. Strap in tight—your adventure awaits!
Arabian Adventures
One of the leading tour operators for desert outings, Arabian Adventures takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Dubai Conservation Reserve. Their tours feature camel riding, a sumptuous buffet dinner, and the art of henna, alongside the thrilling dune bashing. You can choose between shared or private vehicles, allowing you to enjoy the ride with just your family or friends. Morning and evening tours are available.
Starting from Dhs385. Visit: arabian-adventures.com or call (04 274 8803).
Dubai Desert Safari
Ready to conquer the dunes? This tour offers both morning and evening desert options, with the flexibility to skip the dune bashing and head straight to a Bedouin-tent barbecue featuring live entertainment—ideal for families with young children or older guests. For those keen on extending their desert experience, you can opt to spend the night under the stars and enjoy a serene sunrise while relishing a camp breakfast.
Price on request. Visit: desertsafaridubai.com or call (056 5364 484).
Platinum Heritage
As the name suggests, Platinum Heritage elevates the desert safari experience to new heights. Enjoy their signature Platinum Heritage Package, touted as ‘Dubai’s most luxurious desert safari.’ Explore the desert in a comfortable Land Rover, guided by your own private conservation expert. Relish the sunset while witnessing an impressive falconry show, paired with canapés and sparkling juice, before indulging in a six-course Emirati-inspired dinner. Committed to eco-tourism, Platinum Heritage emphasizes sustainability, with their camp running entirely on solar power. These tours focus on appreciating nature rather than adrenaline-fueled dune bashing.
Starting from Dhs695. Visit: platinum-heritage.com or call (04 440 9827).
Sand Trax Tours
If you love the idea of a desert safari but are hesitant about someone else driving, Sand Trax Tours offers a Buggy Safari option. Become the captain of your own adventure in an 800cc twin-seater desert buggy, which comes equipped with a roll cage, bucket seats, and safety harnesses. The trip concludes with a delightful barbecue dinner, along with captivating belly dancing and a whirling dervish performance that past guests rave about.
Starting from Dhs695 (for two people). Visit: toursandtrax.com or call (050 685 3036).
Thrilling Desert Activities
Beyond the excitement of cruising over the sand in a 4×4, there are plenty of other adrenaline-pumping activities for thrill-seekers. And for those who prefer a more laid-back experience, there are plenty of options to unwind and soak in the stunning surroundings.
Bedouin Experience
Immerse yourself in nature with an authentic Bedouin experience in the desert. Al Khayma specializes in family adventures, offering a family camp experience from 4:30 PM to 9 PM, complete with traditional coffee, camp activities, a full buffet, stargazing lessons, and captivating Emirati entertainment.
Starting from Dhs250 per person. Located in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, visit: alkhayma.com.
Camel Riding
While most desert safaris include camel riding, if you want to make this experience the highlight of your adventure, consider booking a dedicated camel riding tour. Choose between a group or private one-hour trek through the dunes, with tours available in the morning at 8 AM and again at sunset.
Starting from Dhs250. Visit: dubaicamelride.com.
Dune Buggy Adventures
Experience the thrill of a dune buggy adventure like no other. Feel the rush of wind as you zoom across the dunes in an automatic four-wheel drive buggy—no license is required! With Big Red DXB, choose between one-, two-, or four-seater buggies tailored to your need for speed, starting at Dhs900. Arabian Adventures also offers passenger and self-drive buggy tours starting from Dhs584, so you can enjoy the thrill regardless of whether you prefer to steer or ride along.
Visit: bigreddxb.com or arabian-adventures.com.
Fat Biking
With wider tires than a typical bike, fat biking offers a unique challenge that requires both fitness and determination. For those seeking a less strenuous option, electric fat bikes are available for hire, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with a bit of assistance. Rent a bike for six hours to explore on your own or join one of the guided tours to iconic spots like Big Red Dune, Fossil Rock, or Al Qudra Lakes.
Starting from Dhs250. Visit: quadbikeindubai.com/fatbike.
Quad Biking
Quad bikes are an absolute blast, especially on the sandy terrain of the desert. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be racing across the dunes in no time. You can opt to ride as a passenger with a guide or take control of the wheel for a more adventurous experience.
Starting from Dhs250, visit: quadbikeindubai.com.
Sand Boarding
Many desert safaris offer the chance to try sand boarding. It’s a fantastic way to test your fitness (hiking back up the dunes can be quite the workout!) while enjoying the thrill of racing down the sandy slopes. Whether you manage to stay upright or end up tasting sand depends on your skill level. Good luck!
Starting from Dhs100. Visit: desert-safari-dxb.com.
Treasure Hunt
This activity is perfect for families, offering a delightful treasure hunt experience where you’ll race over the dunes in a buggy to uncover the legendary Sandman’s hidden loot, buried in the desert for centuries. It’s a fun-filled day for the entire family, providing a unique way to connect with nature while enjoying sandboarding and snacks.
Starting from Dhs2,800. Visit: bigreddxb.com.
Horse Riding in the Desert
Being surrounded by the stunning desert landscape in Dubai presents an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature through horse riding. Renowned for its equestrian culture, Dubai offers a fantastic way to enjoy time with horses while also benefiting from a great workout. Horse riding enhances core strength, and whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, riding in the desert could spark a new passion.
Al Ali Stables
Escape into the dunes on horseback at Al Ali Stables. They offer desert rides suitable for all skill levels, ensuring that whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or an energetic canter, you’ll find the right experience. They even provide private professional endurance racing training for more advanced riders.
Starting from Dhs150. Located in Al Ruwaya, visit: horseridingindubaialalistable.com or call (055 478 8889).
Al Jiyad Stables
Home to 120 Arabian and part-bred Arabian horses, Al Jiyad Stables is situated in the Al Marmoum conservation area, offering riders the chance to see UAE’s beautiful desert wildlife up close while enjoying the stunning views. Hourly desert hacks are available for riders of all levels.
Prices vary. Located on Al Qudra Road, visit: aljiyadstables.com or call (050 559 9262).
Emirates Equestrian Centre
While some riding experience is necessary, Emirates Equestrian Centre provides a fantastic opportunity for desert hacks. You should be comfortable walking, trotting, and cantering. Rides begin at Dhs250 for an hour and a half, with sessions offered at 9 AM and 4:30 PM. The center also hosts numerous lessons and competitions, making it a great first stop for horse riding enthusiasts new to the region.
Starting from Dhs550. Located on Al Qudra, visit: emiratesequestriancentre.com/desert-hacking or call (050 558 7656).
Hot Air Ballooning
Hero Balloon Flights
If you’re an early riser with a passion for heights, consider this thrilling option. Experience the magic of an Arabian sunrise while soaring up to 4,000 feet with Balloon Adventures Dubai. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as you glide through the air, with options for a luxury breakfast or even an onboard DJ to set the mood as the sun rises.
Starting from Dhs1,350. Visit: heroexperiences.com.
Hot Air Balloon UAE
Prepare for an early morning adventure as you take to the skies at sunrise. Choose a standard tour for a serene flight or opt for an adventure package that includes exhilarating dune bashing, quad biking, and both horse and camel riding after your balloon ride.
Starting from Dhs1,110. Visit: hotairballoonuae.com.
Platinum Heritage
This high-end company not only organizes desert tours but also offers romantic balloon trips for couples. Combine the magic of an early morning balloon flight with a gourmet breakfast followed by a wildlife drive in a vintage 1950s Land Rover through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This could be the perfect backdrop for a proposal!
Prices vary. Visit: platinum-heritage.com/hot-air-balloon.
Camping and Glamping in the Desert
While the hustle and bustle of city life can make you forget, the UAE is just a short drive away from stunning natural landscapes. With cooler weather upon us, it’s the ideal time for outdoor adventures, whether you’re looking for Instagram-worthy glamping experiences or a classic night under the stars (don’t forget to pack your marshmallows!).
Ajman Desert
Just a short drive from Dubai, Ajman Desert is perfect for novice campers and families. This beautiful stretch of desert is a popular spot for barbecues and campfires, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the desert. Just remember to bring extra warm layers for the chilly nights!
Free. Open daily, 24/7. Located off Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Ajman.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
This is not your typical camping experience. Al Maha is possibly the most luxurious tented accommodation you’ll ever find. Situated just an hour from Dubai Marina, this resort allows you to encounter gazelles and, if you’re fortunate, Arabian oryx. Each Bedouin Suite comes with a private plunge pool, providing a perfect setting for wildlife viewing right from your own sanctuary.
Prices vary. Located in Dubai, visit: marriott.com or call (04 832 9900).
Al Qudra Lakes
If you’re new to camping, Al Qudra Lakes presents a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from the city. It’s a popular spot for families, especially at sunset when the area comes alive. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 130 species here, or you can simply enjoy a cookout and share stories around the campfire. Don’t forget your bikes for a spin around the scenic 86km Al Qudra bike track.
Free. Open daily, 24/7. Located on Al Qudra Road, Dubai.
Mleiha
A short trip to Sharjah brings you to Mleiha, where you can experience glamping under the stars. The archaeological center offers an overnight camping experience, including stargazing sessions and a delightful breakfast the following morning. If you prefer not to bring your own meal, there’s a desert BBQ available for guests.
Starting from Dhs300 per person. Located in Sharjah, visit: discovermleiha.ae/mleiha-escapes-2.
Sand Sherpa
This experience perfectly blends glamping and camping in the UAE, with expert guides at your disposal. Sand Sherpa hosts weekend camps from September to June in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Enjoy the scenic surroundings under the guidance of a ‘sherpa,’ with each group having access to their own trailer equipped with a Sherpa Tent, utensils, camping gear, a sofa, dining setup, and a firepit grill for a delightful barbecue. An organized wildlife walk is also included to help you explore the area.
Prices vary. Visit: sandsherpa.com.
Sonara Camp
If you’re in search of a chic glamping experience, Sonara Camp is the place for you. This luxury, eco-friendly desert experience includes an overnight adventure with al fresco dining under the stars. Guests can enjoy camel rides, sunset drinks, and a delectable menu featuring steaks, mezze, and more. Nestled within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this is a spectacular way to reconnect with nature.
Prices vary. Located in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, visit: nara.ae or call (050 336 7909).
Terra Solis
Headed by the Tomorrowland music festival team, Terra Solis is a stunning desert resort that offers a glamorous yet cool experience. With a massive central pool surrounded by dunes, guests can immerse themselves in the desert ambiance without sacrificing comfort. Stay in a variety of themed rooms, all named after celestial bodies. For a glamping experience, book one of the 48 Polaris tents, or choose from 20 Perseid lodges with private bathrooms. For ultimate luxury, consider one of the six Orion Pool Lodges, featuring private pools and expansive terraces with breathtaking views.
Prices vary. Visit: dubaiheritagevision.com or call (04 459 8300).
The Nest
Positioned as an exclusive and eco-friendly overnight experience, The Nest offers a luxurious camping option complete with a cozy bedroom area, private en-suite bathroom, and outdoor majlis. Each guest is assigned a dedicated Mudeef to ensure a memorable experience. Gourmet dining options are available, making this a truly unique camping experience.
Starting from Dhs1,960 (per nest). Located in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, visit: nara.ae/nara-escape.
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