Lonely PlanetNov 2
Guide to Taking a Desert Safari in Dubai
Here’s how to get the most out of a desert adventure in Dubai: the best time to go, what to wear, dune bashing, Bedouin hospitality and stargazing.
ready-pitched canvas tents, communal fire pits
22 things in this story
- Desert Rose TourismPlacewell regarded in Abu Dhabi
- Ezba ExperiencesPlacesmall-group visits to family-run desert retreat
- Al Quaa Milky Way SpotSightclearest Milky Way views in the Emirates
- Al Sadeem ObservatorySightcombines telescope viewing with astronomy talks
- Bab Al NojoumHotelready-pitched canvas tents, communal fire pits
- Elsewhere
- Al Marmoom Bedouin ExperiencePlaceDubai, United Arab Emiratesmorning camel caravan over dunes, Arabic coffee and dates
- Dubai Desert Conservation ReserveSightDubai, United Arab EmiratesUAE’s first protected national park
- Big RedSightDubai, United Arab Emiratesone of the area’s biggest dunes for dune bashing
- Arabian AdventuresPlaceDubai, United Arab Emiratesoffers door-to-door pickups, cultural entertainment
- Platinum HeritagePlaceDubai, United Arab Emiratesluxury tours with knowledgeable guides, night safaris
- Sand SherpaPlaceDubai, United Arab Emirateseco-conscious adventure with camping amid dunes
- Hot Air Balloon UAEPlaceDubai, United Arab Emiratestakes guests 1200m above desert at sunrise
- Classic SafariPlaceUmm Al Quwain, United Arab Emiratesuses convertible "Landis" for day trips
- Nomad GardenRestaurantDubai, United Arab Emiratesreimagines safari dinner with design-led setting
- Sonara CampPlaceDubai, United Arab Emiratesblends sustainability with theater, sunset lounge, camel rides
- OceanAir TravelsPlaceDubai, United Arab Emiratesoffers Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience
- Camel FarmSightDubai, United Arab Emirates1-hour Bedouin-style camel ride
- Al Thuraya Astronomy CentreSightDubai, United Arab Emirateshosts stargazing and solar-observation sessions
- Hatta Camp SitePlaceHatta, United Arab EmiratesDIY mountain setup with marked pitches
- Pura Eco RetreatHotelAl Ain, United Arab Emiratesheritage tents and futuristic domes
- Al MahaHotelDubai, United Arab Emiratesdesert retreat with 42 private pool villas
- Bab Al ShamsHotelDubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai’s longest-running desert resort