Lonely PlanetNov 2, 2026
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.
22 things in this story
- Classic SafariPlaceuses convertible "Landis" for day trips
- 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
- Desert Rose TourismPlaceAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirateswell regarded in Abu Dhabi
- 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
- Ezba ExperiencesPlaceAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratessmall-group visits to family-run desert retreat
- Camel FarmSightDubai, United Arab Emirates1-hour Bedouin-style camel ride
- Al Quaa Milky Way SpotSightAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesclearest Milky Way views in the Emirates
- Al Sadeem ObservatorySightAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratescombines telescope viewing with astronomy talks
- 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
- Bab Al NojoumHotelAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesready-pitched canvas tents, communal fire pits
- Al MahaHotelDubai, United Arab Emiratesdesert retreat with 42 private pool villas
- Bab Al ShamsHotelDubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai’s longest-running desert resort