Desert Safari Dubai
Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, a BBQ buffet dinner and 8 live shows at our own DTCM-licensed camp — book direct, pay on arrival.
Desert Safari Dubai — The Short Answer
- From AED 35 self-drive to our own Al Awir camp — the cheapest way into the desert.
- Five ways in: self-drive 35 · shared bus 50 · shared 4×4 100 per person · private car 799 · red-dune Lahbab Land Cruiser 899 per vehicle.
- The evening is the full programme: dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, around 8 live shows and the BBQ buffet — included, not extras.
- The camp is ours and so is the kitchen — the full buffet menu is published item by item further down.
- You pay the driver on the day. No card, no deposit, no hidden charges.
- Add-ons are optional and priced openly: quad from AED 150, falcon photo AED 20, buggy AED 800.
What you get on every safari
- Hotel & home pickup across all Dubai areas
- Our own camp and our own kitchen
- Around 8 live shows every evening
- BBQ buffet dinner, veg and non-veg
- Separate washrooms for men and women
- No entry fee, no parking charge, no compulsory tip
Awarded for our desert safaris
World Travel Awards Winner
Recognised among the region’s leading desert safari operators.
Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2023
Awarded to operators that consistently earn great reviews from real travellers.
Tripadvisor Award
Independent recognition from the world’s largest travel review platform.
Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2026
A repeat honour — recognised again for guest experience.
Dubai Desert Safari Packages & Prices
Every package below runs from our own camp in Dubai. Pick how you want to reach the camp — the safari and dinner are the same in all of them.
AED 35 per personSelf-Drive Desert Safari
Drive your own car to our Dubai camp, park free, and join the full safari and dinner. The cheapest way in.
- Free parking at the camp
- Full camp programme & dinner
- Dune bashing with our drivers
- No pickup — you arrive yourself
AED 50 per personShared Bus Transfer
A seat on our bus from a central Dubai pickup point and back. Cheapest seat that includes transport.
- Return transfer by bus
- Central Dubai pickup point
- Full camp programme & dinner
- Fixed departure time
AED 100 per personShared Hotel Pickup
A shared 4×4 collects you from your Dubai hotel and returns you after dinner. Door to door.
- Hotel door pickup & drop
- Shared 4×4 with other guests
- Dune bashing on the way in
- Full camp programme & dinner
AED 799 per carPrivate Car Desert Safari
A private 4×4 for your group only, up to 7 people, hotel pickup and drop. One price for the whole car.
- Private 4×4 — your group only
- Up to 7 people in one price
- Hotel pickup & drop
- Flexible departure time
AED 899 per carRed Dune Lahbab Safari — Land Cruiser
Our premium red-dune evening at Lahbab, the tall red dunes an hour south-east of Dubai, in a private Land Cruiser with hotel pickup and drop.
- Private Land Cruiser pickup & drop
- Lahbab red dunes, not the city-edge desert
- Full camp programme & dinner
- About 6 to 7 hours door to door
+AED 50 per personVIP Sitting Area Upgrade
Premium private majlis seating at the Dubai camp. Add it to any option above.
- Private majlis seating
- Away from the main crowd
- Table service
- Adds to any package
Why you can book this Dubai desert safari with confidence
- DCTM and DCT licensed operator running our own desert camp, not a reseller.
- 4.9 out of 5 from more than 5,000 guests.
- Our own fleet and drivers. The 4×4 that collects you from your Dubai hotel is ours.
- No deposit and no card online. You pay after the safari.
- Free cancellation up to 12 hours before pickup.
- Shared safari from AED 50 per person, a private safari from AED 599, and a desert safari from Dubai from AED 799 per car. One clear price, nothing hidden.
Add-Ons You Can Book on the Day
These are optional extras at the Dubai camp. You can add any of them when you book, or decide once you are there — the price does not change either way.
From AED 150 · 20 minQuad Biking
Ride an automatic quad for 20 minutes. Choose the controlled area or the open desert — the open desert costs more.
- Controlled area: AED 150 single / AED 200 double
- Open desert: AED 200 single / AED 300 double
- Automatic — no gear changing
- Helmet and briefing included
AED 800 / 30 minCan-Am Dune Buggy
A two-seat Can-Am buggy on the open dunes for 30 minutes. The strongest ride we run.
- Two-seat Can-Am buggy
- 30 minutes on the dunes
- Helmet & goggles included
- Driver must be 18+
AED 20 per personFalcon Photo Experience
Hold a trained falcon on your glove and get the photo. Thirty seconds, and it is the picture people keep.
- Trained falcon & handler
- Glove provided
- Your own camera or phone
- Children can hold it too
AED 300 for twoLong Camel Ride
A proper long camel ride for two people across the dunes, not the short loop everyone gets.
- Two people on the ride
- Long route across the dunes
- Handler walks with you
- Photos taken for you
AED 150 per vehicleExtra Dune Bashing
An additional dune bashing run in the 4×4 after the standard one, priced per vehicle not per person.
- Extra run in the 4×4
- Priced per vehicle
- Share the cost with your group
- Ask the driver at the camp
AED 50Professional Photography
A photographer shoots you on the dunes at sunset and hands over edited images the same evening.
- Professional photographer
- Sunset dune shoot
- Edited images same evening
- Package depends on shot count
Add-Ons & Extras
Customise your safari — add any of these to your chosen package.
Good to know before you book
Booking & the evening
- Confirmation comes on WhatsApp in the same chat
- Choose your bus stop or pickup point when you book
- Self-drive guests get the camp GPS pin on booking
- Any add-on can be added on the day at the camp
- Unlimited water, tea, coffee and soft drinks
- Basic ladies henna is included
Payment & add-on prices
- No deposit — you pay the driver on the day
- Shared packages priced per person, private per vehicle
- Quad bike from AED 150 controlled area, 200 open desert
- Falcon photo AED 20 · table-side shisha AED 50
- Extra dune bashing AED 150 per vehicle
- Long camel ride AED 300 for 2 people
The One Night in Dubai You’ll Never Stop Talking About
As the sun melts into an endless sea of golden dunes, the desert comes alive — the rush of the chase, the warmth of a Bedouin welcome, and a sky on fire above your own private camp. This is the memory you’ll be telling stories about for years.
Feel the Magic
Golden-hour silhouettes, warm desert wind, and firelight under a canopy of stars. Pure, unforgettable wonder — the kind that ends up framed on your wall.
Trust the Locals
Your own DTCM-licensed camp, run by a Dubai family who’ve welcomed 5,000+ happy guests. No middlemen, no hidden fees — just honest care and a price you can believe.
Chase the Thrill
Dune bashing, quad bikes and sandboarding by day; Tanoura fire spins and live drums by night. Adrenaline and awe, all in one unforgettable evening.
Everything You’ll Do on Your Dubai Desert Safari
One unforgettable evening in the red dunes — adventure, culture and a feast under the stars. Here’s exactly what’s waiting for you.
Most LovedDune Bashing
Buckle up for an adrenaline-charged 4×4 ride over towering dunes with an expert desert driver at the wheel.
Bedouin ClassicCamel Ride
Climb aboard for a gentle golden-hour ride across the sand — the timeless way to cross the Arabian desert.
Add-OnQuad Bike & Dune Buggy
Grip the throttle and carve your own tracks across the open desert on a powerful quad or Can-Am buggy.
Fun for AllSandboarding
Surf the slopes on a board — easy enough for first-timers, thrilling enough for everyone.
IncludedBBQ Buffet Dinner
Feast on a lavish grilled buffet — veg & non-veg mains, fresh salads, and traditional Arabic sweets.
8 Live ActsLive Desert Shows
Tanoura, fiery fire-dance and mesmerising belly dance performed live under a canopy of desert stars.
Why Guests Book Royal Arabian Safari Direct
We’re the operator — not a reseller. That means a better price, a real camp, and zero surprises.
Book Your Desert Safari in 3 Easy Steps
No forms, no waiting, no deposit. Booking direct takes under two minutes on WhatsApp.
Tap “Book on WhatsApp” and tell us your date, package and number of guests.
We reply within minutes with your pickup time, location and everything included.
Show up, live the adventure, and pay only when you arrive — no card, no deposit.
How the Evening Runs, Step by Step
- 1. PickupYour driver collects you from your hotel or home (or you board the bus at your chosen stop).
- 2. Into the dunes4×4 dune bashing with our drivers — the part everyone comes for.
- 3. Sunset photo stopThe vehicles stop on the high dunes for photos while the light is at its best.
- 4. Camel ride & sandboardingBoth included at the camp, as many runs as the evening allows.
- 5. The camp opensHenna, Arabic costumes for photos, the shisha corner and unlimited drinks.
- 6. Dinner & the showsThe BBQ buffet is served while around 8 live shows run — Tanoura, belly dance, fire show and more.
- 7. The drive homeAfter the final show, your driver returns you to your door.
Pickup & Meeting Point — Where Each Package Starts
Where you start depends on which package you booked. Self-drive guests come to us; everyone else gets collected. Your WhatsApp confirmation repeats the exact point and time, so there is never a morning-of guessing game.
| Package | Where it starts | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Self drive — AED 35 | Our Al Awir camp | You drive to the camp yourself. We send the GPS pin on WhatsApp the moment you book. |
| Shared bus — AED 50 | One of 8 named stops below | Pick the stop nearest you when you book; the bus collects from Dubai and Sharjah. |
| Sharing 4×4 — AED 100 | Your hotel or home | Door pickup anywhere in Dubai, shared with a few other guests. |
| Private car — AED 799 · Lahbab Land Cruiser — AED 899 | Your hotel or home | Door pickup, your vehicle only, your own schedule. |
The 8 bus pickup stops — AED 50 shared bus
Every stop is a landmark you can give any taxi driver. Tap a name to open it in Google Maps.
Dubai
- Day 2 Day Center — opposite Deira City Centre
- LuLu Hypermarket, Al Barsha — behind Mall of the Emirates
- Spinneys, Burjuman — next to Burjuman Centre
- Dragon Mart 1 ADNOC station — Al Awir Road
Sharjah
- Sharjah City Centre — Al Wahda Road
- Sharjah Mega Mall — near the Immigration Office
- Sahara Centre — Al Nahda Street, near the Ramada
- Nesto Supermarket — opposite Kalba Fire Station
Running late or can’t find the stop? Message us on WhatsApp — the driver has your number and we track every pickup.
Reserve Your Evening in the Dunes
Fill in a few details and we’ll confirm instantly on WhatsApp — no deposit, no card needed, pay only on arrival.
Final price confirmed instantly on WhatsApp.
Please enter your name, WhatsApp number and preferred date.
✓ Free cancellation · ✓ No card needed to book · ✓ Pay on arrival · ✓ We reply in minutes
Photos From Our Camp and Dunes
Every photo below was taken on our own runs — our camp, our vehicles, our guests. This is what the evening actually looks like.
Self-Drive for AED 35 — The Cheapest Way In
Drive your own car to our Al Awir camp, park free, and join the full evening — dune bashing with our drivers, camel ride, sandboarding, around 8 live shows and the BBQ buffet, all included at AED 35 per person. We send the GPS pin on WhatsApp when you book.
Dubai or Abu Dhabi for your desert safari?
Both give you dune bashing, camel rides, live shows and an open BBQ dinner. Dubai offers the widest choice of packages and the easiest hotel pickups; Abu Dhabi tends to have quieter, taller dunes and a more relaxed camp. Staying in Dubai? Book on this page. Closer to Abu Dhabi? See our Abu Dhabi desert safari.
How much does a Dubai desert safari cost?
With Royal Arabian Safari a Dubai desert safari costs AED 35 per person for self-drive, AED 50 for shared bus pickup, AED 100 for a shared 4×4 hotel pickup, and AED 799 for a private car for up to seven guests. Every price includes dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks and live shows at our own desert camp. There is no deposit, you pay on arrival.
Across Dubai operators, desert safari prices typically run from around AED 90 to AED 500 or more per person for the same kind of evening tour, and well over AED 1,000 for VIP and luxury packages. Our price is far lower for one simple reason: you book directly with the company that owns the camp, so there is no listing-site commission added on top. This page lays out every price in full, including optional add-ons such as quad bikes (AED 200 single seater, AED 300 double seater) and a dune buggy (AED 800 for 30 minutes), so you can see exactly what you pay before you book.
An Honest Dubai Desert Safari Price List
Desert safari pricing in Dubai is confusing on purpose. Many listings advertise a low headline figure, then add transfer fees, surcharges and per-activity costs once you book, so the final number is far higher than the price you first saw. Others hide their rates behind an enquiry form. We do the opposite. Below you will find every price we charge, what each package includes, what is genuinely free at the camp, and the handful of optional extras that cost more, all on one page.
We are Royal Arabian Safari, a desert safari operator licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. We run our own camp in the Dubai desert, we have hosted more than five thousand guests, and we hold a 4.9 star average rating. Because you book with us directly on WhatsApp rather than through a travel agency or listing platform, there is no middleman margin, which is the entire reason our prices start at AED 35 while the same evening safari is advertised elsewhere for three to ten times more.
Dubai Desert Safari Price List: All Packages
Here is the complete price list at a glance. Every option below includes the full camp experience; the only difference is how you travel to the desert. Prices are per person unless stated, fixed, and final.
| Package | How you travel | Best for | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self drive | You drive to the camp on paved roads (GPS pin sent) | Dubai residents, budget travellers | 6-7 hrs | AED 35 |
| Shared bus | Coach pickup from a central Dubai point | Solo travellers, couples | 6-7 hrs | AED 50 |
| Sharing 4×4 | Shared 4×4 pickup from your hotel or home | Most hotel visitors | 6-7 hrs | AED 100 |
| Private car | Private vehicle, door to door, up to 7 guests | Families and private groups | 6-7 hrs | AED 799 / car |
| Lahbab red dunes | Premium red-dune safari, dramatic tall dunes | Adventure seekers, photographers | 6-7 hrs | On WhatsApp |
Note on Lahbab red dunes: our golden-dune Al Awir safari carries the fixed prices above. The dramatic red dunes at Lahbab are a premium experience and we quote that one directly on WhatsApp so we can match it to your group and dates. Message us for the Lahbab price.
What Each Price Includes and Who It Suits
Self drive — AED 35 per person
The cheapest way to do a desert safari in Dubai. You drive your own car to the camp on fully paved roads using the GPS pin we send, then enjoy the complete experience: dune bashing in our 4×4, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner and shows. Ideal for Dubai residents and anyone on a budget. A family of four pays just AED 140 in total.
Shared bus — AED 50 per person
We pick you up from a central Dubai meeting point by coach and bring you to the camp with other guests. No driving, no parking, still excellent value. Popular with solo travellers and couples.
Sharing 4×4 hotel pickup — AED 100 per person
A 4×4 collects you directly from your Dubai hotel or residence, shared with a few other guests, and drops you back after the show. The most convenient mid-range option and the one most hotel visitors choose.
Private car — AED 799 per car (up to 7 guests)
Your own private vehicle, collected from your door, on your own schedule with no strangers aboard. For a family or group of seven that works out at about AED 85 per person, cheaper than most shared tours elsewhere, with full privacy.
Optional Add-On Prices
These are extras you can choose to add, none are required to enjoy the safari. Pre-booking some of them on WhatsApp is cheaper than paying at the camp.
| Add-on | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quad bike (single) | One rider · single · 20 min | AED 100 |
| Quad bike (double) | Two riders · double · 20 min | AED 150 |
| Dune buggy | Self-drive buggy, 30 minutes, up to 2 people | AED 800 |
| VIP private seating | Upgraded private seating at the camp | AED 50 / person |
| Falcon photo | Pose with a falcon, a UAE icon | AED 20 |
| Long camel ride | Extended camel ride for two people | AED 300 / 2 people |
| Photography package | Professional photos of your group | AED 50 |
| Extra dune bashing | An additional dune bashing run | AED 150 / vehicle |
| Henna full design | Detailed henna (basic henna is free) | AED 30 – 50 |
| Table-side shisha | Shisha brought to your seating (camp area is free) | AED 50 |
What Is Included Free vs What Costs Extra
This is the table most operators do not show you. Everything in the left column is included in your AED 35 (or any) package at no extra charge. The right column lists the optional extras. No surprises, no hidden surcharges.
| Included free in every package | Optional, costs extra |
|---|---|
| 4×4 dune bashing | Quad bike (from AED 150 — controlled area or open desert) |
| Camel ride | Dune buggy (AED 800 / 30 min) |
| Sandboarding | VIP private seating (AED 50) |
| BBQ buffet dinner (veg + non-veg) | Falcon photo (AED 20) |
| Unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, coffee | Long camel ride (AED 300 / 2 people) |
| Henna for ladies (basic) | Photography package (AED 50) |
| Shisha in the designated area | Henna full design (AED 30 – 50) |
| Welcome starter and live shows | Extra dune bashing (AED 150 / vehicle) |
| Arabic costumes for photos | Table-side shisha (AED 50) |
| Sunset photography and washrooms | – |
No card surcharge games. There is no deposit and no prepayment. You confirm on WhatsApp and pay on arrival once you reach the camp and see it for yourself.
Desert Safari Dubai Price Per Person and For Families
A common question is how the price works for families and groups, so here is the clear maths. Prices are per person except the private car, which is per vehicle.
| Group | Cheapest option | Total price | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 adult (self drive) | Self drive AED 35 | AED 35 | AED 35 |
| Couple (self drive) | Self drive AED 35 each | AED 70 | AED 35 |
| Family of 4 (self drive) | Self drive AED 35 each | AED 140 | AED 35 |
| Family of 4 (hotel pickup) | Sharing 4×4 AED 100 each | AED 400 | AED 100 |
| Group of 7 (private car) | Private car AED 799 | AED 799 | ~AED 85 |
Children: little ones are welcome and children under three typically join free. Tell us your group size and the children ages on WhatsApp and we will give you an exact total before you commit.
Why Is Our Desert Safari Only AED 35?
When most Dubai safaris are advertised at AED 90 to AED 500 and up, a price of AED 35 understandably makes people ask whether it is real. It is, and the reason is structural, not a trick.
We own the camp
No reseller, no agency, no platform between you and the desert. You pay the operator directly.
No agency commission
Listing sites add 30 to 60 percent on top of the real rate. Book direct and that margin disappears.
DTCM licensed
We are a licensed Dubai tour operator under the Department of Economy and Tourism, not an unregistered pop-up.
Pay on arrival
No deposit and no prepayment. You pay only when you reach the camp. That is your guarantee the price is real.
More than five thousand guests and a 4.9 star average rating later, the model speaks for itself: a low price, a real camp and the full experience, with nothing hidden.
Morning vs Evening vs Overnight: Price and Difference
Desert safaris come in three main timings, and people often ask how they differ in both price and experience. Here is the simple breakdown with us.
| Type | What it is | Includes | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening safari | The classic and most popular: afternoon dune bashing, sunset, dinner and shows | Full camp experience + BBQ dinner + shows | AED 35 |
| Morning safari | A cooler, quieter ride and activities in the morning light, shorter and calmer | Dune bashing, camel, sandboarding (lighter, no evening shows) | On WhatsApp |
| Overnight safari | Evening safari plus sleeping under the stars at the camp with breakfast | Everything in the evening safari + overnight stay + breakfast | On WhatsApp |
The evening safari from AED 35 is what most visitors book and is the best value. Morning and overnight safaris are tailored to your group, so we confirm those prices directly on WhatsApp. See our full evening safari and morning safari pages for details.
What Is the Cheapest Desert Safari in Dubai?
The cheapest genuine desert safari in Dubai is our self-drive package at AED 35 per person. It is a real, full safari, not a stripped-down version: you still get dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, the BBQ buffet dinner, unlimited drinks and all the live shows. The only thing you do yourself is drive to the camp on normal paved roads using the GPS pin we send, which is what keeps it so affordable.
Be cautious with prices that look even lower in some adverts. Very often a rock-bottom headline figure turns out to exclude transfers, dinner or activities, with the real cost appearing only at checkout. Our AED 35 is the complete price for the complete experience, with the optional extras listed openly on this page and nothing hidden. If budget is your priority, self-drive is the answer. See our dedicated self-drive desert safari page.
Is a Dubai Desert Safari Worth It?
For the vast majority of visitors, yes, a desert safari is one of the most memorable things you can do in Dubai, and at AED 35 it is exceptional value. In a single evening you get the thrill of dune bashing, a camel ride across the sand, a desert sunset, a full BBQ buffet dinner, and live entertainment including belly dance, the LED Tanoura and a fire show, all in an authentic Bedouin-style camp. Few other experiences pack so much into one outing for so little.
It is worth it for families, couples, groups and solo travellers alike. The main people who should adjust their plans are those who cannot do the bumpy dune bashing for health reasons, and we explain exactly who should skip that part further down, while still enjoying the rest of the camp.
Dubai vs Sharjah Desert Safari Price
Sharjah desert safari prices are broadly similar to Dubai, because most Sharjah tours actually run in the same desert belt on the edge of both emirates, often departing from or passing through the Al Awir and Lahbab areas. The headline rates you see for Sharjah safaris usually sit in the same AED 90 and up range as Dubai listings, for the same reason: agency commission.
Our camp sits in the Dubai desert and we collect guests from across Dubai, so wherever you are staying, you get the same direct AED 35 starting price. If you are in Sharjah and want a desert safari, message us with your location and we will arrange pickup and confirm your price.
What Your AED 35 Actually Gets You
It is fair to wonder what is really included at this price. The answer is: the whole experience. Here is everything that comes with your package at no extra charge, the same for every guest whether you pay AED 35 or book a private car.
4×4 Dune Bashing
A thrilling but controlled ride over the dunes
Camel Riding
Ride a camel across the desert sand
Sandboarding
Glide down the dunes on a board
Sunset Photography
Golden-hour photos over the desert
BBQ Buffet Dinner
Veg and non-veg grilled buffet, halal
Belly Dance Show
One of eight live performances
LED Tanoura Show
Spinning, glowing traditional dance
Fire Show
A dramatic fire performance after dinner
Henna for Ladies
Free henna designs applied by hand
Bedouin Camp Seating
Carpets, cushions and washrooms
Arabic Costumes
Dress up for traditional photos
Unlimited Drinks
Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee
Optional extras such as quad bikes, a dune buggy, VIP seating, a falcon photo and photography packages are the only things that cost more, and every one of those prices is listed openly on this page.
How Dubai Desert Safari Pricing Works, and How to Avoid Overpaying
Desert safari prices in Dubai vary wildly, from around AED 35 to well over AED 2,000, and the gap is not really about the quality of the dunes or the dinner. It is mostly about how many hands the money passes through before it reaches the people running the camp. Understanding that helps you avoid paying two or three times more than you need to.
When you book through a listing platform or a hotel concierge, your payment often passes through one or more agents, each adding a margin of anywhere from thirty to sixty percent. The actual desert experience can be identical to a cheaper one, you are simply paying for the layers of commission in between. Booking directly with the operator that owns the camp removes those layers, which is the single biggest way to lower your price without lowering the quality.
Red flags to watch for when comparing prices
A very low headline price that excludes the essentials
Some adverts show a tiny figure that turns out to exclude transfers, dinner or the activities. Always check what the price actually includes. Ours covers the full experience, with extras listed separately.
Large upfront deposits or full prepayment
Demands for full payment in advance, especially by transfer to a personal account, are a common scam pattern. We take no deposit; you pay on arrival once you see the camp.
Card surcharges and surprise fees at the end
Watch for fees that appear only at checkout. We do not add a card surcharge and there are no surprise fees.
No licence and no fixed location
Unlicensed operators with no real camp can cancel on you or change the deal. We are licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and run our own permanent camp.
The simple rule: compare the total, all-in price for the same inclusions, check the operator is licensed, and never pay a large deposit up front. Judged that way, a direct AED 35 booking with a licensed camp operator is hard to beat.
What Makes One Safari Cost More Than Another
Beyond commission, a few genuine factors do change the price. Transfer type is the main one: self-drive is cheapest because you provide your own transport, while a private car costs more because the vehicle and driver are dedicated to your group alone. The desert you visit matters too, as the dramatic red dunes at Lahbab are a premium experience compared with the gentler golden dunes at Al Awir. Add-on activities such as quad biking and the dune buggy carry their own prices, and overnight stays cost more than evening tours because they include sleeping facilities and breakfast.
What does not change is the core experience: every package, at every price, includes the same dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner and live shows. You are choosing how you travel and which extras you want, not paying for a better or worse safari.
Timings, Duration and Pickup
A standard evening safari runs about six to seven hours in total, with roughly five hours at the desert and camp. Pickup for the evening tour is usually in the mid-afternoon so you reach the dunes in time for the golden sunset light, with drop-off back in Dubai later in the evening after dinner and the shows.
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Pickup from Dubai / set off | 3:00 – 3:30 PM |
| Dune bashing, camel, sandboarding | 4:00 – 5:30 PM |
| Sunset photography | 5:30 – 6:00 PM |
| Camp: welcome starter, henna, costumes | 6:30 PM |
| Live shows + BBQ buffet dinner | 7:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Drop-off back to Dubai | 9:30 – 10:00 PM |
We pick up from hotels and residences across Dubai, and a central meeting point for the shared bus. Exact timings shift slightly with the season and sunset. Self-drive guests receive a live GPS pin to the camp. Tell us where you are staying and we will confirm your pickup time. For the full location, see our Dubai desert safari location page.
Who Should Skip the Dune Bashing
We would rather you have the right experience than simply sell a ticket, so here is honest guidance. The safari suits almost everyone, but a few people should sit out the dune bashing while still enjoying the camp, dinner and shows.
Pregnant guests
The bumps and sudden movements of dune bashing are not recommended during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can still join, relax at the camp and enjoy the dinner and shows.
Very young children and infants
Children are welcome and usually love the camp, but the dune bashing can be too bumpy for infants and toddlers. Children under three typically join free.
Elderly guests, back, neck or heart conditions
If you have a fragile back or neck, a heart condition, or limited mobility, skip the dune bashing and enjoy the camp at your own pace. When in doubt, ask your doctor and tell us when booking so we can look after you.
Prone to motion sickness
Choose our gentler golden-dune route at Al Awir, eat lightly beforehand, sit toward the front and ask the driver to go smoothly. You can also skip the drive entirely and still enjoy everything else.
Dubai Desert Safari Price: Key Facts at a Glance
Royal Arabian Safari is a DTCM-licensed desert safari operator that runs its own camp in the Dubai desert. A Dubai desert safari with Royal Arabian Safari costs from AED 35 per person: AED 35 for self-drive, AED 50 for shared bus pickup, AED 100 for a shared 4×4 hotel pickup, and AED 799 for a private car for up to seven guests. By comparison, typical Dubai desert safari prices across operators range from around AED 90 to AED 500 or more per person for a standard evening tour, and over AED 1,000 for VIP and luxury packages. Every Royal Arabian Safari package includes 4×4 dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ buffet dinner (vegetarian and non-vegetarian, halal), unlimited soft drinks, henna for ladies, shisha, traditional costumes for photos, and eight live shows including belly dance, LED Tanoura and a fire show. Optional add-ons include a quad bike from AED 200, a dune buggy at AED 800 for 30 minutes, VIP seating at AED 50 and a falcon photo at AED 20. The price is low because guests book directly with the camp operator, with no online travel agency commission. There is no deposit and payment is made on arrival. A standard evening safari lasts about six to seven hours. Booking is direct via WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683. Royal Arabian Safari holds a 4.9 star average rating from more than 5,000 guests.
Dubai Desert Safari Price: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dubai desert safari cost per person?
How much is the entry fee for a desert safari?
What is the cheapest desert safari in Dubai?
How much is a desert safari for a family?
Which desert safari is best in Dubai?
How many hours is the desert safari?
What is the difference between morning, evening and overnight safaris?
Is a Dubai desert safari worth it?
How much is a desert safari in Sharjah compared with Dubai?
Do I have to pay a deposit, and how do I pay?
Do you run desert safaris and tours in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi?
Yes. We are an Abu Dhabi based DCT-licensed operator running our own camp in the Al Khatim desert, and we also arrange Dubai desert safaris and Dubai city tours. If you are staying in Dubai but want the taller, quieter Abu Dhabi dunes and the lower price from AED 35, we run transfers from Dubai.
What is included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?
Every evening package includes 4×4 dune bashing, a short camel ride, sandboarding, a sunset photo stop, Arabic costume for photos, henna for ladies, a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea, a shisha corner, separate washrooms and around eight live shows including tanoura, belly dance and a fire show.
How much does a desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?
Booking direct with us: AED 35 self-drive, AED 50 shared bus from Al Wahda or Mazyad Mall, AED 100 shared hotel pickup, AED 799 for a private 7-seater car and AED 999 for a private Land Cruiser. Agencies and hotel desks typically charge AED 180 to 250 per person for the same evening because they add commission on top of an operator price.
What time does the desert safari start and finish?
Pickup is usually 3:00 to 3:30 PM and you are back in the city around 10:00 to 10:30 PM. Timings follow sunset, so in December pickup moves earlier and in June it moves later.
Where does the desert safari take place?
At our own DCT-licensed camp in the Al Khatim desert, roughly 80 km east of Abu Dhabi city along the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway, about a 50 to 60 minute drive. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres, which is considerably taller than the roadside dunes some operators use, and there is far less traffic on the sand.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with the exact total, no deposit and no booking fee, and you pay at the camp on the day. Free cancellation applies up to 12 hours before.
Explore More Dubai Desert Safari Options
Dubai Desert Safari — Quick Answers
Everything a first-time booker asks, answered straight.
Hotel pickup and drop, dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding, a camel ride, henna, Arabic coffee and dates, live tanoura and belly-dance shows, and an open BBQ buffet with veg and non-veg. The evening safari runs about 6 hours.
From AED 50 per person (about USD 14) for a shared evening safari with dinner and transfers. Want your own car and driver? Private safari from AED 599. Full sunrise/morning safari from AED 799.
Pickup is usually 2:30-3:30 PM depending on your hotel area, and you are back around 9-9:30 PM after dinner and the shows. We confirm your exact pickup time on WhatsApp.
Shared is the best value and great for meeting people. Choose private if you want your own vehicle, flexible timing, and a quieter table — ideal for families, couples and groups who prefer privacy.
What happens after you book, and what if plans change
Booking is a WhatsApp message, not a checkout form. Here is what happens next, and what we do the moment a pickup time or the weather shifts.
- You message us. Send your date, group size and Dubai hotel to +971 58 228 2683. A real person replies in minutes.
- You get written confirmation with the price locked. No deposit, no card online, no surprise fees on the day.
- The afternoon before, we send your driver. His name, the 4×4, the plate and your exact pickup window from your Dubai hotel.
- You pay after the safari. Cash or card, once the day is done, never before.
The doubts we hear most, answered straight
- Do I pay before or after? After. Nothing is charged until the safari is finished.
- Can I cancel? Yes, free, up to 12 hours before pickup. No fee and no reason needed.
- What if my plans change? Tell us and we move your pickup or your date at no extra charge.
- What about the heat or a sandstorm? On the rare day conditions are unsafe we rebook or refund. We never send you out in it.
- What if my driver is delayed? We run our own fleet, so a second 4×4 covers the gap. You are never left waiting.
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This package
Know before you book
- No card needed — you pay on arrival.
- DCT-licensed Dubai tourism operator, our own camp and drivers.
- Message us on WhatsApp any time — timings, pickup point and add-ons are confirmed in the same chat.