Al Awir Desert Safari From AED 35
An Al Awir desert safari on the closest golden dunes to Dubai, from our own DTCM-licensed camp. Gentle, family-friendly dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, a BBQ buffet dinner and live shows, all from AED 35. Book direct and pay on arrival.
Al Awir Desert Safari From AED 35: The Short Answer
An Al Awir desert safari on the closest golden dunes to Dubai, from our own DTCM-licensed camp.
- How much is a ticket for the Al Awir desert safari?: With Royal Arabian Safari it starts at 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.
- 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 is Al Awir desert located and how far is it from Dubai?: Al Awir is on the south-eastern edge of Dubai, along the Dubai-Hatta Road (E44), roughly 40 kilometres and about a 50 to 65 minute drive from the city centre.
- 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.
- Do I need to pay a deposit, and can I cancel?: No deposit is required. You book on WhatsApp and pay on arrival once you reach the camp. If your plans change, simply message us in good time and we will reschedule or cancel, just let us know as early as you can so we can free up the spaces.
- Which desert safari in Dubai is best, Al Awir or the red dunes?: It depends on what you want. Al Awir has gentle golden dunes, is the closest to Dubai, and is best for families, first-timers and a relaxed pace.
Everything we run in Dubai, with the price on the card
All prices are per car, not per person, unless the card says otherwise. You are booking the operator directly.
4 hoursHalf-Day Dubai City Tour
Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, Old Dubai, the Creek abra and the Gold Souk in a private 4×4.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private vehicle, no other guests
- Morning or evening, same price
- Photo stops, not a drive-past
8 hoursFull-Day Dubai City Tour
New Dubai in the morning, Old Dubai in the afternoon — Palm Jumeirah, Marina, the souks and the Creek.
- The only route reaching both Dubais
- Up to 6 people in one car
- Lunch stop where you choose
- Ends at the Fountain show
4 hoursOld Dubai and the Souks
Al Fahidi wind-tower district, the AED 1 abra across Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.
- Abra crossing costs AED 1 each
- Short, flat walking
- Best in the morning
- Car waits, you walk
4 hoursDubai by Night
The Fountain show, Downtown at full light, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, JBR and Bluewaters.
- Starts around 5:30 PM
- Fountain show every 30 minutes
- Most of the stops are free
- Good after a day out
6 hoursDesert Safari From Dubai
Dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, a Bedouin camp with BBQ dinner and live shows.
- Private 4×4, up to 7 guests
- Hotel pickup and drop included
- Camp is DTCM licensed
- Shared seats from AED 35 per person
Full dayDubai to Hatta Tour
Hatta Dam, kayaking, the heritage village and the Hajar Mountains. No passport, no border crossing.
- 90 minutes each way
- Kayak hire paid on site
- Best October to April
- You set the timings
One wayDXB Airport Transfer
Meet and greet with a name board at arrivals, flight tracking, luggage handled, one fixed price at any hour.
- Name board at arrivals
- Flight tracked, delays covered
- No surge at 3 AM
- Fixed price, per car
By the hourCar with Driver, As Directed
No fixed route. Your own car and driver by the hour — shopping, meetings, whatever the day needs.
- AED 250 per hour sedan or SUV
- AED 350 per hour Land Cruiser
- Four-hour minimum
- Wait time included
Per attractionDubai Attraction Transfers
A private car to Burj Khalifa, the Mall, the Frame, the Palm or the seasonal parks, with the driver waiting outside.
- Waiting time included
- Salik, fuel and parking included
- Tickets bought direct, not by us
- Child seats on request
Per rideQuad Biking
An automatic quad on a marked desert track with a guide riding ahead. The cheapest way to add adrenaline.
- AED 200 single rider
- AED 300 double
- Guide rides with the group
- No licence needed
30 min blocksDune Buggy
A Can-Am buggy on the dunes, booked by ride time. Sold as an add-on to the safari, not instead of it.
- AED 800 per 30 minutes
- Two-hour minimum
- Helmet and briefing included
- Decide before you arrive
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 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
Add-Ons & Extras
Customise your safari — add any of these to your chosen package.
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.
AED 200 single / 300 doubleQuad Biking
Ride an automatic quad on the Dubai dunes. AED 200 for a single seater, AED 300 for a double seater.
- Automatic — no gear changing
- Single seater AED 200
- Double seater AED 300
- Helmet and briefing included
AED 800 / 30 min · 2h 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 30 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 50–150Professional 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.
What is the Al Awir desert safari and how much does it cost?
The Al Awir desert safari is a desert tour on the golden dunes of Al Awir, the closest desert to Dubai, roughly 40 kilometres and about a 50 to 65 minute drive from the city centre along the Dubai-Hatta Road (E44). With Royal Arabian Safari it starts at 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 package includes dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks and live shows at our own camp.
Al Awir is known for gentler, golden rolling dunes, which makes it the most family-friendly and beginner-friendly desert near Dubai. Because you book directly with us, the operator who owns the camp, there is no online travel agency commission added on top, which is why our price is far below the typical AED 120 to AED 200 you see advertised elsewhere.
The Closest Golden Dunes to Dubai
Of all the deserts around Dubai, Al Awir is the one you can reach quickest and enjoy most easily. Sitting on the eastern edge of the city near Al Awir village, just off the Dubai-Hatta Road, it offers soft golden sand and rolling, gentle dunes rather than the steep towering ridges found deeper in the desert. That combination of a short drive and forgiving terrain is exactly why Al Awir has become the favourite choice for families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants a real Arabian desert experience without a long journey or a stomach-churning ride.
At Royal Arabian Safari we run our own camp here in Al Awir. We are not a reseller forwarding you to someone else, and we are not an online listing adding a commission to another company prices. We are licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, we have hosted more than five thousand guests, and we hold a 4.9 star average rating. Booking is direct on WhatsApp, there is no deposit, and you pay only when you arrive and see the camp for yourself. That direct model is the reason an Al Awir safari with us starts at AED 35 while the same experience is advertised elsewhere for three or four times the price.
This guide covers everything you need before you go: exactly where Al Awir is and how to reach it, what the dunes are like, every activity and what is included, what to wear and bring, how safe the dune bashing really is, who should think twice before booking, the best time to visit, and a full breakdown of prices. By the end you will know precisely what to expect and how to book the right package for your group.
Where Is Al Awir and How Do You Get There?
Al Awir is a desert district on the south-eastern outskirts of Dubai, beyond Al Khawaneej and along the corridor that leads toward Hatta. It is one of the nearest desert zones to the city, which is its single biggest advantage: you spend more time on the dunes and less time in the car. From central Dubai it is roughly 40 kilometres and around a 50 to 65 minute drive; from Dubai International Airport it is a little closer. You will pass recognisable landmarks on the way, including the road toward Dubai Safari Park, before the tarmac gives way to open golden sand.
There are four easy ways to reach us, and we send a live GPS pin the moment you book so there is no chance of getting lost:
Self-drive (AED 35)
Drive your own car. The roads to the Al Awir meeting point are fully paved and simple, so no off-road driving is needed to reach us. You open the GPS pin we send, follow it to the camp, and we take over from there. This is the cheapest option and a favourite with Dubai residents.
Shared bus (AED 50)
We collect you from a central Dubai pickup point and bring you to the camp with other guests. Easy, sociable and budget-friendly if you would rather not drive.
Shared 4×4 hotel pickup (AED 100)
A 4×4 collects you directly from your hotel or residence, shared with a few other guests. The most convenient mid-range choice and the one most hotel visitors pick.
Private car (AED 799)
Your own vehicle for up to seven people, collected privately from your door, so you travel on your own schedule with no strangers aboard.
Prefer the dramatic red dunes instead of golden sand? Those are at Lahbab, further from the city. We run both, so you can compare our Lahbab red dunes safari if towering sand and adventure are what you are after.
What the Al Awir Dunes Are Like
Al Awir is defined by warm, golden sand and rolling dunes that rise and fall gently rather than climbing into the steep, dramatic ridges you find deeper in the Arabian desert. Most dunes here sit in the comfortable range of a few metres up to gentle slopes, with the occasional steeper stretch for a bit of a thrill. This is what makes Al Awir so well suited to families and first-timers: the dune bashing is genuinely fun and bouncy, but it is not the white-knuckle, near-vertical experience that can unsettle nervous passengers or young children.
The landscape is also quieter and less commercial than the busiest tourist desert zones. You get the classic golden-sand scenery, beautiful light at sunset, and space to breathe, without feeling herded through a crowded operation. For photography, the soft rolling dunes and warm evening colour make for lovely, uncluttered shots, especially in the half hour before the sun goes down.
If you have read about Dubai red dunes, those are a different place: the red sand at Lahbab gets its colour from iron oxide and the dunes there are far taller and steeper. Al Awir trades that drama for accessibility, gentleness and proximity to the city, which for most visitors is the better everyday choice.
Al Awir vs Lahbab Red Dunes: Which Should You Choose?
This is the most common question travellers ask, and the honest answer depends on what you want from the day. Here is a clear comparison of the two deserts we operate.
| Feature | Al Awir (Golden Dunes) | Lahbab (Red Dunes) |
|---|---|---|
| Sand colour | Warm golden | Deep red (iron oxide) |
| Dune height | Gentle, rolling | Tall and steep, 80 to 100 m |
| Distance from Dubai | Closest, ~40 km | Further, ~45 to 55 km |
| Dune bashing | Smooth and family-friendly | Steeper and more thrilling |
| Best for | Families, first-timers, relaxed pace | Adventure seekers, photographers |
| Crowds | Quieter, less commercial | Popular for dramatic scenery |
| Pricing | Fixed, from AED 35 | Premium, shared on WhatsApp |
In short: choose Al Awir if you are travelling with children or older relatives, if it is your first desert safari, or if you simply want the easiest, closest and most relaxed experience. Choose Lahbab if you want the most dramatic red-dune scenery and the steepest, most adrenaline-filled dune bashing. Both run from the same trusted camp operation, so you can book either with confidence. See our full Lahbab red dunes safari page to compare.
Al Awir Desert Safari Packages and Prices
Every package below includes the same full experience: dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, the BBQ buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks and all the live shows. The only difference is how you get to the camp. Prices are fixed and shown in full, with no online travel agency commission added on top. Compare these to the AED 120 to AED 200 routinely advertised for the same Al Awir safari elsewhere.
| Package | What it means | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self drive | You drive to the camp on paved roads using our GPS pin | Dubai residents, budget travellers | AED 35 |
| Shared bus | Coach pickup from a central Dubai point | Solo travellers, couples on a budget | AED 50 |
| Sharing 4×4 | Shared 4×4 hotel or residence pickup | Most hotel visitors | AED 100 |
| Private car | Private vehicle for up to 7 guests, door to door | Families and private groups | AED 799 |
Popular add-ons (optional, pre-book to save): quad bike AED 200 single or AED 300 double, VIP private seating AED 50, dune buggy AED 800 for 30 minutes, falcon photo AED 10–30, long camel ride AED 300 for two people, and photography packages from AED 50. Henna for ladies and shisha in the designated area are already included free.
What Is Included in Every Al Awir Safari
There are no hidden surprises. Every booking, even the AED 35 self-drive, comes with the complete camp experience:
A note on food and drink: the BBQ buffet has clearly separated vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections, and the meat is halal. Unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included. We are a family-friendly camp and alcohol is not part of the standard package. If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, just tell us on WhatsApp when you book and we will make sure you are looked after.
Everything You Can Do at the Al Awir Camp
From the moment the 4×4 hits the sand to the final fire show under the stars, here is what your evening holds.
Dune Bashing
A thrilling but smooth 4×4 ride over Al Awir golden dunes
Camel Riding
Ride a camel across the sand, a classic desert moment
Sandboarding
Glide down the dunes on a board, fun for all ages
Quad Biking
Optional ATV ride across the open desert
BBQ Buffet Dinner
Veg and non-veg grilled buffet under the open sky
Live Belly Dance
One of eight live shows at the camp stage
LED Tanoura Show
Spinning, glowing traditional Tanoura performance
Fire Show
A dramatic fire performance after dinner
Henna Art
Free henna designs for ladies, applied by hand
Falcon Photo
Pose with a falcon, a UAE icon (optional add-on)
Sunset Photography
Golden-hour photos in traditional Arabic dress
Arabic Majlis Seating
Relax on carpets and cushions around the camp
What to Wear and What to Bring
This is the question almost every first-timer asks, and most websites skip it. Here is the simple, honest answer.
What to wear
Yes, you can wear a dress. Al Awir is relaxed and there is no strict dress code. Light, loose, breathable clothing is best because the desert is warm by day and cooler after sunset. Comfortable closed shoes or sandals you do not mind getting sandy are ideal. We do suggest modest, comfortable clothing out of respect for local culture and because you will be sitting on the sand, climbing dunes and riding a camel, so flowing or very tight outfits can be awkward for the activities. In the cooler months from November to March, bring a light jacket or shawl for the evening, when desert temperatures drop noticeably after dark.
What to bring
You do not need to bring food, water or towels. Unlimited drinks and the BBQ dinner are provided, and traditional Arabic costumes for photos are available at the camp at no extra cost.
How Safe Is the Dune Bashing? Is It Scary?
Dune bashing is the part people are most curious and most nervous about, so let us be straight with you. At Al Awir the dunes are gentle and rolling rather than steep, which makes the ride here noticeably smoother and less intense than at the tall red dunes of Lahbab. It feels like a fun, bouncy roller-coaster over sand, with dips and climbs, rather than a frightening near-vertical plunge.
Every drive is handled by an experienced desert driver in a well-maintained 4×4 with seatbelts. Our drivers adjust the intensity to the group: tell us there are young children, older relatives or nervous passengers aboard and they will keep it smooth and gentle. Want more thrill? They can give you a livelier ride. You are always in control of how intense it gets, you only need to ask.
If you feel motion sickness
The safe choice for anyone prone to car sickness is to eat lightly before the drive, sit toward the front, keep your eyes on the horizon, and simply ask the driver to go gently. Al Awir gentle terrain is the best desert near Dubai for sensitive stomachs. If dune bashing is not for you at all, you can skip it and still enjoy the camel ride, sandboarding, dinner and shows.
In short: Al Awir dune bashing is exciting but not terrifying, and it is fully adjustable. For most families it is the highlight of the evening, and it is the main reason Al Awir is the desert we recommend for first-timers.
Who Should Think Twice Before Booking
We would rather you have the right experience than simply sell you a ticket. An Al Awir safari is wonderful for the vast majority of visitors, but here is honest guidance on a few situations to consider.
Pregnant guests
Dune bashing involves bumps and sudden movements that are not recommended during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can still join the trip and enjoy the camp, camel ride (gently), dinner and shows, simply sit out the dune bashing. Please mention it when booking.
Very young children and infants
Children are welcome and usually love the camp, but infants and toddlers may find the dune bashing too bumpy. Children under three typically join free. Let us know their ages and we will advise and adjust the ride.
Elderly guests and limited mobility
The camp itself is on flat, accessible sand and older guests enjoy it comfortably. However, deep sand makes wheelchair use difficult, and the dune bashing may be too jarring for fragile backs or necks. Older relatives can relax at the camp and skip the drive. If you have specific accessibility needs, message us first and we will tell you honestly what is and is not manageable.
Serious back, neck or heart conditions
If you have a significant back, neck or heart condition, skip the dune bashing and enjoy the rest of the experience at your own pace. When in doubt, ask your doctor.
For everyone else, families, couples, groups of friends, solo travellers and first-timers, Al Awir is one of the easiest and most rewarding desert experiences you can have near Dubai.
Best Time to Visit Al Awir
The desert is open all year, but the experience changes with the season and the time of day.
Best months: October to April are the most comfortable, with warm days and pleasant, cool evenings, ideal for sitting around the camp after dark. This is peak season, so booking a day or two ahead is wise. From May to September the days are very hot, but an evening safari is still enjoyable because the heat eases dramatically once the sun goes down, and the camp comes alive in the cooler night air. Summer also tends to be quieter and easier to book at short notice.
Best time of day: the classic and most popular choice is the afternoon-into-evening safari. You arrive for the dune bashing, catch the sunset over the golden dunes (the best light for photos is the half hour before the sun sets), then settle into the camp for dinner and the live shows under the stars. If you prefer cooler air and softer light, a morning safari is also possible, just ask us when you book.
How Many Hours Is It? Your Evening, Step by Step
A standard Al Awir evening safari runs about six to seven hours from pickup to drop-off, with roughly five hours at the desert and camp. Here is how a typical evening unfolds.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Pickup from your Dubai hotel or you set off to the camp using our GPS pin |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Arrive at the dunes, meet your driver, begin the 4×4 dune bashing |
| 5:00 PM | Camel ride and sandboarding on the golden dunes |
| 5:30 – 6:00 PM | Sunset photography, the best golden light of the day |
| 6:30 PM | Arrive at the camp, welcome starter, henna, costumes and falcon photos |
| 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Live shows begin: belly dance, LED Tanoura, fire show and more |
| 8:00 PM | BBQ buffet dinner served, veg and non-veg, with unlimited drinks |
| 9:30 – 10:00 PM | Relax with shisha, final photos, then drop-off back to Dubai |
Exact timings shift slightly with the season and sunset, and private groups can adjust the schedule. Tell us your preferred pace on WhatsApp and we will tailor it.
Why Is Our Al Awir Safari Only AED 35?
When the same Al Awir safari is advertised at AED 120, 150 or even 200 elsewhere, a price of AED 35 sounds too good to be true. It is not, and the reason is simple: you are booking directly with the company that owns and runs the camp.
We own the camp
There is no middleman, no agency and no reseller between you and the desert. You pay the operator directly.
No online travel agency commission
Listing sites add 30 to 60 percent on top of the real price. Book direct and that margin simply 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 and see it for yourself. That is our guarantee.
More than five thousand guests and a 4.9 star average rating later, the model speaks for itself. Low price, real camp, full experience, no catch.
Al Awir Desert Safari: Key Facts at a Glance
Royal Arabian Safari operates a DTCM-licensed desert safari camp in Al Awir, the closest golden-dune desert to Dubai, roughly 40 kilometres and about a 50 to 65 minute drive south-east of the city centre via the Dubai-Hatta Road (E44), at coordinates 24.638025 N, 55.490337 E. The Al Awir desert safari starts at AED 35 per person for self-drive, AED 50 for shared bus pickup, AED 100 for shared 4×4 hotel pickup, and AED 799 for a private car for up to seven guests. Al Awir is known for gentle, rolling golden dunes, which makes it the most family-friendly and beginner-friendly desert near Dubai, in contrast to the taller, steeper red dunes of Lahbab. Every 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. A standard evening safari lasts about six to seven hours. Booking is direct via WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683, with no deposit and payment on arrival. Royal Arabian Safari holds a 4.9 star average rating from more than 5,000 guests and also operates red-dune safaris at Lahbab.
Al Awir Desert Safari: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a ticket for the Al Awir desert safari?
Which desert safari in Dubai is best, Al Awir or the red dunes?
How scary is the dune bashing?
Can I wear a dress to the desert safari?
How many hours is the Al Awir desert safari?
Where is Al Awir desert located and how far is it from Dubai?
Is Al Awir in Dubai or Sharjah?
Is there a proper camp at Al Awir?
What is the weather like and when should I go?
Do I need to pay a deposit, and can I cancel?
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.
Book Your Al Awir Desert Safari From AED 35
The closest golden dunes to Dubai, a full Bedouin camp evening, and an honest price with no deposit and no hidden fees. Message us on WhatsApp and pay only when you arrive.
Book Now on WhatsAppPhotos From Our Dubai Desert Camp
These are our own guests and our own camp, not stock photography. If you want more, ask on WhatsApp and we will send the latest batch from this week.
Book Your Dubai Desert Safari
Send the form and we reply on WhatsApp with the exact pickup time for your area. Nothing is charged online — you pay the driver or at the camp.
Continue Planning Your Trip
- Full-Day Dubai City Tour — AED 899 Per Car
- Half-Day Dubai City Tour — AED 699 Per Car
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Taxi Fare — AED 250–330 One Way
- Dubai City Tour Price — What It Really Costs
- When Should You Actually Go to Dubai?
- Your Dubai Itinerary, Day by Day
- Dubai at Night
- The Dubai Fountain Show
- Things to Do in Dubai With Kids
- Things to Do in Dubai Mall
If we have to cancel, what happens?
A cancellation policy that covers your obligations but not ours is only half a document. Here is our side of it, in writing.
If we have to cancel your booking — for weather, a vehicle issue, or driver illness — we will contact you as soon as we know and rebook you at no charge on the next date that works for you. You pay nothing for the cancelled booking.
If we need to send a different vehicle than the one you booked, we will ask you first rather than turning up in something you did not book.
This is separate from your own cancellation rights, which are unchanged: you can cancel free up to 12 hours before pickup. Because we take no deposit and no booking fee, there is no money of yours sitting with us either way — nothing to chase, and nothing to wait for.
Desert safari from Dubai: the timeline, hour by hour
Here is exactly how the evening unfolds, from the moment we collect you to the drop-off back in Dubai. Times shift a little with the season and the sunset; the sequence stays the same.
| Time | Stage | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Pickup | We collect you from your Dubai hotel or residence — or you drive yourself to the camp using the GPS pin we send. The drive takes about 50 to 65 minutes depending on traffic. |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Dune bashing | Your driver takes you across the dunes in a 4×4. Tell us if you want it gentle or lively — you control the intensity. |
| 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Sunset stop | The drive pauses on a high dune for the sunset, the best light of the day and the best photographs of the trip. |
| 5:30 – 6:00 PM | Camel ride and sandboarding | Ride a camel across the sand and try sandboarding down the dunes. Both included, both suitable for all ages. |
| 6:30 PM | Arrive at the camp | Settle into the Bedouin-style camp with carpet and cushion seating. A welcome starter is served; henna, Arabic costumes for photos, and the falcon are all here. |
| 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Live shows | Eight live performances including belly dance, the glowing LED Tanoura and a fire show, while the desert cools around you. |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | BBQ buffet dinner | A full BBQ buffet with separated vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections and halal meat, plus unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee. Shisha in the designated area. |
| 9:30 – 10:00 PM | Drop-off | We drive you back to your Dubai hotel, or you head home from the camp. |
Your confirmed pickup time is the one we send on WhatsApp the day before.
Book this tour
No deposit and no card details. Message us and we confirm the plan and the exact price before you commit — answered at any hour.
- Send your date and guest countYour date, how many of you, and where we collect from. That is all we need.
- We send the plan and the pricePer car, not per person. You see the route, the timings and the exact figure first.
- Pay the driver on the dayCash or card, after the run. Free cancellation up to 12 hours before pickup.
Answered 24 hours · No deposit · No booking fee · Licensed operator