Luxury Desert Safari Dubai
A genuinely private, premium desert safari, your own 4×4, VIP seating, the full sunset evening of shows and BBQ dining, and bespoke overnight options, from AED 799 with no sharing and no hidden costs. Real luxury, shown openly, without the inflated price.
Luxury Desert Safari Dubai: The Short Answer
A genuinely private, premium desert safari, your own 4×4, VIP seating, the full sunset evening of shows and BBQ dining, and bespoke overnight options, from AED 799 with no sharing and no hidden costs.
- How much is a luxury desert safari in Dubai?: Our luxury private safari is AED 799 for the whole 4×4, for up to seven guests, which is around AED 86 per person in a group of seven or roughly AED 300 each for a couple.
- How long is the dune bashing?: Around 40 to 45 minutes with short breaks. Tyres are deflated to roughly 15 psi first so they float on the sand.
- 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 luxury safari take place?: On the golden, rolling dunes of Al Awir, the closest true desert to central Dubai and ideal for a comfortable, photogenic evening.
- What does a premium desert safari include?: Everything in the standard evening, with nothing removed: a private 4×4 with driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, a sunset photography stop, a camel ride, sandboarding, eight live shows, a BBQ buffet dinner with veg and non-veg halal options, unlimited refreshments, basic henna, Arabic costumes for photos, a shisha area and clean separate washrooms.
- How do I book a luxury desert safari in Dubai?: Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with your date, the number of guests and any upgrades you want, such as VIP, overnight or bespoke.
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 a luxury desert safari in Dubai?
A luxury desert safari in Dubai means a private, premium experience rather than a shared bus tour. Our luxury safari gives you your own 4×4 vehicle for up to seven guests from AED 799, with the full evening of dune bashing, a sunset stop, a camel ride, sandboarding, eight live shows and a BBQ buffet dinner, but with no sharing, a flexible pickup time, and a dune-bashing pace set entirely to you.
From there you can build the experience up: add VIP front-row seating for AED 50 per person, premium extras like a dune buggy or professional photography, or step up to an overnight under the stars or a fully bespoke private experience, both priced on WhatsApp. Unlike many luxury operators charging well over AED 1,000, or hiding their prices entirely, our pricing is shown openly on this page with no hidden costs and no forced upgrades. That is our definition of luxury: private, premium and honest.
Real Luxury, Without the Inflated Price
Most desert safaris marketed as luxury in Dubai do one of two things: they charge well over a thousand dirhams per couple, or they hide their prices behind a booking enquiry so you never quite know what you are paying. We do neither. We are the operator running our own camp on the golden dunes of Al Awir, so there is no agency, no middleman and no commission inflating the cost.
That means we can offer a truly private, premium safari, your own 4×4, the whole sunset evening, and a calm, unhurried pace, from AED 799 for the vehicle, which works out at around AED 86 per person for a group of seven, or roughly AED 300 each for a couple. You get the privacy, comfort and flexibility that define luxury, with every price written down in front of you. The rest of this page shows exactly what you get at each level, the full itinerary, the location, and honest guidance on who it suits best.
Luxury Desert Safari Options and Prices
Here is every luxury option with its price, in plain text, no hidden figures and no enquiry wall. Build the experience to the level you want.
| Luxury option | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Private Desert Safari | Your own 4×4 for up to 7, the full sunset evening of dune bashing, shows and BBQ dinner, flexible pickup, no sharing | AED 799 / vehicle |
| VIP Seating Upgrade | Premium front-row majlis seating at the camp | +AED 50 / person |
| Premium Add-Ons | Dune buggy, quad bike, falcon photo, professional photography, long camel ride | From AED 30 |
| Overnight Luxury | Everything private, plus sleep under the stars, a bonfire, stargazing and breakfast | Price on WhatsApp |
| Bespoke / Tailored | A fully custom private experience built around your group and occasion | Price on WhatsApp |
The private safari at AED 799 is the heart of our luxury offering, the full premium evening in your own vehicle. VIP seating and premium add-ons let you elevate it further, and the overnight and bespoke options are priced individually because they are tailored to you, so message us and we will give you an exact, honest quote. There is never a deposit, and you pay on the day.
What Does a Premium Desert Safari Include?
Your private luxury safari includes the complete evening experience, with nothing stripped out. Everything below is part of the AED 799 private safari.
| Included | Detail |
|---|---|
| Private 4×4 with trained driver | Your own desert-prepared vehicle, no strangers, your pace |
| Hotel pickup and drop-off | Included from across Dubai, flexible timing |
| Dune bashing | Across the golden dunes, gentle or thrilling, your choice |
| Sunset photography stop | The golden-hour highlight of the evening |
| Camel ride and sandboarding | Classic desert activities at the camp |
| Eight live shows | Belly dance, LED Tanoura, fire show and more |
| BBQ buffet dinner | Veg and non-veg, halal, with unlimited refreshments |
| Henna, Arabic costumes, shisha | Basic henna, free costumes for photos, camp shisha area |
| Separate washrooms | Clean facilities for men and women |
Falcon photography, professional photo packages, quad bikes, the dune buggy and table-side shisha are available as premium add-ons, listed with prices further down. Everything that is included is genuinely included, with no surprise charges at the camp.
Your Luxury Safari, Hour by Hour
No other luxury safari page shows you the timeline. Here is exactly how a private evening safari unfolds, from pickup to drop-off. Times shift a little with the season, earlier in winter, later in summer, so that you reach the dunes for sunset.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2:30 – 4:00 PM | Private pickup from your hotel or address in your own 4×4, at a time set to the season |
| Around 45 minutes later | Arrive at the golden dunes of Al Awir, the closest desert to Dubai |
| Late afternoon | Dune bashing across the dunes, at the pace you choose, gentle or thrilling |
| Golden hour | Sunset photography stop on a high dune, the highlight of the evening |
| Early evening | Arrive at the private camp, camel ride, sandboarding, henna and Arabic costumes |
| Evening | Settle into your seating with refreshments and shisha as the desert cools |
| From around 8:00 PM | Eight live shows: belly dance, LED Tanoura, a fire show and more, then the BBQ buffet dinner |
| 9:00 – 9:30 PM | Private drive back to your hotel, relaxed and unhurried |
Because it is private, this timeline is flexible, you are never waiting for a busload of strangers, and you can linger longer over the parts you love. If you choose the overnight option, the evening continues past dinner into a bonfire, stargazing and a night in a private tent, with breakfast and a morning drive back. For exact pickup times by month, see our timings guide.
Private vs Shared: What Makes It Luxury
The single biggest difference between a budget safari and a luxury one is not the food or the shows, it is whether you share. On a shared safari you ride with strangers, wait for the slowest group, and keep to a fixed schedule. On a private luxury safari, the vehicle, the pace and the timing are yours. Here is the honest comparison.
| Detail | Shared safari | Private luxury safari |
|---|---|---|
| Your vehicle | Shared with 5-6 strangers | Yours alone, up to 7 guests |
| Pickup time | Fixed, on the operator’s schedule | Flexible, set around you |
| Dune bashing pace | One pace for everyone | Gentle or thrilling, your call |
| Waiting around | Wait for the full group | No waiting, you set the rhythm |
| Privacy at the camp | Communal seating | Your own space, VIP optional |
| Best for | Budget and solo travellers | Couples, families, special occasions |
| Price | AED 200 single / 300 double per person | AED 799 for the whole vehicle |
We are honest about this: if you are a solo traveller on a budget, our shared safari from AED 100 per person is excellent value and you will have a wonderful evening. But if you want a romantic, comfortable or celebratory experience, the privacy of the AED 799 safari is what turns a good night into a luxury one. We also run a dedicated private desert safari page if you want the full detail on that product.
VIP Desert Safari Dubai: Seating, Children and Families
A VIP desert safari Dubai experience with us is simply our private luxury safari with the premium seating upgrade added: your own 4×4 from AED 799 for up to seven guests, plus a front-row majlis seat at the camp. There is no separate VIP ticket and no inflated VIP package. The VIP desert safari Dubai upgrade is transparent at AED 50 per person, and you can add it to any private booking on WhatsApp.
VIP seating is our most popular luxury upgrade, at AED 50 per person. It gives you a premium front-row majlis seat facing the stage, the best view of the belly dance, LED Tanoura and fire show, with your own comfortable space rather than communal benches. For couples and special occasions it is the small touch that makes the evening feel genuinely exclusive.
A luxury private safari is also the most comfortable choice for families with children. Because the vehicle is yours, little ones can nap, parents can control the dune-bashing intensity, and there is no pressure from other guests. Children are welcome, and the dunes of Al Awir are gentle enough for young families. For dune bashing, the driver will adjust the drive to suit the youngest passengers, or skip the bigger dunes entirely if you prefer, which is something a shared safari cannot promise.
| Group | Our guidance |
|---|---|
| Couples | The private safari plus VIP seating is our top recommendation for a romantic evening |
| Families with kids | Private is safest and calmest; dune bashing adjusted for young children |
| Infants and toddlers | Welcome, but tell us in advance so we can plan a gentle drive |
| Large groups (up to 7) | One private vehicle covers the whole group at AED 799 |
| Special occasions | Birthdays, proposals and anniversaries, message us to tailor the evening |
There is no rigid age limit, but for the comfort and safety of very young children or anyone with a health concern, we always recommend telling us in advance so we can plan the right drive. Just message us on WhatsApp with your group details.
Where Your Luxury Safari Takes Place
Your safari runs on the golden dunes of Al Awir, the closest true desert to central Dubai, around 35 to 45 minutes from most hotels. These are soft, rolling, photogenic dunes, ideal for a comfortable luxury drive and sunset photography, rather than the harsh terrain some operators use. The camp is our own, licensed by DTCM, so the whole experience is run by us from start to finish.
For guests who want taller, dramatic red dunes, we also operate at Lahbab, the famous Red Dunes a little further out. Lahbab luxury experiences are tailored and priced individually, so message us on WhatsApp for those. Here is the camp location on the map.
Open the camp location in Google Maps. Approximate drive times: Deira and Bur Dubai 30 to 40 minutes, Downtown and Business Bay 35 to 45, Dubai Marina and JBR 45 to 55, and Palm Jumeirah 45 to 55. With the private safari your driver collects you from your own door, so you never need to navigate any of this yourself. For a full breakdown of routes and pickup zones, see our location and map guide.
The Premium Evening in Detail
Dining. Dinner is a full BBQ buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all halal, served fresh at the camp with unlimited tea, coffee, water and soft drinks. If you have dietary requirements, tell us in advance and we will make sure you are looked after. The dining is unhurried, you eat when you are ready, not when a queue dictates.
Live shows. The evening features eight live performances, including a belly dance, the spinning LED Tanoura, and a fire show, performed against the desert night. With VIP seating you watch from the front. Culture and photos. Try on traditional Arabic costumes for photographs, have basic henna applied, and relax in the shisha area as the desert cools.
Premium touches. For an extra fee you can hold a falcon for a photograph, book a professional photographer to capture the evening properly, ride a quad bike or dune buggy across the sand, take a longer camel ride, or enjoy table-side shisha. These are genuine extras, listed openly with prices below, never forced on you. That is the difference between honest luxury and the upsell pressure you find elsewhere.
Who Should Think Twice (Honest Advice)
No other luxury safari page in Dubai will tell you this, but we would rather you have the right expectations than a disappointing evening. A luxury private safari suits almost everyone, but a few guests should plan carefully or talk to us first.
| If you… | Our honest advice |
|---|---|
| Get motion sickness easily | Dune bashing involves dips and turns. Tell your driver, sit in front, and we will keep it gentle, or skip the bashing and go straight to the camp |
| Have back, neck or mobility issues | Dune bashing can be jolting. We can drive softly or arrange a calmer route; please tell us in advance |
| Are pregnant | We do not recommend dune bashing during pregnancy, but you can still enjoy the camp, dining and shows; let us plan a gentle arrival |
| Are travelling with very young infants | Welcome, but the drive should be gentle; tell us their age so we plan correctly |
| Want a wild, extreme ride only | Our focus is comfort and beauty; we can add intensity, but extreme off-road is not the point of a luxury safari |
| Expect alcohol | Our camp experience is family-friendly and does not centre on alcohol; ask us about your preferences |
Because your safari is private, almost all of these can be solved simply by telling us in advance, the driver adjusts to you. That flexibility is exactly why private is the more comfortable, more inclusive, more genuinely luxurious choice. A quick WhatsApp message before you book is all it takes.
What to Wear and Bring
Dress for comfort and the desert climate. Light, breathable clothing works best by day, but desert nights feel noticeably cooler than the city, so bring a layer for the evening, especially from November to March. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a small bag for your phone and camera are worth packing. Closed shoes or sandals are both fine at the camp.
| We provide | You bring |
|---|---|
| Arabic costumes for photos | A light layer for the cooler evening |
| Seating, shade and washrooms | Sunglasses and sunscreen |
| All food and unlimited drinks | Your phone or camera, and a power bank |
| Henna and shisha area | Comfortable, modest clothing for the camp |
For a full seasonal outfit guide, including what women and families should wear and the temperature month by month, see our what to wear guide.
No Hidden Costs, No Pressure
Everything that is included in your safari is listed on this page. Add-ons are optional and priced openly, you decide what you want, and nothing is sprung on you at the camp. There is no deposit, you pay on the day, and the price you are quoted is the price you pay. In a market where some operators bury prices in images or quote thousands without explaining why, this transparency is the most luxurious thing of all: you always know exactly where you stand.
Premium Add-Ons and Prices
Every add-on is optional and priced openly. Add any you like, just tell us on WhatsApp when you book and we will have it ready at the camp.
| Add-on | Price |
|---|---|
| VIP front-row majlis seating | AED 50 / person |
| Quad bike (single) | AED 200 |
| Quad bike (double) | AED 300 |
| Dune buggy | AED 800 / 30 min |
| Falcon photograph | AED 30 |
| Long camel ride | AED 300 / 2 people |
| Professional photography | AED 50 – 150 |
| Extra dune bashing | AED 150 / vehicle |
| Full henna design (basic free) | AED 30 – 50 |
| Table-side shisha (camp area free) | AED 50 |
Signature Luxury Upgrades
Overnight under the stars. The ultimate version of a luxury safari is to stay the night. You enjoy the full private evening, then instead of driving back, you settle around a bonfire, watch the stars with no city light, sleep in a private desert tent, and wake to breakfast and the quiet of the dunes at dawn. Pickup, drop-off and the morning are all included. Because every overnight is tailored to your group, it is priced individually, so message us for an exact quote.
Bespoke experiences. For proposals, anniversaries, birthdays or simply a once-in-a-lifetime evening, we build a fully custom safari around you. Tell us the occasion and what would make it special, and we will design it and quote you honestly. Dune buggy and quad adventures add a thrill for those who want it, and professional photography turns the evening into a proper keepsake. None of these is required, they are simply there if you want to make a luxurious night even more memorable.
Why Book Your Luxury Safari Direct With Us
We are not an agency or a reseller. We own and run the camp on the golden dunes of Al Awir, licensed by DTCM, and we host every guest ourselves. That matters for luxury in three ways: there is no middleman commission inflating your price, the people you message are the people running your evening, and we can tailor the experience because it is genuinely ours to tailor.
More than 5,000 guests, couples, families and groups, have travelled with us, and our standing is built on a simple promise: a beautiful, private, premium evening at an honest price, with no surprises. When some operators charge well over a thousand dirhams or hide their pricing entirely, our transparency is the clearest sign of a luxury experience done properly. You see every price, you pay no deposit, and you settle up on the day.
| Booking direct means | What you get |
|---|---|
| No agency commission | The real operator price, from AED 799 |
| No deposit | Pay on the day of your safari |
| Tailored evenings | VIP, overnight and bespoke arranged directly |
| Honest, fast answers | You message the team who runs your safari |
What to Ask Before You Book Any Luxury Safari
If you are comparing operators, these four questions cut through the marketing quickly: Is the vehicle genuinely private, or shared? Is the full price shown up front, including any camp add-ons? Are you booking with the operator or an agency taking a cut? And can they tailor the evening for your occasion or group? A confident luxury operator answers all four plainly. We have built this entire page around answering them before you even ask, because that openness is, to us, what separates real luxury from an expensive label.
Luxury Desert Safari: Dubai vs Abu Dhabi
Travellers often compare a luxury safari in Dubai with one in Abu Dhabi. Both are excellent; the difference is mainly the dunes and the distance. Dubai luxury safaris, like ours at Al Awir, are close to the city, with golden, rolling dunes ideal for a comfortable evening and sunset photography. Abu Dhabi safaris reach larger, more remote dunes near Al Khatim and Liwa, a longer drive but a more epic, untouched landscape, which suits travellers staying in the capital or wanting bigger dunes.
If you are based in Dubai, a Dubai luxury safari gives you more of the evening and less time in the car. If you are in Abu Dhabi, or you want the drama of the high desert, the capital is the better base. We run premium safaris in both emirates, so you are covered either way. For the Abu Dhabi side, explore our Abu Dhabi desert safari experiences, or compare directly on our Dubai desert safari hub.
Quick Facts: Luxury Desert Safari Dubai
A concise summary for quick reference.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it | A private, premium desert safari in your own 4×4, not a shared bus tour |
| Price | From AED 799 for the vehicle (up to 7 guests); VIP seating +AED 50 per person |
| Overnight and bespoke | Priced individually on WhatsApp, tailored to your group |
| Operator | Royal Arabian Safari, DTCM-licensed, runs its own camp |
| Location | Golden dunes of Al Awir, around 50 to 65 minutes from central Dubai depending on traffic; Lahbab red dunes also available |
| Includes | Private 4×4, dune bashing, sunset stop, camel ride, sandboarding, 8 live shows, BBQ buffet (halal, veg and non-veg), hotel pickup and drop-off |
| Hidden costs | None; no deposit; you pay on the day |
| Book | WhatsApp +971 58 228 2683 |
Luxury Desert Safari Dubai: FAQs
What is a VIP desert safari Dubai?
A VIP desert safari Dubai is a private desert safari with our premium front-row majlis seating added. You get your own air-conditioned 4×4 from AED 799 for up to seven guests, hotel pickup, dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ buffet dinner and eight live shows, plus the best seats in the camp for AED 50 per person. There is no separate VIP package and no hidden VIP fee.
Is the VIP desert safari Dubai experience worth it?
For couples, special occasions and anyone who wants the best view of the live shows, yes. The VIP desert safari Dubai upgrade is only AED 50 per person and gives you a comfortable front-row majlis seat facing the stage rather than a shared bench, on top of an already-private 4×4. If you are happy with standard camp seating you can skip it and still enjoy the full evening.
How much is a luxury desert safari in Dubai?
Our luxury private safari is AED 799 for the whole 4×4, for up to seven guests, which is around AED 86 per person in a group of seven or roughly AED 300 each for a couple. VIP front-row seating is AED 50 per person. Overnight stays and fully bespoke experiences are priced individually, so message us on WhatsApp for an exact quote. Every price is shown openly with no hidden costs.
Which is the best luxury desert safari operator in Dubai?
The honest answer is to judge operators by three things: whether the safari is genuinely private, whether the pricing is transparent, and whether real guests rate them well. We are the operator, not an agency, we run our own DTCM-licensed camp, we show every price in plain text, and we have hosted more than 5,000 guests. We would rather earn your trust with honesty than call ourselves the best.
How much is a Desert Safari Dubai VIP experience?
VIP refers to our premium front-row majlis seating, which is AED 50 per person on top of the private safari. So a private VIP evening for two is AED 799 for the vehicle plus AED 100 for two VIP seats. It gives you the best view of the live shows and your own comfortable space rather than communal benches.
What does a premium desert safari include?
Everything in the standard evening, with nothing removed: a private 4×4 with driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, a sunset photography stop, a camel ride, sandboarding, eight live shows, a BBQ buffet dinner with veg and non-veg halal options, unlimited refreshments, basic henna, Arabic costumes for photos, a shisha area and clean separate washrooms. Falcon photos, professional photography, quad bikes, the dune buggy and table-side shisha are optional premium add-ons.
What is the price of a luxury desert safari, and tickets?
The private luxury safari is AED 799 for the vehicle. There are no separate tickets to buy; that one price covers up to seven guests for the full evening. Add-ons such as VIP seating (AED 50 per person) or a dune buggy (AED 800) are optional. Overnight and bespoke experiences are quoted individually on WhatsApp.
How do I book a luxury desert safari in Dubai?
Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 228 2683 with your date, the number of guests and any upgrades you want, such as VIP, overnight or bespoke. We confirm everything directly, there is no deposit required, and you pay on the day of your safari.
What should I wear on a luxury desert safari?
Light, comfortable, modest clothing by day, and a layer for the evening, as desert nights feel cooler than the city, especially from November to March. Sunglasses and sunscreen are useful, and closed shoes or sandals both work at the camp. See our what to wear guide for a full month-by-month outfit breakdown.
What is the payment method?
You can pay in cash on the day, or by bank transfer if you prefer to arrange it in advance. There is no deposit and no online ticket to buy. The price we quote is the price you pay, with nothing added at the camp.
What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a light layer for the evening, and your phone or camera with a power bank for photos. Everything else, food, drinks, seating, costumes and washrooms, is provided. Because the safari is private, you can also bring along anything special for an occasion; just let us know.
How do I get to the safari, or is pickup included?
With the private luxury safari, hotel or home pickup and drop-off are included, so you do not need to drive or navigate at all. Your 4×4 collects you at a time set around the season and brings you back the same evening. The camp is on the golden dunes of Al Awir, around 35 to 45 minutes from most of Dubai.
What is dune bashing?
Dune bashing is driving up, down and across the sand dunes in a 4×4, a thrilling desert rollercoaster. On a luxury private safari you control the intensity: tell your driver and it can be gentle and scenic or more exciting, and you can skip it entirely if you prefer to go straight to the camp. That flexibility is one of the main benefits of going private.
Is there an age limit, and are children exempt?
There is no rigid age limit, and children are welcome. For very young children, infants or anyone with a health concern, we simply ask that you tell us in advance so the driver can plan a gentle drive. A private safari is the most comfortable choice for families because everything can be adjusted for your group.
Where does the luxury safari take place?
On the golden, rolling dunes of Al Awir, the closest true desert to central Dubai and ideal for a comfortable, photogenic evening. For taller, dramatic red dunes we also operate at Lahbab, the famous Red Dunes; those experiences are tailored and priced on WhatsApp. The camp location is shown on the map on this page.
Is it suitable for families and children?
Yes, and a private luxury safari is the best family option. Your own vehicle means little ones can rest, the dune bashing is adjusted to suit them, and there is no pressure from other guests. The golden dunes of Al Awir are gentle enough for young families, and the camp has everything you need including washrooms and plenty of food choices.
Are meals a buffet, and do you cater for dietary needs?
Dinner is a full BBQ buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all halal, plus unlimited tea, coffee, water and soft drinks. If you have dietary requirements, tell us when you book and we will make sure you are properly looked after. Dining is unhurried, you eat when you are ready.
Are there any hidden costs or forced upgrades?
No. Everything included is listed on this page, and every add-on is optional and openly priced. Nothing is sprung on you at the camp, there is no deposit, and the quote you receive is the final price. Transparency is central to how we define luxury.
How is this different from other luxury safaris in Dubai?
Three ways. First, we are the operator running our own camp, so there is no agency markup. Second, we show every price in plain text, while many competitors hide theirs in images or quote thousands without explanation. Third, we give honest guidance, including who should think twice, an hour-by-hour itinerary and the exact location, which almost no other luxury page provides.
Luxury desert safari Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which is better?
Both are excellent. Dubai safaris, like ours at Al Awir, are close to the city with golden dunes, so you spend more of the evening in the desert and less in the car. Abu Dhabi safaris reach larger, more remote dunes near Al Khatim and Liwa, a longer drive but a more epic landscape. Choose based on where you are staying and whether you want closeness or bigger, wilder dunes; we run premium safaris in both.
Plan Your Luxury Evening
Explore more of our Dubai desert safari guides:
- Dubai Desert Safari (main hub)
- Private Desert Safari Dubai
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai
- Overnight Desert Safari Dubai
- Dubai Desert Safari Price
- Dubai Desert Safari Timings
- Dubai Desert Safari Location & Map
- What to Wear on a Dubai Desert Safari
Ready for a genuinely private, premium safari?
Your own 4×4 from AED 799, VIP and bespoke options, no sharing and no hidden costs. Message us and we will plan the perfect evening.
Book Your Luxury Safari 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.
Comparing luxury tiers? VIP desert safari Dubai is the private Land Cruiser at AED 999 for the whole car.
Related Desert Safari Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes on the AED 100 shared pickup, the AED 799 private car and the AED 999 Land Cruiser, covering the whole city including the Corniche, Al Maryah, Al Reem, Downtown, Khalifa City, Mussafah, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Shabiya and the airport. The AED 50 package departs from Al Wahda Mall or Mazyad Mall, and AED 35 is self-drive using a GPS pin we send you.
Do I need a 4×4 for the self-drive option?
No. You drive on tarmac to a meeting point, so any standard car or rental reaches it comfortably. Our team takes over there in a proper 4×4 for the dune bashing.
How long is the dune bashing?
Around 40 to 45 minutes with short breaks. Tyres are deflated to roughly 15 psi first so they float on the sand. Intensity is adjustable at any point — tell your driver you want it gentle and it becomes a scenic drive.
Is dune bashing safe?
Yes with a licensed operator. Every passenger wears a seatbelt, vehicles are maintained and insured, drivers are trained specifically for dune driving, and vehicles travel in convoy so recovery is immediate. You can ask to stop at any time.
Can I do the safari without dune bashing?
Yes. Book the self-drive package and come straight to the camp, or ask for a direct transfer on a private car. You still get the sunset, camel ride, sandboarding, dinner and every show. This is the right choice for pregnant guests and anyone with back, neck or heart conditions.
What food is served at the camp?
A full BBQ buffet: salads and mezze including fattoush, hummus and Arabic bread; rice dishes, dal, pasta and mixed vegetable sabzi; chicken tikka, shish taouk, lamb seekh kebab and fish from the grill; Om Ali and fresh fruit for dessert. All 100% halal, with unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea.
Are vegetarian and special diets catered for?
Vegetarian options are always available as standard, and the whole buffet is halal. Vegan, Jain, gluten-free and allergy requirements can be accommodated with advance notice — tell us when you book and we will confirm what will be on the table.
Is alcohol available?
No. Alcohol is not served or permitted at our camp and guests should not bring their own. Unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea are included, and shisha is available at the camp.
What should I wear?
Loose, light-coloured clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and closed shoes such as trainers you do not mind filling with sand. From October to April bring a jacket — camp temperatures drop to 13 to 22 degrees after sunset. Avoid flip-flops, heels and skinny jeans.
Is the desert safari better in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
For dunes, quiet and price, Abu Dhabi. The Al Khatim ridges rise over 100 metres against generally lower Dubai dunes, there are far fewer vehicles on the sand, the night sky is darker and entry starts at AED 35 against roughly AED 90 to 150 in Dubai. Dubai is more convenient only if you are already staying there.
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
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.