Top 10 Must-Try Activities on a Desert Safari in Dubai

Desert Safari in Dubai

“In the desert, you find silence so deep you can hear your soul speak.”


A Dubai desert safari offers more than just dune bashing—it’s a carefully crafted journey through golden landscapes, adrenaline-fueled activities, and authentic Arabian hospitality.

Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking thrills, a couple craving romance under the stars, or a family looking for kid-friendly fun, this guide reveals the top 10 desert experiences that should be on every visitor’s itinerary. We’ll share expert tips, hidden gems, and insider knowledge to help you plan the perfect excursion.

1. Dune Bashing

red dune

No desert safari tour is complete without experiencing dune bashing. Our professional drivers navigate 150-foot dunes in specially modified 4×4 vehicles, offering:

  • 45-minute adrenaline-pumping rides
  • Sunset photo stops at prime vantage points
  • Family-friendly routes with milder maneuvers

Why Our Safari Stands Out:
✓ Only operator with anti-roll technology for maximum safety
✓ Complimentary motion sickness wristbands available
✓ Climate-controlled vehicles for summer months

2. Sunrise Camel Trekking

Sun rise camel ride

No desert safari is truly complete without experiencing a camel ride. This timeless mode of travel lets you gently glide across golden sands, offering a unique and peaceful way to soak in the breathtaking desert scenery. It’s an unforgettable adventure, perfect for families and first-time explorers

Our morning desert safari camel ride provide:

  • 60-minute peaceful journeys across rose-gold dunes
  • Interactive falconry demonstrations
  • Insightful commentary about desert ecosystems

Pro Tip: The 5:30 AM slot offers cooler temperatures and magical morning light for photography.

3. Sandboarding

Sandboarding

If you’re a fan of snowboarding, then sandboarding will be your new desert thrill. Swap the snow for warm golden dunes and feel the rush as you glide down. Whether you’re a seasoned boarder or a complete beginner, this activity offers excitement for all ages and skill levels.

With expert guidance available at most safari tours, it’s a must-try adventure that combines fun, speed, and the stunning beauty of the desert.

4. Quad Biking Adventures

quad biking

For those who crave speed and adventure, quad biking through Dubai’s desert is an absolute must. With powerful engines ranging from 150cc to 400cc, these four-wheeled beasts are built to conquer the shifting sands with ease. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, you can race across the dunes at your own pace or join a guided tour for added safety and confidence.

Most rides last between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your chosen package. Central activity hubs bring together riders from different camps, creating a lively, energetic atmosphere. Riders must be at least 15 years old, though younger children (as young as six) can join as passengers with an adult.

With the right safety gear and a sense of adventure, quad biking offers a thrilling way to experience the raw beauty of the Arabian desert like never before.

5. Falconry Experiences

Falcon

Falconry is a deeply rooted tradition in Emirati culture, dating back thousands of years to when Bedouins trained falcons for hunting in the harsh desert environment. Today, this ancient practice remains a proud symbol of the UAE’s heritage. During a desert safari, you can witness these majestic birds in action as skilled falconers demonstrate their incredible speed, precision, and loyalty.

It’s more than just a show — it’s a living piece of history. Many tours also offer the rare chance to hold a falcon on your gloved hand, making for a memorable photo opportunity and a deeper connection with this cultural treasure.

Tips to Make Your Falconry Experience Even Better

  • Go for early morning shows: Falcons are most active during cooler times — sunrise shows offer better lighting and bird performance.
  • Bring a zoom lens or phone with good focus: To capture the falcon mid-flight in stunning clarity.
  • Try the glove experience: Don’t miss the chance to wear the falconer’s glove and hold the bird — it’s surprisingly lightweight but powerful.
  • Ask questions: Engage with the falconers — they often have incredible stories and insights about training and history.
  • Family-friendly fun: Children will love seeing the birds in action and may even get a chance to pose with them.
  • Read a little about falconry before your trip: Knowing a few facts about its cultural significance can make the experience more meaningful.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat: Since many shows are held in open desert areas, staying protected from the sun is essential.

6. Mind Blowing Sunset

sun set

A desert sunset in Dubai is every bit as magical as sunrise—if not more. As the sun slowly dips behind the rolling dunes, the sky transforms into a canvas of warm orange and golden hues, casting a surreal glow across the sands. It’s a breathtaking sight that captures the raw beauty of the desert.

Drive up in a Range Rover to a high dune for a panoramic view, and take in the stillness as the sun sets on the horizon. With the golden light creating the perfect backdrop, it’s the ideal time for candid, unforgettable photos.

7. Arabian Nights Luxury Camps

For an unforgettable desert adventure, spend the night under the stars at a traditional Bedouin-style camp tucked between the golden dunes. These desert retreats offer an immersive glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle, complete with beautifully decorated tents, warm hospitality, and rich cultural traditions.

Savor a mouthwatering Arabian BBQ dinner, enjoy live performances like Tanoura spinning and belly dancing, and gather around the bonfire to share stories with fellow travelers.

As the night sky unfolds in a blanket of stars, experience true desert serenity. Wake up to a peaceful sunrise over the dunes and enjoy a traditional Arabic breakfast before bidding farewell to this magical escape.

Our Bedouin-style camp features:

  • Private climate-controlled tents
  • Live traditional music performances
  • Unlimited gourmet BBQ and shisha

 

VIP Upgrade: “Stargazer Tent” with telescope and astronomer guide

8. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Air Balloon

Take your desert safari to unforgettable heights with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vast Arabian landscape. As you gently rise above the dunes, the desert awakens beneath you—golden sands stretching endlessly, painted in soft morning light.

This 360-degree aerial view offers a surreal perspective, perfect for photographers and dreamers alike. Spot native wildlife like graceful gazelles and roaming camels from above, adding a magical touch to your journey.

With spacious balloons that can accommodate up to 24 passengers, this serene yet thrilling experience combines adventure, beauty, and tranquility into one unforgettable moment in the Dubai desert.

Float above the desert to witness:

  • Wildlife spotting (gazelles, desert foxes)
  • Panoramic Hajar Mountain views
  • Dubai’s skyline in the distance

9. Happening Night

Arabic nights

A desert night in Dubai comes alive with vibrant energy, unforgettable entertainment, and the warmth of shared moments. Settle into your luxurious tent beneath a starlit sky and immerse yourself in a spectacular evening of performances—including mesmerizing belly dancing, daring fire shows, swirling Tanoura acts, and dazzling stilt dancing.

As laughter echoes around the glowing campfire, enjoy a delicious BBQ feast and take in the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re with family or friends, this magical blend of culture, celebration, and comfort makes for a night you’ll never forget in the heart of the Arabian desert.

10. Buffet Meal: Enjoy Dinner and Finest Arabic cuisine!

Savor the rich and flavorful world of Middle Eastern cuisine during your desert safari in Dubai. As the sun sets over the dunes, indulge in a lavish Arabian buffet featuring aromatic biryanis, juicy grilled kebabs, creamy hummus, freshly baked flatbreads, and decadent sweets like baklava and luqaimat.

Every bite is a celebration of bold spices and fragrant herbs that define traditional Emirati, Lebanese, and Iranian dishes. Dine under the stars in a beautifully set outdoor majlis, surrounded by soft music and warm hospitality.

For a deeper cultural touch, join a live cooking demo and learn how expert chefs prepare classic Emirati favorites using time-honored techniques. This culinary journey is a true feast for the senses—and a highlight of any desert night.

Why Choose Desert Safari Oasis?

These are the some of the reason why you should use desert safari oasisi as your adventure guide.

1. Unmatched Safety Standards

  • AED 5 million liability coverage
  • 100% accident-free record since 2010

2. Exclusive Access Privileges

  • Private dunes unavailable to larger operators
  • Early entry to conservation areas

3. Sustainable Tourism Leader

  • Solar-powered camps
  • Wildlife protection initiatives
  • Carbon-offset vehicle fleet

Planning Your Perfect Desert Safari

Best Time to Visit:

  • November-March for ideal temperatures
  • Summer months for fewer crowds (we provide cooling amenities)

What to Bring:

  • Sunglasses and scarf for sand protection
  • Closed-toe shoes for activities
  • Camera or smartphone for memories

Booking Tips:

  • Reserve at least 72 hours in advance
  • Morning slots are cooler but fill quickly
  • Ask about our family and private group packages

About Us

At Desert Safari Oasis, we offer thrilling and unforgettable desert safari experiences across the UAE. Our expert guides and top-of-the-line vehicles ensure a safe, exciting adventure filled with dune bashing, camel rides, traditional entertainment, and more. Whether you’re seeking a sunrise journey or a luxurious evening under the stars, you can count on us to deliver a memorable escape into the heart of the desert.

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Craving adventure in the desert? Our team is ready to take you on an unforgettable safari experience. Book today and discover the thrill and beauty of the Arabian dunes with Desert Safari Oasis.