The fastest-growing ultra-modern city in the UAE, Dubai is well-known as a diverse destination with iconic landmarks, a perfect blend of modern influences with traditional values, and multiculturalism. From its epic skyline to its natural beauty including, desert trails and beaches, this city left a lasting impression on every visitor. Desert safari locations in Dubai are quite popular among millions of visitors here for an invaluable experience.
Apart from offering stunning views of sunsets and dunes, the Dubai deserts offer the chance for tourists to engage in many fun activities. From riding a four-wheeled motorbike on the desert’s uneven terrain to witnessing the pre-historic Arab lifestyle and traditional belly dances, the desert safaris here offer an excellent experience. This article will uncover the top 10 best places for desert safaris in Dubai.
Table of Contents
What Makes Dubai Desert Visit Special?
Let’s start by answering what makes the safari desert in Dubai special.
- The stunning golden deserts of Dubai offer breathtaking views of nature and change their colors as the sun moves. Desert safari after sunset offers extremely pleasant views of the sunset.
- Other than their natural beauty, these deserts are popular for desert safari in Dubai, which offers the chance to experience thrilling activities, including dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, etc.
- A visit to Dubai deserts is a great way to get immersed in the traditional Arabian culture by interacting with locals, tasting authentic local delicacies, etc.
- Through good desert safari tours in Dubai, you can experience the unique experience of sleeping under the stars by booking an overnight desert safari tour. You can capture the desert’s most beautiful views with your camera and memories for a long time.
How Long Does a Normal Dubai Desert Safari Last?
The best desert safari in Dubai typically lasts for 5 to 7 hours, during which visitors can enjoy the different activities here, including dune bashing, henna painting, sandboarding, camel riding, live entertainment, etc. You can select the following desert safaris in Dubai depending on your preferences:
- Morning Dubai Desert Safari: If you want to catch the breathtaking scenery of the sunrise in the natural desert landscape, you must book a morning desert safari. The morning safari is usually shorter compared to evening and overnight safaris.
- Evening Dubai Desert Safari: If you wish to capture the stunning sunset of Dubai deserts, then you must book an evening safari. Evening safaris are usually longer and include events such as dinner and live performances. They typically start in the late afternoon (3 or 4 PM) and end around 9 to 10 PM.
- Overnight Dubai Desert Safari: A top-rated desert safari in Dubai, which is quite popular among visitors, is an overnight safari. It includes day activities followed by henna painting, traditional live shows, BBQ dinners, and sleeping in Bedouin-style tents under the starry sky in desert dunes. The next day, you can wake up and enjoy an Arabian breakfast while enjoying the picturesque sunrise there.
The Best Desert Safari Locations in Dubai:
1. Al Qudra Desert
Al Qudra Desert is a great location of Dubai desert safari. Home to over 130 species of birds and various species of desert animals, including oryx, gazelles, endangered Steppe Eagles, etc., it serves as a paradise for wildlife photography lovers. Apart from its natural desert dunes, this place is well-known for its artificial lakes like Al-Qudra Lake, which are good places for stargazing, and sunrise and sunset views. From camping to quad biking, you can experience various activities here.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Al Qudra Desert, Dubai |
| Wildlife | Home to over 130 species of birds, oryx, gazelles, and Steppe Eagles |
| Activities | Camping, quad biking, wildlife photography, stargazing |
| Notable Sites | Al-Qudra Lake, known for stunning sunrise and sunset views |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon for optimal wildlife viewing |
| Accessibility | Accessible by car; approximately 30 minutes from central Dubai |
| Amenities | Picnic areas, designated camping spots, and restrooms |
| Ideal For | Nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, families |
| Safety Tips | Stay hydrated, protect from sun, and adhere to wildlife guidelines |
2. Lahbab Desert
Located 50 km south of Dubai City, the Lahbab desert offers a top-rated desert safari in Dubai. Lahbab is an alluring village in the city that is home to wealthy Bedouins who have close relations and connections with the royal families. Apart from enjoying desert activities like dune bashing and sandboarding, this desert offers the chance to experience the authentic and traditional Bedouin lifestyle. Stretched over a wide landscape of 2000 kilometers, this desert paradise is home to many species of desert flora and fauna.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Lahbab Desert, approximately 50 km southeast of Dubai |
| Sand Dunes | Famous for its high red sand dunes, ideal for dune bashing |
| Activities | Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and ATV rides |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunset views |
| Cultural Experiences | Traditional Bedouin-style camps and authentic Arabian hospitality |
| Stargazing | Minimal light pollution, making it great for stargazing at night |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by car or guided tours from Dubai |
| Ideal For | Adventure enthusiasts, families, and those seeking cultural experiences |
| Safety Tips | Follow safety guidelines for dune bashing and stay hydrated |
3. Bidayer
Another captivating location for a good desert safari in Dubai is Bidayer. It is popularly known as Big Red as it has some of the best dunes in the UAE. It is advisable to visit this captivating place in the morning to witness the beauty of red dunes shining with the glimmer of the rising sun. Visitors can enjoy activities, including desert driving, camping, quad biking, etc. at Al Badayer Desert. This desert has the smoothest dunes, which allows an unprofessional to handle them with ease.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Bidayer Desert, located near the Hatta Road, approximately 60 km from Dubai |
| Sand Dunes | Features large, red sand dunes that are perfect for off-roading and dune bashing |
| Activities | Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and quad biking |
| Best Time to Visit | Late afternoon for cooler temperatures and spectacular sunset views |
| Cultural Experiences | Opportunities to enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine in desert camps |
| Family-Friendly | Offers activities suitable for all ages, including kids |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by car and popular with guided tour operators |
| Ideal For | Adventure seekers, families, and those wanting to experience desert life |
| Safety Tips | Ensure proper vehicle safety gear and stay hydrated while exploring |
4. Sweihan Desert
Sweihan is one of the most thrilling desert safari locations in Dubai. It is well-known for its challenging driving conditions, off-roading, and dune bashing. This desert features soft sand and large dunes, which makes driving here extremely difficult, especially for new drivers. Home to the famous Naqrah dune, this place is recommended to experienced drivers for off-roading and dune bashing. You can also visit Sweihan Natural Pond and enjoy camping and dining here.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Sweihan Desert, situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, approximately 70 km from Dubai |
| Sand Dunes | Characterized by vast stretches of golden sand dunes and unique rock formations |
| Activities | Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and desert camping |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon for comfortable temperatures and stunning sunsets |
| Wildlife | Home to various desert flora and fauna, including gazelles and desert foxes |
| Cultural Experiences | Opportunities to explore traditional Bedouin camps and local customs |
| Accessibility | Reachable by car; popular with both self-drive adventurers and guided tours |
| Ideal For | Nature lovers, families, and those seeking a quieter desert experience |
| Safety Tips | Carry sufficient water, wear sun protection, and follow safety guidelines while driving |
5. Jebel Maleihah
Popularly known as the Fossil Rock, Jebel Maleihah is a popular destination in the UAE among tourists and archaeologists. This UNESCO-nominated World Heritage Site is home to many marine fossils, including camel skeletons, tools, and utensils. This desert offers a great desert safari along with activities like quad biking, sandboarding, camel-riding trails, hiking, etc. Many photographers visit here to capture the breathtaking beauty of this paradise in their cameras.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Jebel Maleihah, approximately 70 km from Dubai, near Sharjah |
| Geological Features | Famous for fossilized remains and interesting rock formations |
| Activities | Dune bashing, fossil hunting, camping, and hiking |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy sunsets |
| Cultural Significance | Rich in archaeological history, attracting geology enthusiasts |
| Accessibility | Accessible by car; popular with both self-drive visitors and guided tours |
| Ideal For | Adventure seekers, families, and geology enthusiasts |
| Safety Tips | Bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear for hiking, and be cautious while driving on dunes |
6. Al Faya Desert
Located along the Sharjah Kalba road, the Al Faya desert is popularly known as Big Fall due to its large-sized dunes. The gentle sloping dunes of this desert make it an ideal location of Dubai desert safari for both amateurs and professionals. Located about 50 minutes away from Dubai, this remote destination is best for camping under the stars. Buggy racing, sandboarding, and dune dashing are other popular activities here. Including a major portion of the Arabian Peninsula, this desert is best for nature and thrill lovers.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Al Faya Desert, situated about 50 km from Dubai, near the town of Al Faya |
| Sand Dunes | Features beautiful, rolling sand dunes and rocky outcrops |
| Activities | Dune bashing, camel rides, stargazing, and desert camping |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon for the best temperatures and views |
| Cultural Experiences | Opportunities to enjoy traditional Emirati hospitality and cuisine |
| Scenic Views | Offers breathtaking vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by car; a great spot for day trips from Dubai |
| Safety Tips | Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and be mindful of wildlife |
| Ideal For | Nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful desert retreat |
7. Liwa Desert
Home to the highest number of dunes in the UAE, the Liwa desert is another great safari desert in Dubai. This desert features an Empty Quarter, which is considered one of the best places in the region for camping. You can enjoy the famous hill climb races here at the Tal Moreeb Dune. You can visit camel farms owned by Bedouins and explore the ancient mud-brick forts here that have been restored to preserve the rich Arab history. This stunning desert changes its colors from orange to golden during the day with the changing positions of the moon.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Liwa Desert, approximately 200 km southwest of Abu Dhabi |
| Sand Dunes | Home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the UAE, including the famous Tal Moreeb |
| Activities | Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and desert camping |
| Best Time to Visit | Late autumn to early spring for cooler temperatures and comfortable exploration |
| Cultural Experiences | Opportunities to experience Bedouin culture, traditional cuisine, and local festivals |
| Wildlife | Various desert wildlife, including gazelles and desert foxes |
| Accessibility | Reachable by car; popular with guided tours and off-road enthusiasts |
| Ideal For | Adventure seekers, families, and those interested in cultural experiences |
| Safety Tips | Carry ample water, wear sun protection, and follow safety guidelines while driving on dunes |
8. Al Awir Desert
Located around 30 km away from the city, the Al Awir desert is another spot for a good desert safari in Dubai. This safari destination observes a large influx of visitors, particularly on weekends. Camel rides, quad biking, belly dancing, henna painting, and photos with falcons are popular activities here. Visitors can enjoy a BBQ buffet and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks during the overnight stay at the Al Awir desert.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Al Awir Desert, situated about 30 km from downtown Dubai |
| Sand Dunes | Characterized by gentle, rolling sand dunes and unique rock formations |
| Activities | Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and beautiful sunsets |
| Cultural Experiences | Opportunities to explore traditional Emirati customs and enjoy local cuisine |
| Accessibility | Easily reachable by car; close proximity to Dubai makes it a convenient getaway |
| Ideal For | Adventure seekers, families, and those looking for a quick desert escape |
| Safety Tips | Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and follow safety guidelines while driving |
9. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
DDCR is famous for its desert safaris, natural heritage tours, and wildlife. Located on the outskirts of the city, it offers one of the best desert safaris in Dubai. Apart from offering the chance to explore the desert, DDCR allows visitors to learn about the conservation practices and efforts implemented to restore the natural flora, fauna, and resources of this place. Sand skiing, hot air balloon rides, camel riding, and horse riding are some other popular activities here other than desert safari.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Located just outside of Dubai, near Al Marmoom |
| Size | Spanning over 225 square kilometers, making it the largest conservation area in the UAE |
| Wildlife | Home to various species including Arabian oryx, gazelles, and numerous bird species |
| Best Time to Visit | Late autumn to early spring for cooler temperatures and active wildlife |
| Activities | Guided nature tours, camel rides, wildlife safaris, and eco-friendly accommodations |
| Cultural Experiences | Opportunities to learn about Bedouin culture and traditional desert life |
| Accessibility | Accessible by car, with organized tours available from Dubai |
| Ideal For | Nature lovers, families, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-tourists |
| Safety Tips | Follow guidelines from guides, respect wildlife, and stay hydrated |
10. Hatta Desert
Hatta Desert which is renowned for its picturesque Hatta village, is also known for desert safaris. Closely located to the Hatta mountains, this desert provides breathtaking vistas of luxuriant green scenery and desert dunes together. You can enjoy several pleasure activities here, including buggy rides, hot air balloon rides, sand wakeboarding, dune bashing, camel safari, etc. Apart from the top-rated desert safari in Dubai, the Hatta desert is known for its special barbecue dinner and the Tanoura show.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Hatta Desert, approximately 130 km from Dubai, near the Hatta Mountains |
| Landscape | Features beautiful red sand dunes, rocky mountains, and picturesque valleys |
| Best Time to Visit | Late autumn to early spring for cooler temperatures and pleasant weather |
| Activities | Dune bashing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking at Hatta Dam, and camping |
| Cultural Experiences | Opportunities to visit traditional Hatta heritage sites and local farms |
| Accessibility | Reachable by car; popular with both day-trippers and weekend visitors from Dubai |
| Ideal For | Adventure enthusiasts, families, and those seeking scenic outdoor experiences |
| Safety Tips | Stay hydrated, wear appropriate footwear for hiking, and follow safety guidelines while driving |
Conclusion:
Explore the majestic Dubai deserts while experiencing the best desert safari in the city by visiting these great places. Whether you wish to witness an unforgettable sunrise or experience sleeping under the stars in Bedouin-style tents, these great locations for desert safari perfectly fulfill your desires. The exciting fun activities, authentic dining, and witnessing stunning sunrises and sunsets will make your desert safari in the most populated emirate of the UAE memorable and thrilling.