Best Desert Safari Tours in Dubai

Buggy Ride in Dubai Desert

There's something magical about the desert. It feels almost alien, like an unexplored world. Full of wonder and beauty, it's a place that needs to be respected too. We've all seen films and TV shows about people lost in the desert, seeing mirages of wells and fresh water. You might be drawn to the desert, but it can be dangerous venturing forth alone.

Speaking of deserts, Dubai. Dubai has plenty of desert surrounding it. In fact, what we now know as Dubai is only 200 years old. It was a city built literally amongst the sand. So it's no surprise that, in a city known for its abundance of entertainment opportunities, Dubai has some of the best desert safari tours on the planet. These curated experiences come in all shapes and sizes, from relaxing treks to adrenaline-fueled races. But no matter which you pick, you can be sure that you'll be safe and well taken care of in the desert! So which one is for you? These are our picks of the best desert safari tours in Dubai!

Including:

  • Thrill Buggy Rides in Dubai's desert
  • 4x4 Quad Bike Ride in Desert (Sahara Adventure)
  • Camel Trekking
  • Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner
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Enjoy a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert

Let's kick off this list with the heart-pumping variety of desert safari tours! If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, can you say you've truly lived? Change all that, and get behind the wheel of a dune raider with this amazing day buggy ride.

After you're escorted from your hotel in a 4x4, your journey to the dunes will be full of photo ops. Cameras at the ready, boys and girls. Then, you'll arrive at base camp, board your metal hog, and take the beast for a spin.

For 30 glorious minutes, you'll be free to bob, dip, and glide across Dubai's fine white sand. And don't worry, you'll buddy up with an instructor to make sure you don't hurt yourself, them, or their buggy. Perhaps the latter is the most important one there. Do you think dune buggies are cheap? Think again.

Nothing quite beats the roar and rumble of an 800cc buggy. Trust us; if you're the daring sort, this will be one of the best desert safari tours for you in Dubai.

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Enjoy a 4x4 Quad Bike Tour in the desert

If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider doing some sweet dune jumps on this tour of the desert.

After your ride drops you at camp, you'll hop on the desert's original form of transport, a two-humped camel, to tour the surroundings. After you've fulfilled your dream of embodying Laurence of Arabia, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's game on.

If you're with buddies, you can race them. If you're with strangers, you have to race them. Show them true dominance and key strength. Show them who you really are. And then, when you're done, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel. Nice.

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Take the Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

If your idea of a desert safari is less action and more relaxin', then you're in luck. Thanks to this desert safari and BBQ dinner, you can enjoy a more laid-back approach to Dubai's desert.

You'll still get your 4x4 tour of the dunes, right from your hotel's door. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery. But when you reach the desert camp, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal and feast on grilled meats and other Arabian specialties. Make sure you have a light lunch - you'll want as much space as possible to gorge on all the goodness.

You'll also be treated to a host of entertainment, including belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more. However, if you're in a food coma, just kick back and let everyone else have all the fun.

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Enjoy camel trekking in Abu Dhabi

If you're looking for something a bit more exciting than a BBQ but a bit less full-on than quad biking or dune buggin', then they even have something for you. They're called camels, you silly goose, and they're nature's answer to our four-wheeled friends. Did you know camels have three sets of eyelids and two sets of eyelashes, all to keep out sand? Weird.

Like before, you'll be escorted to a camp deep in the dunes in comfort - and air conditioning. From there, you'll saddle up and ride these curious creatures for a 30-minute trek of the glorious dunes. Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Some might call that cameltastic. Not us, because it sounds weird. We prefer cameltacular. Sorry.

And those were our picks for the best desert safari tours in Dubai! Safari's are fun, but have you thought about what else you want to do on your vacation? Dubai is stacked with entertainment opportunities and attractions at every turn - where do you begin to plan it all? Go City may be able to help. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. We cover the very best Dubai attractions, so if you want all of the fun without all the fuss, go check us out.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things To Do In Palm Jumeirah During Your Trip to Dubai

In a city full of world record breaking wonders and awe-inspiring architecture, the man-made Palm Jumeirah stands out as one of Dubai's most intriguing and enticing areas for visitors and locals alike. Palm Jumeirah is an engineering and design feat, an oasis of luxury and entertainment on the Persian Gulf, situated on an island that resembles a palm tree. From shops, to hotels, to restaurants, and beach clubs the Palm offers something for everyone and is one of the best places in Dubai to relax and soak up the sun. We've drawn up a list of some of the most essential attractions and things to do in Palm Jumeirah on your visit to the Emirate, including: Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah Windsurf Lesson Save on Palm Jumeirah Area Attraction Admission Admission to a number of these top Dubai attractions and activities are included on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Enjoy the scenic route to Palm Jumeirah via Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road to the island aboard the comfort and climate controlled environment of the Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour. This tour from Big Bus is among my favorite Dubai sightseeing tours and is hands-down one of the best ways to explore Dubai, especially for first timers. Your seat on the bus will give you a great view of the city as you make your way up the Palm trunk into the lush, beachy borders of Palm Jumeirah. The glass top of the bus allows you the perfect chance to snap photos while you avoid the sweltering heat. A particular benefit of this tour is the luxury of hopping on and off whenever you'd like so you can more fully take in the environment. Each tour includes commentary, background, and tourist narration in 12 different languages. You'll disembark from this tour feeling much more informed about the Emirate and its top landmarks. Getting In: Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson by SeaYou Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah by SeaYou Windsurf Lesson by SeaYou Remember to Save on Palm Jumeirah Attraction Admission There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do in Palm Jumeirah Dubai during your trip. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Dubai Card, where you can save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Dubai vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan
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One Day in Abu Dhabi for Tourists

Heading to the Emirates with Abu Dhabi on your list, but only have one day to explore? Check out our ideas for attractions and activities to enjoy if you only have one day in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’ve spent plenty of time in the Emirates, or this is your first visit to this spectacular part of the world, we hope our sample itinerary has some potential ideas you can incorporate into your own plans. This one-day itinerary includes: Morning Desert Safari Kayak Tour of the Mangroves Sunset Cruise in Abu Dhabi Save on Admission Looking to save on admission to these top Abu Dhabi attractions and activities? Pick up the Go Dubai® Card today and save up to 52% on combined admission! Spending more time in Abu Dhabi? Check out our 2-day (weekend) and 3-day itineraries for tourists visiting Abu Dhabi. Morning Desert Safari This is a great way to start off your one day in Abu Dhabi. Head out into the desert wilderness for an amazing opportunity to experience the sun and sand via this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Enjoy an exhilarating and active ride on a 4X4 vehicle, a camel ride, sand-boarding, and some refreshments, served at a desert camp evocative of traditional Bedouin culture. This safari takes about four hours, so it will be your entire morning. Getting In: Morning Desert Safari tickets are included with the Go Dubai® Card. Kayak Tour of the Mangroves After lunch, you’ll want to explore Abu Dhabi’s most beloved hidden gem – the Mangrove National Park. This gorgeous stretch of wilderness encompasses an unexpected wealth of plant and animal life, including turtles, flamingos, heron, several species of fish, and more. The chance to explore this beautiful expanse via kayak also gives you the opportunity to get a bit closer – and it’s an eco-friendly attraction option, too. Win-win! Your kayak excursions will take about two hours. Getting In: Kayak Tour of the Mangroves tickets are included with the Go Dubai® Card. Sunset Cruise For your last attraction of the day, you’re back out on the water. But this time, it’s no work and all play aboard this relaxing vessel. Tour Abu Dhabi’s inshore coastline for unbeatable views of Raha Beach, Samaliyah Island (including its traditional-style village), mangrove forests, and the ultra-modern skyline of the city itself. This cruise lasts an hour and a half and is the ideal way to end your one day in Abu Dhabi. Getting In: Sunset Cruise in Abu Dhabi tickets are included with the Go Dubai® Card. Don’t Forget to Save As you’re planning your one perfect day in Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to save on your activities. The Go Dubai® Card can help you save up to 52% on combined admission prices versus paying at the gate, and will cover these and other top Abu Dhabi and Dubai-area attractions. Be sure to check it out before your trip!
Katie Sagal

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