While the appeal of spending a few hours out in the middle of the UAE desert rarely gets old (the amazing views, the at-one-with-nature, blow-the-cobwebs-away vibes, the Insta-gold that is sunset) not all desert safaris are created equal. Read on for our guide to some of the UAE’s best desert safaris.

Whether you’re living or staying in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah or any of the seven emirates, these are the UAE desert safaris for your wish-list. Discover Bedouin culture, explore the Empty Quarter and hold on tight for some serious dune bashing.

Planning a desert safari? Read all our top tips here.

ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi Desert Tour

Both the evening and sunrise desert safari tours put on by this well-established company feature a visit to a nearby camel farm and the opportunity to get up close to said camels, as well as all the usual safari activities (dune bashing, sand boarding and the like). The evening option also includes a BBQ dinner, shisha, henna painting and live entertainment. Prices are competitive, particularly if you opt to be transported to the meet site by bus rather than private 4×4.
abudhabideserttour.com (050 404 0234).

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Capital Gate Tourism

For a desert safari experience a little less ordinary, the guided camel trekking tours run by Capital Gate are an excellent shout; as you navigate the vast sandy plains, you’ll learn all about Bedouin history and culture.

Half day or overnight tours meanwhile tick all the boxes you’d expect (dipping and diving over rolling dunes in a 4×4 cruiser, sand skiing, belly dancing show and Arabic BBQ dinner buffet). If you want to up the thrill factor further, plump for the quad biking add on.
capitalgateta.ae (056 366 5777).

Emirates Tours & Safari LLC

You’re in experienced hands here; Emirates Tours & Safari LLC run a range of different safari-based tours from their Abu Dhabi base and have a solid reputation for doing so well.
Their round-trip evening safaris are popular, but if you fancy something a bit different the overnight Liwa Desert Safari option could well appeal. After a pitstop at Emirates National Auto Museum, you’ll mosey out towards the Empty Quarter and from there on in its desert isolation, dune bashing, sandboarding, star gazing and campsite fun all the way.
eatours.ae (02 491 2929).

DUBAI

Dubai Desert Safari

The go-to company for many when booking a desert safari. Tours include both morning and evening desert tours as well as the option to skip the dune bashing entirely and make straight for the Bedouin-tent barbecue and live entertainment experience (ideal for families with young children or older visitors). Fancy extending your desert stay, sleeping under the stars and watching the sunrise while enjoying a camp breakfast? They can organise that too.
www.desertsafaridubai.com (056 5364 484).

Platinum Heritage

As the name suggests, Platinum Heritage’s desert safaris take the traditional experience up a notch or two. Treat yourself to their signature Platinum Heritage Package (billed as ‘Dubai’s most luxurious desert safari’) and you’ll do your desert exploring from the comfort of a top of the class Range Rover accompanied by your own private conservation guide. After that you’ll watch the sun set and take in an impressive falconry show while enjoying canapes and sparkling juice, before tucking into a six-course Emirati-inspired meal.

Platinum Heritage prides itself on its eco-tourism credentials and commitment to sustainability; the camp is entirely solar powered, educating visitors about local culture and heritage is prioritised. They deliberately avoid potentially damaging-to-the-environment dune bashing.
www.platinum-heritage.com (04 440 9827).

Sand Trax Tours

Like the idea of a desert safari but feeling apprehensive about letting someone else do the driving? Fear not. Sand Trax Tours have a Buggy Safari option whereby you can be the master of your own destiny and captain of your own 800cc twin-seater desert buggy complete with roll cage, bucket seats and safety harnesses. As usual the trip culminates with a barbeque dinner, belly dancing and a whirling dervish that past visitors rave about.
www.toursandtrax.com (050 685 3036).