A desert safari in Dubai is an all-inclusive experience combining adventure, culture, dining, and entertainment in one package. Most tours include hotel pickup, dune bashing, traditional activities, BBQ dinner, and live shows—everything you need for an unforgettable Arabian desert experience.
Quick Answer: What’s Included in Desert Safari Dubai
- Transportation: Private 4×4 pickup/drop-off from your hotel
- Adventure Activities: Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, sunset viewing
- Cultural Experiences: Henna tattoo, falcon show, traditional costumes, unlimited shisha
- Dining: Unlimited BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options, soft drinks, water
- Entertainment: Belly dance, Tanoura show, fire performance
Full breakdown below.
Standard Desert Safari Inclusions in Dubai
Evening desert safari packages in Dubai are designed as comprehensive experiences where nearly everything is included in the base price. Understanding what comes standard helps you plan your budget and expectations.
Transportation & Pickup Service
Private 4×4 vehicle transport is the foundation of every desert safari package. Operators provide hotel pickup and drop-off from all major Dubai areas including Downtown, Marina, Deira, Bur Dubai, and Sharjah.
The journey begins with afternoon pickup (typically 3:00-3:30 PM for evening safaris) in a Toyota Land Cruiser or similar 4×4 vehicle. Professional, English-speaking drivers handle all transportation, including the drive through city traffic and desert terrain. The vehicle remains your transport throughout the experience—from hotel to desert to camp and back.
Free cancellation policies are standard with reputable operators, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled safari without penalty.
Desert Adventure Activities
The adventure segment delivers the adrenaline rush that desert safaris are famous for. All these activities come included in standard packages:
Dune bashing is the highlight—25 to 45 minutes of thrilling off-road driving across sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. Experienced drivers navigate steep dune faces, sharp turns, and rapid descents, creating an exhilarating roller-coaster experience on sand. The red dunes of Lahbab Desert provide the most dramatic terrain for this activity.
Sandboarding offers a desert twist on snowboarding. Guests receive boards and can slide down sand dunes at their own pace. No prior experience is necessary, and the soft sand provides a forgiving landing for beginners.
Camel riding provides a traditional desert transport experience. Standard packages include short camel rides (5-10 minutes) around the camp area, offering photo opportunities and a taste of Bedouin travel methods.
Sunset viewing and photography stops are scheduled during the golden hour. Drivers pause at scenic dune viewpoints, allowing guests to capture the desert landscape bathed in orange and pink sunset light.
Cultural Experiences at Bedouin Camp
After adventure activities, the experience transitions to a traditional Bedouin-style camp where cultural immersion begins. The camp setting features carpeted seating areas, cushions, lantern lighting, and traditional Arabic décor.
Henna tattoo application is offered to all guests at no extra charge. Professional henna artists create temporary designs on hands or feet using traditional patterns. The application takes 5-15 minutes and lasts several days.
Falcon shows demonstrate the UAE’s falconry heritage. Trained falcons perform flight demonstrations, and guests can photograph the birds or hold them (with handler supervision). Falconry holds special cultural significance as a traditional Emirati hunting method.
Traditional costume photography allows guests to dress in Arabic attire (kanduras for men, abayas for women) and capture memorable photos in authentic desert settings.
Unlimited shisha (hookah) smoking is available in designated lounge areas. Various flavors are offered, and staff prepare and maintain the water pipes throughout the evening. This traditional social activity is completely optional.
Dining & Refreshments
Food and beverages are fully inclusive, with no limits on consumption throughout the evening.
Unlimited BBQ buffet dinner forms the centerpiece of the dining experience. The spread includes:
- Grilled meats (chicken, lamb, kebabs)
- Vegetarian options (salads, hummus, falafel, grilled vegetables)
- Arabic mezze and appetizers
- International side dishes
- Desserts and fresh fruits
Live BBQ stations allow guests to watch chefs prepare grilled items. Tables accommodate group seating in traditional majlis-style arrangements on carpets and cushions.
Unlimited soft drinks and water are available throughout the safari—from pickup through dinner. Standard offerings include cola, lemon-lime sodas, orange juice, and bottled water.
Arabic coffee and dates serve as the traditional welcome when guests arrive at the Bedouin camp. This hospitality ritual is part of Emirati cultural customs.
Live Entertainment Shows
The evening entertainment program features multiple traditional dance performances that showcase Arabian culture:
Belly dance shows feature professional dancers performing traditional Middle Eastern routines. Multiple sets are typically scheduled throughout dinner service, allowing all guests optimal viewing angles.
Tanoura dance performances display the Egyptian Sufi whirling tradition. Dancers in colorful skirts spin continuously for extended periods, creating mesmerizing visual patterns with LED-lit costumes.
Fire shows provide the dramatic finale to evening entertainment. Performers execute stunts with flaming props, combining danger and spectacle against the desert night backdrop.
All performances take place on a central stage within the camp, visible from dining areas. Shows run continuously from dinner through the evening, ensuring comprehensive entertainment coverage.
What’s NOT Included (Optional Add-ons)
While desert safaris are largely all-inclusive, certain premium activities and services require additional payment:
Quad biking and dune buggy rides are the most popular add-ons. Quad bikes (30 minutes) typically cost AED 150-200 per person, while dune buggy sessions (30 minutes for two people) range from AED 500-600. These motorized activities happen before or after dune bashing in designated areas.
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on-site at most camps but are never included in standard packages. Beer, wine, and spirits can be ordered at the camp bar for additional fees.
Extended camel rides beyond the basic included session require extra payment. Full camel trekking tours (30+ minutes into the desert) cost approximately AED 100 per person.
Horse riding is offered at select camps for around AED 100-150 per person for 15-20 minute sessions.
VIP upgrades including private seating areas, table service, and premium food selections are available at higher price points (typically AED 100-200 extra per person).
Souvenirs and merchandise sold at camp shops—including traditional clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts—are separate purchases.
It’s crucial to review your specific package details before booking to understand which activities require additional payment versus what’s already included.
Conclusion
Desert safari packages in Dubai deliver exceptional value through comprehensive inclusions covering transport, adventure, culture, dining, and entertainment. The evening desert safari remains the most inclusive option, combining all activities with dinner and shows in a single 6-hour experience.
Ready to experience authentic Arabian desert adventure? Book your all-inclusive evening desert safari with GoTrips for hassle-free pickup, thrilling activities, and traditional Bedouin hospitality.
