Dune buggies, dune bashing, camel rides, desert camping, quad biking – there are loads of Dubai desert adventures that should be on your bucket list.

Now the weather is at its best, it’s time to put on your safari gear (or just some comfy clothes and a sunhat) and head into off into the dunes to explore and take in the incredible scenery that Dubai has to offer.

Dubai Desert adventures you need to try

Desert safaris

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) it’s time to hold on tight for some serious dune bashing.

Arabian adventures

One of the most popular tour companies when it comes to zooming out into the Dubai Desert, the tours take place in Dubai Conservation Reserve and include camel riding, a buffet dinner and henna art, as well as the dune bashing.

Dubai Desert Safari

Ready to blast over the dunes? Tours include both morning and evening desert options, 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).

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 Land 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 canapés 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. As it’s in an open-top Land Rover, these tours avoid potentially damaging-to-the-environment dune bashing, so this one is more about nature than the adrenaline.
From Dhs695. platinum-heritage.com (04 412 6333).

Sand Trax Tours

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.

Desert activities

As well as crashing over the sand in a 4×4, there are plenty more adrenaline-pumping activities to try for thrill-seekers out there too. And if you just want to chill out and take in the scenery, don’t fret, there’s an adventure for you.

Bedouin experience

Get ready to kick-back and return to nature with a proper Bedouin experience out in the desert. Al Khayma specialises in family adventures, so you can enjoy the family camp experience from 4.30pm-9pm complete with coffee, camp activities, a full buffet, stargazing lessons and some traditional Emirati entertainment.
From Dhs496 (adult) Dhs423 (child). Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, alkhayma.com (055 403 0943).