What is the best Desert Safari Location in Dubai?

WHAT IS THE BEST DESERT SAFARI LOCATION IN DUBAI?

1. What makes Desert Safari in Dubai Must-Do Experience

Dubai is considered as one of the most touristic cities in the world. There are many reasons for which is so special, for example: futuristic skyscrapers, shopping malls, and a rich lifestyle.

Yet, one of the most popular activities in Dubai is desert safari. This experience includes famous dune bashing, magical sunsets, and the combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation in one trip. Travelers often wonder, “What is the best desert safari location in Dubai?” There are many options to choose from.

To be clear, Dubai has a few different desert locations, each offering a different experience. In this article, I will help you choose from popular desert safari spots. These include Lahbab (Red Sand Dunes), Al Awir, and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Next, we will compare morning and evening desert safaris. This will help you decide which package offers the best experience.

Desert safari Dubai

2. What are the Desert Safari Locations in Dubai?

Dubai is a city embraced with golden sand dunes mirroring a unique view and the sun bringing out the sand colors. As the desert is huge, it developed several safari camps and tour operators across the desert. There are three main desert locations in Dubai:

  1. Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes) – The most famous for its towering red dunes and thrilling adventure activities.
  2. Al Awir Desert is one of the oldest safari areas. It offers a traditional and cultural experience with all the camps.
  3. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – This location is luxurious and eco-friendly safari, suitable for wildlife and premium tours.

As each of these locations brings you a different experience; let’s dive deeper into what makes them special.

3. Red Dunes at Lahbab Desert – The Most Popular Safari Spot

Usually what travelers talk the most about and consider the best desert safari location in Dubai is Lahbab Desert. You can reach the iconic Red Dunes in approximately 50 minutes from Dubai city center. What made the Red Sand Dunes so iconic is the color, which can be visible mainly during sunrise and sunset.

Why Visit Lahbab Desert?

  • Dune Bashing is a popular activity. It involves 4×4 vehicles, like Land Cruisers or Hummers. These vehicles take you on a thrilling ride over the dunes. You will feel adrenaline like never before.
  • Sandboarding: Something like snowboarding, but on sand. The high dunes make Lahbab perfect for this activity.
  • Quad Biking & Buggy Rides: If you like driving your own vehicle, you can try quad bikes and dune buggies. The open desert is ideal for this adventure.
  • Stunning views: If you want to see the wide views of the desert, the tall dunes allow you to. This  is what makes it one of the most photographed safari spots.

Many people say that the Lahbab desert offers adventure and natural beauty. This makes it a popular spot for desert safaris in Dubai.

Are you looking for something unusual? Read our blog about the VIP Hummer Desert Safari in Dubai. Find out why this tour is more popular than regular 4×4 rides.

lahbab red sand dunes

4. Al Awir Desert  -Desert Safari Location Full of Traditions

Al Awir Desert is one of the oldest regions in the city. This place is about 35 minutes from Dubai. It offers a mix of tradition and fun for your desert safari.

Most of the desert safari camps set up here, and they continue to be like that till today. This location is popular for this reason. Even if your desert safari tour is in Lehbab, you will likely go to Al Awir. There, you can enjoy a BBQ dinner buffet and entertainment at the camp.

The best of Al Awir Desert

  • Camel Rides: Also known as the “ships of the desert,” gives you an option to experience old times of Dubai.
  • Bedouin-Style Camps: After activities, guests can relax in camps. The Al Awir camps have specific arabic style. This creates a true Bedouin atmosphere.
  • Cultural Experiences: Henna painting, falcon photography, and traditional dance performances such as Tanoura and belly dancing are key highlights.
  • BBQ Dinner Under the Stars: Al Awir is well-known for evening safaris. These safaris include a delicious BBQ dinner and live entertainment.

✨ Pro tip: If you’re curious about how to get the perfect desert safari outfit for pictures in this setting, read our blog What to wear on Dubai Desert Safari.

desert safari al awir

5. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – A Premium Safari Location

One of the more exclusive places is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). This desert covers approximately 225 square kilometers and it is the first national park in the UAE. Their highest aim is to protect desert wildlife and natural heritage.

What Makes DDCR Special?

  • Wildlife: Visitors might see the Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and desert foxes.
  • Luxury Safaris: Unlike other deser areas, tours here are more private and often the main focus is eco-friendly and luxury experience. Some packages include fine dining in private tents, astronomy sessions, and guided nature drives.
  • Heritage Safaris: Operated with old Land Rovers, this safari is different because they explain Dubai’s desert history to you.
  • Sustainability Focus: This is a protected reserve. Only a few vehicles and tours are allowed. This helps keep the desert experience untouched.

The Conservation Reserve is, with no doubt, a desert that brings luxury and exclusivity and is the second-best location for desert safari.

6. Evening vs Morning Desert Safari Locations – Which to Choose?

When you are planning your desert safari, the time of day plays a significant role. We offer both morning and evening desert safaris, but the experiences are very different.

Morning Desert Safari in Dubai

  • Best for adventure seekers who want dune bashing, quad biking, or sandboarding.
  • Cooler temperatures and less crowded.
  • Suitable for travelers who have busy evenings in Dubai.

Evening Desert Safari in Dubai

  • The most popular choice for tourists.
  • The package includes sunset photography, live entertainment shows, camel riding and BBQ dinner buffet. 
  • Offers a combination of adventure and culture.

If you do not know which desert safari timings to choose from, each desert safari location in Dubai has something to give you. The choice depends on if you want an action adventure or a cultural evening under the stars. The difference is that the morning desert safari does not include a camp with food.

morning desert safari

7. How to Choose the Right Desert Safari Location in Dubai

As there are so many options to choose from, the right desert safari can feel overwhelming. We collected a few tips to make the decision easier:

  • For the ones looking for thrill: The Red Dunes at Lahbab Desert is the best choice with its red dunes and adventure activities
  • For culture lovers: The Al Awir Desert includes an authentic Bedouin-style experience with traditional performances.
  • For nature lovers: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) area is perfect for safari for being eco-friendly.
  • For families: Choose a mix of adventure and culture, usually available in Al Awir or Lahbab evening safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which desert is best for safari in Dubai?

The Red Dunes of Lahbab is a popular spot for adventure. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is perfect for nature lovers.

2. How far are desert safari locations from the city?

All safari locations are  between 30 to 60 minutes far from Downtown Dubai, but it all depends on traffic and location.

3. What should I wear for a desert safari?

We advise for comfortable clothis and closed shoes. We also recommend a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

4. Is an evening or morning desert safari better?

Evening safaris are popular for sunset views and fun. Morning safaris are better for a quieter experience.

5. Can kids join a desert safari?

Yes, families with children are welcome. However, bringing infants to the activities like dune bashing should be reconsidered.

Final Thoughts

The desert safari is known for being the  unforgettable experience in Dubai.

When you’re planning your trip, you should think about what matters most to you—thrill, culture, luxury, or nature. Whichever desert safari location in Dubai you choose, it will be a trip that you never forget.

Discover the thrill of the desert with our expertly curated safari tours. From breathtaking dune bashing to serene sunsets and authentic cultural experiences, we promise memories that last a lifetime. 

Join us and make your journey unforgettable!

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