Desert Safari

The desert safari is the most popular tourist activity in Dubai outside of the Burj Khalifa, and it is worth doing once even though every part of it is choreographed. The afternoon/evening version (pickup from your hotel around 3 PM, return by 9 PM) is the one to book. The sequence: a drive into the desert (45 minutes from the city), dune bashing in a 4x4 that throws you around the sand dunes at angles that feel unsafe but are not, sandboarding on the dunes, arrival at a desert camp, camel rides, henna painting, a BBQ dinner under the stars, belly dancing, and a shisha lounge.

The dune bashing is the highlight. The driver deflates the tyres and takes the 4x4 across the dunes at speed, sliding sideways over ridges and dropping down steep faces. It is thrilling and the desert landscape at sunset, all orange and red and empty, is genuinely beautiful. The camp experience is more touristy: buffet food, cultural performances, rows of tourists on carpets. But the stars above the desert are spectacular and the whole evening has a festive energy.

Prices range from AED 150 for budget operators (large groups, basic food, shared tables) to AED 350 for premium operators (smaller groups, better 4x4 drivers, higher quality BBQ, sometimes live music). The premium operators are worth the difference. The budget ones can feel like cattle herding.

The morning version (early start, shorter, no dinner) exists but is less popular and less atmospheric. The overnight version (sleep in the desert) is available for AED 500-800 and is genuinely special if you want the full experience.