Is hotel pickup included in desert safari packages?

Yes - Big Bird Travel desert safari packages include hotel pickup and drop-off from most Dubai and Abu Dhabi hotels and major residential areas. Confirm your hotel or pickup location when booking.

What time does the evening desert safari return?

Most evening safari programmes return guests to their hotel between 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM. The exact return time depends on your hotel's distance from the desert camp.

Is the food at the desert camp halal?

Yes. All Big Bird Travel desert safari packages use camps with fully halal BBQ dinners. Vegetarian and vegan options are available - inform us when booking.

Can I book a desert safari for a large group?

Yes. Private group safaris for 10, 20, 50 or more guests are available with customised programmes, dedicated vehicles and private camp areas. Big Bird Travel offers group pricing for corporate events, family gatherings and school groups.

UAE Tours| 8 min read|18 Jan 2025

Best Desert Safari in UAE 2025: Dubai vs Abu Dhabi & What to Expect

By Big Bird Travel Team

A desert safari is the quintessential UAE experience - and the quality and type vary significantly depending on the operator, the desert and the programme. Here is an honest guide to what you will actually experience.

The UAE's desert lies 45-60 minutes from central Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Two main desert areas are used for safaris: the Dubai Conservation Reserve (Al Marmoom) and the Abu Dhabi desert near Al Khatem. Both offer the signature dune landscape, but the experience and atmosphere differ.

Types of Desert Safari

Evening Desert Safari (Most Popular)

Departure at 3:00 PM, return by 9:30-10:00 PM. Programme: dune bashing in 4x4, sandboarding, camel ride at camp, photo opportunities in traditional dress and henna painting, sunset viewing, Tanoura and belly dance show, BBQ buffet dinner under the stars. This is what most tourists mean when they say "desert safari."

Morning Desert Safari

Departure 6:00 AM, return 10:00 AM. Programme: dune bashing in cooler morning air, sandboarding, camel ride, light breakfast at camp. Better for families with young children (cooler, shorter) and those who dislike late nights. Photography in early morning light is excellent.

Overnight Desert Safari

Includes the full evening programme plus overnight stay in a Bedouin-style tent camp. Morning programme and sunrise breakfast included. A step up from the evening safari for a genuine desert night experience. Shared tents are standard in most packages - private tents available at premium cost.

Private Desert Safari

Exclusive vehicle, private camp section or full private camp, customised programme. Popular for corporate groups, family gatherings, anniversaries and large group bookings. Price varies significantly by group size and customisation.

Dubai Desert vs Abu Dhabi Desert

Feature	Dubai Desert	Abu Dhabi Desert
Distance from city	45-60 mins	60-90 mins
Dune size	Moderate	Larger, more dramatic
Camp experience	More commercial	Can be more authentic
Price	AED 120-800	AED 150-1,000
Best for	First-timers, convenience	Photo enthusiasts, larger dunes

What to Wear and Bring

Light, comfortable clothing - loose is better for dune activities
Closed shoes or trainers for sandboarding and dune activities
Light jacket for evening safaris October-March (desert nights cool quickly)
Camera or phone fully charged
Any personal medication - the camp has no pharmacy
Motion sickness tablets if prone - dune bashing is vigorous

Dune bashing note

Dune bashing is not suitable for pregnant women, those with back or neck issues, recent surgery, or children under 3 years. Camp activities (camel ride, entertainment, dinner) are available for all guests who skip the dune bashing.