In Dubai when I heard about desert safari tours, I thought it’s just one of those touristy things people normally add in their check list.

I was wrong. So wrong. What started as a casual booking turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of my trip.

Let me walk you through what actually happens, and why it’s 100% worth it.

The Drive into the Dunes
The adventure kicks off when your driver picks you up in a massive 4×4. It feels kind of like you’re in an action movie already—windows down, warm desert air, and that excitement building up inside you.

The sceneries started changing as we left the city behind. The buildings disappeared. The roads turned into sand. And suddenly, it felt like we’d stepped into a completely different world. Nothing but rolling dunes in every direction. It was honestly kind of surreal.

Dune Bashing: Buckle Up!
Now, I had no idea what dune bashing meant until we were in the middle of it. Our driver didn’t hold back. He was flying over dunes, turning sharply, sliding down steep sandy slopes—it was like a roller coaster, but in the middle of nowhere. I couldn’t stop laughing. My friend screamed the entire time. If you like a bit of adrenaline, this is your moment.

And don’t worry—it’s safer than it sounds. These drivers really know their stuff.

Camel Rides & Chill Moments
After all the dune madness, we stopped for a break. A few camels were just hanging out nearby, looking like they had seen it all before. I climbed on one (awkwardly, I won’t lie), and we slowly wandered across the sand. It was calm, oddly peaceful—even kind of therapeutic after the craziness of the dune ride.

There’s something really grounding about being in the middle of the desert with no noise, no phone signal, and no rush but only sand, camel snorts and sky.

Sunset Moments That Makes You Stop and Stare
Hands down, the desert sunset is something else. You know that cliché travel posts where someone’s standing dramatically in front of the sunset? Yeah, I became that person—and I didn’t even care. The colors are insane. Gold turns to orange, then pink, then this soft purple. You just stop talking and stare. Everyone around us went quiet for a moment. It was that good.

Camp Life, Food & a Bit of Magic
When the sun started setting behind the dunes, we moved to a desert camp. Picture cozy cushions, warm lights, the smell of grilled meat in the air—it was like walking into a scene from a movie. We got henna tattoos, tried on traditional Emirati outfits.

Belly dance & Tanura Dance
Dinner was this huge buffet—grilled kebabs, rice, hummus, and desserts I couldn’t pronounce but definitely enjoyed. Then came the live shows. A belly dancer swirled around the stage, a guy did a fire performance that left us wide-eyed, and the Tanura dance was oddly hypnotic.
So if you get a chance to visit Dubai and someone mentions a desert safari, don’t brush it off. Book it here.

Best Desert Safari Tours operators in Dubai

There are so many travel agencies offering desert safari tour packages and sometimes it not easy to select that which one delivers best experience but here I am listing few well trusted names to be consider

Metro Travels: Well-known for budget friendly & excellent customer service.

Arabian Adventures: Travel agency that provides both budget and luxury options, backed by Emirates Group.

Red Dunes Desert Safari: Trusted name among tourists for evening safaris and fun dune bashing experiences at reasonable rates.

Final Tips Before You Go

• Dressideally in light, breathable clothing. In winters Bring a jacket also for cooler evenings.
• If you really want to enjoy avoid heavy meals before dune bashing.
• Better to Carry cash if you want to buy souvenirs or tip your guide.
• Always book in advance, particularly in peak tourist seasons (October to April).

A desert safari in Dubai is more than a tourist attraction — it’s a memory maker. So, if you stay in Dubai and have not experienced desert safari go and make your memories.