A more comfortable way to see the dunes
The Premium Desert Safari follows the same route as the standard evening safari: a drive out of the city, dune bashing in a 4x4, a sunset stop and an evening at a desert camp. What changes is the camp. Premium guests get a reserved seating area with chairs and tables instead of floor cushions, a larger live BBQ buffet and a better view of the stage.
That makes it a good fit for families with older relatives, couples who want to eat comfortably and anyone who found a basic camp too crowded. You still get the adventure, but the second half of the evening is slower and more relaxed.
Most premium safaris head to the red dunes near Lahbab, about 45 to 60 minutes from central Dubai. Pickup is available from hotels and homes in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
Highlights of the Premium Desert Safari
What you will do, see and eat.
Dune bashing in a 4x4
A 30 to 40 minute ride over the red dunes in a Land Cruiser or Patrol with an experienced driver.
Sunset photo stop
The driver stops at a high dune so you can photograph the sun going down over the sand.
Premium camp seating
Reserved chairs and tables in a separate, shaded area, closer to the stage than the standard camp.
Live BBQ buffet
Grilled meats, salads, rice, vegetarian dishes and desserts, plus unlimited tea, coffee, water and soft drinks.
Live entertainment
Tanoura dance, belly dance and a fire show, usually performed in the central stage area.
Camp activities
Short camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting, Arabic coffee and dates, and traditional dress for photos.
Itinerary
Timings are typical and move a little with the season, sunset time and your pickup area.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Hotel pickup
Your driver collects you from your hotel or home in an air-conditioned 4x4. Pickup times shift slightly with the season and sunset.
- About 4:00 PM
Drive to the dunes
A 45 to 60 minute drive from the city. The driver lets some air out of the tyres at the edge of the desert for better grip on sand.
- 4:30 PM
Dune bashing
Around 30 to 40 minutes of dune driving, with stops for photographs along the way.
- 5:30 PM
Sunset photo stop
Walk up a dune, watch the light turn gold and take your photos before heading to camp.
- 6:00 PM
Premium camp arrival
Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates, then take your seat. Try the camel ride, sandboarding or henna while dinner is prepared.
- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
BBQ buffet and live shows
Dinner is served live while the Tanoura, belly dance and fire performances run on the main stage.
- 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Drop-off
Return to your hotel or home in the same vehicle.
What’s included
Included
- Hotel or home pickup and drop-off by 4x4
- Dune bashing with an experienced driver
- Sunset photo stop
- Premium camp with chair and table seating
- Live BBQ buffet dinner (vegetarian options available)
- Tanoura, belly dance and fire shows
- Camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting and traditional dress photos
- Unlimited tea, coffee, water and soft drinks
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Quad bike or dune buggy (optional upgrade)
- Shisha (available at the camp for an extra charge)
- Professional photography
- Tips for staff
Packages and prices
Pick the option that fits your group. Prices are in UAE dirhams (AED).
Premium Sharing
Shared 4x4 with premium camp seating and the full BBQ buffet.
Child: AED 180
Book this optionPremium + Quad Bike
Everything in Premium Sharing plus a 30 minute quad bike ride on the dunes.
Child: AED 340
Book this optionPremium Private 4x4
A vehicle for your group only, flexible pickup time and premium camp seating.
Up to the vehicle's seating capacity
Book this optionStarting prices for standard dates. Peak season, public holidays and special events can change the final price, which we confirm before you pay.
Good to know before you book
Health and comfort
Dune bashing is bumpy. It is not recommended for pregnant women, infants, or anyone with back, neck or heart problems.
What to wear
Light, loose clothing and closed shoes. Bring a thin jacket in winter because the desert cools quickly after sunset.
Before you go
Skip a heavy meal in the two hours before pickup. It helps if you are prone to motion sickness.
Children
Children are welcome with an adult. Child rates usually apply from age 3 to 9, and infants sit on an adult's lap.
