Al Awir Desert Dubai
Experience the thrill of dune bashing, traditional entertainment, and a magical sunset in Dubai's iconic desert landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience sunset and evening shows
Al Awir Desert Dubai
Best Time
Experience sunset and evening shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of dune bashing, traditional entertainment, and a magical sunset in Dubai's iconic desert landscape.
"The entertainment was good, but the camel ride was a joke."
🎯 Book VIP in Advance
Secure VIP seating and earlier food service by booking ahead to avoid on-site price hikes. :ticket:
🐪 Camel Ride Realities
Expect short rides; longer ones or photo ops may cost extra. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thrilling Dune Bashing
Al Awir Desert
Experience the adrenaline rush as 4x4 vehicles conquer the towering red sand dunes. A must-do for adventure seekers!
Traditional Camp Entertainment
Desert Safari Camps
Enjoy captivating belly dancing, mesmerizing Tanoura and fire shows under the starry desert sky.
Sunset Camel Rides
Al Awir Desert
Embark on a classic desert experience with a camel ride, offering unique photo opportunities against the sunset.
Emirati Cultural Immersion
Nomadic-inspired Camps
Engage in Bedouin storytelling, falconry displays, and traditional Emirati breakfast for an authentic cultural encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your VIP Experience in Advance
Manage Expectations for Camel Rides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book VIP in Advance
Secure VIP seating and earlier food service by booking ahead to avoid on-site price hikes. :ticket:
🐪 Camel Ride Realities
Expect short rides; longer ones or photo ops may cost extra. +1 :camerawithflash:
👕 Dress Appropriately
Light, breathable clothing is best. Some camps offer traditional attire for photos. :woman_clothes:
💰 Watch for Extra Costs
Many activities like longer camel rides, photos, and certain drinks incur extra charges. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book VIP in Advance
Secure VIP seating and earlier food service by booking ahead to avoid on-site price hikes. :ticket:
🐪 Camel Ride Realities
Expect short rides; longer ones or photo ops may cost extra. +1 :camerawithflash:
👕 Dress Appropriately
Light, breathable clothing is best. Some camps offer traditional attire for photos. :woman_clothes:
💰 Watch for Extra Costs
Many activities like longer camel rides, photos, and certain drinks incur extra charges. :moneybag:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, though most tours provide drinks. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Sunset
The desert sunset is spectacular; have your camera ready for stunning silhouettes. :sunrise:
🛵 Quad Biking Thrills
Consider adding a quad biking tour for an extra dose of adrenaline on the dunes. :motorcycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the desert safari experience for its thrilling dune bashing, vibrant entertainment like belly dancing and fire shows, and the unique desert ambiance. However, some find the camel rides to be very short and disappointing, and there are recurring comments about extra charges for activities that are not clearly communicated upfront. +2
"Good camp, shows and food were good."
ashish m
"The only good thing was the driver who took us through the desert. I don't think it was worth it. First, when you get down. They ask you if you want to change to VIP, do it beforehand as they ask triple the price there. We were booked for VIP, so it was fine for us.
The camal ride is a joke. They make you sit on camal and make camel get up to take the smallest round possible, basically 10 steps and take you down. You pay extra to take a bigger round and that's 10 feet rather than 10 steps.
VIP get sofas rather than sitting on the floor seating, which also seems to be a good experience.
Food was not bad, VIP people get food earlier- almost an hour earlier than others.
They offer sand skating, but it was not organized at all. There was no one from the place who would give turns to people and they only had one skate board.
There was a belly dance, other shows and they offer hookah for extra money and tea for extra money if you want. Basically, anything other than given food, and they bring book to you to choose from is extra money."
Ayesha Nawaz
"The Safari is nice and enjoyed very well, Camel ridding, Dune dashing, Belly dance ,Fire dance entertainment was good, Refreshment was fine, overall good experience...
Food taste is like as normal, at the time of booking they say non vegetarian food but they provide vegetarian food, only non veg is 1 piece of chicken and only one time they provide.This is not unlimited and and bad service.
Im not recommend this camp.But the entertainment is good .
Entertainment 4/5
Fire show 4/5
Food 2/5
Safari 3/5"
Bibin Benny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most desert safari tours include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai. +1 If you're arranging your own transport, taxis or ride-sharing services can take you to the desert safari camps in Al Awir.
Pick-up times usually range from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, with drop-off between 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM. +1
Yes, many tour operators offer both shared and private car options for your desert safari transfer. +1
Al Awir Desert is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from downtown Dubai, depending on traffic.
While possible, it's generally recommended to use the tour operator's transport for ease, as navigating the desert can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary, but evening desert safaris can start from as low as 99 AED per person for basic packages. VIP packages and additional activities will increase the cost.
Standard packages typically include dune bashing, a camel ride, live entertainment (belly dance, fire show), and a BBQ buffet dinner. Drinks are often included, but check specifics.
Yes, most operators offer standard and VIP packages. VIP usually includes sofa seating and earlier access to food. Some also offer private tent setups.
It's best to book in advance, especially for popular times or specific packages, but same-day bookings might be possible depending on availability.
Camps are typically open in the afternoon and evening, with activities running from around 4 PM until late night (e.g., 1 AM). +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding (sometimes), belly dancing, Tanoura shows, fire performances, and henna painting. +1
Sandboarding is often offered, but organization can vary. Sometimes it's a DIY setup on a dune. +1 You might need to ask staff for assistance.
Popular shows include traditional belly dancing, the mesmerizing Tanoura dance (whirling dervish), and thrilling fire performances. +1
Yes, there are many photo opportunities, including traditional attire for dress-up photos. +1 Some camps offer professional photo prints for an extra fee.
Evening desert safaris usually last from late afternoon until around 10 PM or 11 PM, with some extending later. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most tours offer a BBQ buffet dinner with a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some reviews mention limited non-veg options.
Typically, soft drinks, water, and sometimes tea are included. Alcohol is usually available for purchase at an additional, often high, cost.
Yes, most buffet dinners include vegetarian dishes. It's advisable to confirm vegan options when booking.
Dinner is usually served after the main entertainment, with VIP guests sometimes getting served earlier.
Yes, many camps offer additional items like hookah, special teas, or specific dishes for an extra charge. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The sand dunes at sunset offer incredible backdrops. Camps also provide opportunities with traditional props and attire.
It's generally not recommended to take photos during dune bashing due to the bumpy ride and safety concerns.
Many camps have photographers on-site who can take pictures, often for an additional fee.
Camps often provide traditional Emirati headscarves (ghutra) and robes for men, and a few outfit choices for women.
You can usually take pictures on the camel, but for longer rides or specific photo sessions, there might be an extra charge. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the desert can get cool in the evenings, so bring an extra layer for children. Also, be prepared for the possibility of extra costs for certain activities or souvenirs, so budgeting accordingly is key.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, avoid purchasing extra drinks or souvenirs. Focus on enjoying the included activities and the spectacular desert scenery.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a private tent setup for a more exclusive evening, which often includes personalized service and dining.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Dune Bashing
While most tours include dune bashing, the intensity can vary between operators. Some focus on more extreme rides, while others offer a gentler experience. If you have motion sickness or are concerned about the intensity, it's worth inquiring with your tour provider beforehand.
Cultural Experiences and Entertainment
Some operators, like Platinum Heritage, focus heavily on cultural immersion, offering traditional Emirati breakfasts, Bedouin storytelling, and encounters with falcons and camels.
Dining and Refreshments in the Desert
Most tours include complimentary soft drinks and water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit