Dubai Desert Safari with Dinner & Private Guide

Summary

Evening in the Arabian Desert: Private Safari & Local Flavors

You’ll ride camels across the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, try sandboarding at sunset, share a traditional dinner under lanterns, and watch local dance performances with your private guide nearby—leaving you with those quiet desert memories you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what silence really sounds like? I didn’t, until we stopped in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve — just us, our guide Khalid, and this endless stretch of golden sand. The air felt cooler than I’d expected for evening, and there was this faint scent of cardamom drifting from somewhere (maybe wishful thinking). Khalid grinned as he handed out bottled water and told us about his childhood out here — apparently he used to race camels before school. I tried to picture that while climbing onto one myself for the camel riding bit. Let’s just say my balance isn’t great, but the camel was patient.

The sun dipped lower and everything turned this weird shade between orange and purple. We tried sandboarding — harder than it looks, especially after dinner. Speaking of food: dinner was set up under these low lanterns, with starters I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Arabic — probably butchered it). There was a tanoora show too; the dancer spun so long I started feeling dizzy just watching. Then came belly dancing and a fireshow that made everyone go quiet for a second, except for one kid who kept clapping at all the wrong times.

I liked that it wasn’t rushed — we could just sit back on these scratchy cushions and watch people talk or dance or just stare at the stars. The desert at night is colder than you’d think; I ended up borrowing an extra scarf from Khalid’s car. On the drive back to Dubai, my shoes were full of sand and my head was full of little moments: laughter, firelight, that strange hush right before dinner. Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Desert Safari Experience

• Desert safari activities at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

What activities are part of the evening desert safari?

You’ll experience camel riding, sandboarding, a tanoora show, belly dancing, a fireshow, and dinner.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; however, some activities may not be suitable for very young children.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Dinner and starters are included as part of your experience.

How long does it take to reach the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve from central Dubai?

The reserve is typically reached within an hour by private vehicle from central Dubai.

Is this safari recommended for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy terrain and certain activities.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide will accompany you throughout your private evening desert safari.

What’s included

Your evening includes private transportation with pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water along the way, starters followed by dinner under lantern light, a camel riding experience through the dunes, sandboarding if you’re up for it, plus live performances like tanoora dancing, belly dancing and a fireshow before heading back to Dubai.