Dubai Desert: Vintage G Class Safari & Bedouin Breakfast

Summary

Vintage Mercedes dunes ride camel caravan & Emirati flavors in Al Marmoom

You’ll ride across Dubai’s Al Marmoom Desert in a vintage G Class Mercedes with a local guide, spot wildlife, join a camel caravan, sip Arabic coffee in a Bedouin village, and enjoy traditional Emirati breakfast cooked right there in front of you. Expect laughter, sandy shoes, and stories that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a “vintage G Class” desert safari near Dubai — sounded flashy, but that old Mercedes actually rattled across the dunes like it belonged there. Our guide, Samir, grinned every time we hit a bump. I kept brushing sand off my knees and laughing at the way the morning light made everything look sort of gold and faded. The Al Marmoom Reserve is just outside Dubai but it feels like another planet — no fences, just open space and these odd little bushes (Samir called them Al Ashkhar). We stopped by an old Ghaf tree and he told us how important it is here. Didn’t know trees could survive out here, honestly.

The camel caravan was next — not as graceful as you’d think (I nearly slid off sideways at first), but the view from up there is wild. You can see for miles over the dunes. There were oryx in the distance and a falconer showed us his bird up close; I tried to get a photo but mostly just stared. When we reached the Bedouin village, they handed us Arabic coffee and these sweet dough balls called luqaimat. I still think about that taste — sticky, warm, kind of like home even though I’d never had them before.

Breakfast was cooked right in front of us by a local woman who barely paused her story about growing up in the desert while flipping bread on the fire. The village itself is made from goat hair tents and has this earthy smell mixed with spices from a little stall nearby. Some people got henna tattoos or tried on kanduras and abayas; I just sat with my tea listening to Bedouin music drifting around. It’s quieter out there than you’d expect. On the drive back into Dubai I caught myself watching the sand disappear behind us through the window — felt weirdly nostalgic already.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Al Marmoom Desert and Bedouin Village

• Pick up from hotel in air-conditioned vehicle
• Drive 50 minutes to Al Marmoom Desert Reserve
• Ride Vintage G Class across desert dunes
• Photo stop admiring Al Ghaf tree and plants
• Learn about desert flora, fauna, and history
• Spot Arabian oryx, Ghazals, Falcons, and birds
• Arrive at Bedouin Village, enjoy Arabic coffee and dates
• Take camel caravan ride in desert dunes
• Return to Bedouin Village for tea or coffee
• Discover handicrafts and spices for desert survival
• Watch live cooking of traditional Bedouin breakfast
• Enjoy Arabian makeovers, henna tattoos, and music
• Drive back to hotel or accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Dubai morning safari last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for this Al Marmoom desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your Dubai hotel are included in modern air-conditioned vehicles.

What do you eat during the Bedouin breakfast?

You’ll have traditional Emirati breakfast items like luqaimat (sweet dumplings), dates, tea or coffee brewed fresh onsite.

Can children join the camel ride?

Children under 5 can join at child rate but cannot ride camels; they’ll stay with an adult at the Bedouin Village or follow along nearby.

What animals might you see during this Dubai desert safari?

You may spot Arabian oryx, gazelles, falcons, birds native to the reserve during your drive through Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

Are there cultural activities included on this tour?

Yes, you can try on traditional clothing (kandura or abaya), get henna tattoos, listen to Bedouin music and stories, and browse local handicrafts and spices.

What should I wear for this desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather; you’ll be offered traditional outfits to try during some activities at the Bedouin Village.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to bumpy rides and camel activity.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by modern air-conditioned vehicle from anywhere in Dubai city limits. You’ll travel through Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in an open-air vintage G Class Mercedes from the 1980s, stop for photos with wildlife like Arabian oryx or falcons if spotted, enjoy Arabic coffee plus luqaimat sweets on arrival at an authentic Bedouin village built of natural materials, take part in a guided camel caravan ride (10-12 minutes), sample freshly prepared traditional Emirati breakfast cooked live onsite while learning about local handicrafts and spices — all before heading back to your hotel around midday.