Dubai Sunrise Desert Safari with Camel Ride & 4x4 Adventure

Summary

Private Morning Desert Safari in Dubai with Camel Ride

If you want to see Dubai’s desert without roasting in midday heat, this sunrise safari is perfect. You’ll get real adventure—dune bashing, sandboarding—and quiet moments too: watching dawn break over endless dunes or sipping tea after a camel ride. It’s an early start but honestly? Totally worth it.

What’s the experience like?

Alarm went off before dawn—honestly, I almost hit snooze. But by the time our driver pulled up outside the hotel, I was wide awake. The city lights faded behind us as we drove out toward the open desert. The air felt cool against my face when I cracked the window, which surprised me—Dubai mornings can be crisp if you’re up early enough.

We reached the edge of the dunes just as the sky started to shift from navy to gold. Our guide, Ahmed, knew exactly where to stop for sunrise photos—he’d done this a hundred times and pointed out a high dune that locals call “the lookout.” Climbing up wasn’t easy (sand gets everywhere), but standing at the top with my shoes half-full of sand and watching the sun spill over endless waves of orange was worth it. There’s this hush in the desert at that hour—just wind and a distant bird or two.

Dune bashing came next. If you’ve never tried it, imagine a rollercoaster but softer under your seat. We whooped and laughed as Ahmed navigated the slopes; he even let us pause for pictures when we spotted a group of wild camels in the distance. Afterward, we tried sandboarding—let’s just say I’m better at taking photos than staying upright on a board.

The camel ride was slower, more peaceful than I expected. My camel had a habit of snorting every few steps, which made me laugh (and hang on tighter). Back at camp, they handed out sweet tea and dates while we brushed sand off our shoes and swapped stories with another couple from Germany. By 9am, we were back in town—just as most folks were starting their day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise Desert Safari

• Pick up and drive to desert camp
• Watch sunrise from sand dune summit
• Enjoy morning desert air and scenery

Top questions

What should I wear for the sunrise desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes—you’ll be walking on sand and it gets chilly before sunrise. Bring sunglasses and maybe a light jacket.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is fine for most ages but not recommended if you have back problems or are pregnant due to dune bashing. Kids usually love it though!

How long does the whole experience last?

The tour takes about four hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. You’ll be back in Dubai by late morning.

What’s included

You’ll get picked up from your hotel in a private 4x4 vehicle for an early start. The package covers dune bashing, sandboarding gear, a guided camel ride, morning refreshments (like tea and dates), plus plenty of photo stops along the way. Drop-off back at your place is included too.