Dubai City tour and Desert Safari with Quadbike Ride

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai and want a taste of both its modern marvels and traditional charm, this combined Dubai City Tour and Desert Safari offers an intriguing blend. Priced at $139 per person, it promises an action-packed two-day experience that balances sightseeing with adventure — perfect for travelers who crave diverse activities in one go.

From iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa to the thrill of dune bashing and quad biking, this tour manages to blend cultural insights with adrenaline rushes. We love how it caters to different interests, offers great value, and is delivered by knowledgeable guides. However, it’s worth noting that the cost does not include entry tickets to some attractions, so a little extra planning might be needed if you want to access the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame.

This experience is ideal for those who want a well-rounded Dubai adventure — whether you’re a history buff, a photo enthusiast, or an adrenaline junkie. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a structured itinerary with a mix of guided sightseeing and thrilling activities, all in a single package.

Key Points

• Well-structured two-day itinerary combining city highlights and desert adventures
• Includes multiple stops at Dubai’s most iconic landmarks and cultural sites
• High-value experience with a variety of activities like dune bashing, quad biking, and live entertainment
• Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary and enhance the experience
• Additional costs apply for entry tickets to popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame
• Small group size ensures a more personalized, less rushed experience

The Dubai City Tour: Discovering the Land of Contrasts

The first day centers around exploring Dubai’s vibrant and historic areas. It’s a rundown that marries culture, architecture, and history, with stops carefully selected for their significance and photo potential.

Dubai Creek and Al Seef District

The tour kicks off at Dubai Creek, a historically vital waterway that shaped the city’s growth. It’s fascinating to see how this narrow waterway, which used to attract pearl divers and fishermen, now hosts bustling markets and modern developments. The Al Seef district along the creek is a standout, with traditional coral-block buildings and a lively waterfront promenade. Visitors often comment on its charm as a great spot for a relaxed stroll with water views, and the floating market adds a unique touch.

Traditional Markets: Gold and Spice Souks

Next, we head to Deira, home to the famed Gold Souk and Spice Souk. The gold market is a visual feast—stalls overflowing with jewelry, and the sheer variety makes it a must-visit for jewelry enthusiasts. The spice market, with its aromatic stalls packed with saffron, frankincense, and rose water, offers a sensory overload. The fish market nearby offers a less touristy, authentic experience where you can see local fishermen at work.

Cultural and Heritage Sites

The visit continues with the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum showcasing old photographs and documents of Dubai’s early days. It’s a compelling glimpse into the emirate’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a global city. Nearby, the Heritage and Diving Village offers insights into traditional pearl diving, dhow building, and Bedouin life, often accompanied by local music and dance performances between October and April.

Jumeirah Mosque and the Beach

The Jumeirah Mosque is often called Dubai’s most beautiful mosque, built in the Fatimid tradition, with intricate stonework and twin minarets. Guided tours organized by the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre foster better understanding of Islamic culture. Close by is Jumeirah Public Beach, where travelers often comment on its soft white sands and good facilities. It’s a perfect spot to relax or take photos of the stunning skyline.

The City’s Modern Landmarks

The tour then moves to Dubai’s modern architectural icons. The Burj Al-Arab, a luxurious hotel resembling a billowing dhow sail, is a picture-perfect backdrop. While the interior isn’t included, its exterior lit up at night creates a captivating scene. Meanwhile, the Burj Khalifa, at an astonishing 829.8 meters, is a highlight for most travelers. Its observation deck offers sweeping views of the city, desert, and ocean, though tickets aren’t included and should be booked separately.

Dubai Mall and Sheikh Zayed Road

The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping destination but also home to the Dubai Aquarium and ice skating rink. It’s a hub of entertainment, with frequent events, live shows, and seasonal festivals. Lastly, Sheikh Zayed Road showcases Dubai’s skyline with towering skyscrapers and the Dubai Frame, a giant picture frame that offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the city’s past and future.

The Desert Safari: Adventure and Cultural Immersion

The second day shifts gears dramatically, taking you into Dubai’s iconic deserts. This part of the tour is packed with adrenaline-pumping activities, cultural experiences, and stunning sunsets.

Red Dunes and Scenic Views

The adventure begins with a drive to the red dunes, where the landscape looks almost otherworldly. The panoramic views of the high dunes make for incredible photos, especially at sunset. Our reviewers mention that the sand dunes are a highlight, with some describing it as a “picture-perfect” setting for photos and a true embodiment of Arabian desert scenery.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

The dune bashing session, lasting around 30-40 minutes, is exhilarating. The guide expertly navigates the sand dunes in a 4WD vehicle, making each rise and fall a pulse-raising experience. For those seeking extra fun, sandboarding down the dunes is available, offering a playful, adrenaline-filled ride with spectacular views. One reviewer called the quad biking and sandboarding “the best part,” noting how fun it was to glide down the dunes and capture photos on the highest peaks.

Quad Bike Adventure

The quad biking segment lasts approximately 30 minutes, and it’s quite popular based on reviews. You’ll get a thorough briefing on safety and off-road rules before hopping onto your automatic quad bike. The experience of controlling your own vehicle over challenging dunes is described as “the ride of a lifetime” by those who’ve tried it. Many reviewers appreciated the chance to stop and take photos, especially during sunset, which adds a magical glow to the landscape.

Cultural Experiences in the Desert

Beyond the thrill rides, the tour includes a shared Bedouin-style camp in the middle of the desert, where you can enjoy activities like camel rides (which can be repeated), henna painting, and shisha smoking in designated areas. The camp also hosts live performances, including belly dancing, Tanura dance, and fire shows, which set the mood for a true Arabian night.

Dinner and Entertainment

A buffet dinner featuring BBQ options, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, is served in the camp. The unlimited soft drinks, fruits, and desserts ensure you’re well-fed after an active day. The live entertainment, especially the belly dance and fire shows, adds a lively finish to the desert experience.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour is priced at $139 per person, which is quite competitive given the range of activities and sights included. The small group size (max 15 travelers) helps ensure a more personal experience, and the hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Dubai hotels make logistics easier.

While the tour includes many activities, some popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame require separate entry tickets, which are not included. Budgeting for these extras is advisable if you want to visit these landmarks.

The tour operates daily with a start time of 9:00 am, giving you plenty of daylight for sightseeing and desert adventures. The transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned Land Cruiser makes the long day more pleasant, and the guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Authentic Experiences Backed by Reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides who bring history and culture to life. One mentioned the guide “Naveed,” who was appreciated for his friendliness and helpfulness. The quad biking experience also receives high praise, with many describing it as “thrilling” and the highlight of their trip. The sunset views during dune bashing, combined with the cultural entertainment at the camp, create a memorable evening that blends adventure with tradition.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing and adventure. It suits those who want an overview of Dubai’s most iconic sites, along with the thrill of desert activities. It’s also ideal for groups or families, thanks to the variety of activities and the small-group setting that keeps it intimate and flexible.

If you’re short on time but want to maximize your Dubai experience, this two-day package offers excellent value by combining city highlights with a desert adventure in one seamless trip.

The Sum Up

Choosing the Dubai City Tour and Desert Safari with Quadbike Ride means getting a well-rounded introduction to this incredible city. It’s designed for travelers who appreciate a good mix of culture, stunning architecture, and adrenaline-pumping activities. The tour’s affordable price offers great value considering the variety of experiences packed into just two days.

The knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and fun activities like quad biking and dune bashing make it a memorable option. Although some attractions require additional tickets, the core experiences — from exploring historic markets to riding the desert dunes — are hard to beat for the price.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive Dubai experience without the hassle of booking multiple excursions separately. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a fun, engaging, and authentic way to discover Dubai’s contrasts and charm.

FAQ

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from centrally located Dubai hotels, making logistics simple for travelers.

How long is each part of the tour?
The city tour lasts approximately 4 hours, while the desert safari activities span several hours, including dune bashing, quad biking, and cultural entertainment, totaling a full-day experience.

Do I need to buy tickets for Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame separately?
Yes, these attractions are not included in the tour price. You can request their tickets at additional charges if you wish to visit these landmarks.

Is the quad biking experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the quad bikes are automatic, and participants are briefed on safety before riding. It’s suitable for most beginners, with guidance provided.

What should I wear for the desert safari?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed shoes are recommended. Also, bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection during the day.

Can families with children join?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Check with the provider for specific age restrictions on certain activities like dune bashing.

Is there a maximum group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and flexibility.