2-Day Tour at Dubai with Cruise Dinner and Desert Safari Dinner

Experience Dubai in Two Days: A Complete Tour Review

Travelers longing to get a real taste of Dubai’s dazzling sights and adventurous spirit will find this 2-day tour offers a well-rounded introduction. It combines cultural sightseeing, a relaxing dinner cruise, and an exciting desert safari—all in one affordable package. With its balance of guided tours and authentic experiences, it’s perfect for first-timers or those wanting to maximize a short stay.

What we love about this tour? First, the seamless hotel transfers make getting from one activity to the next effortless. Second, the variety—from city landmarks to desert thrills—keeps the experience engaging. Lastly, reviews highlight the quality of food, the friendliness of guides, and the stunning views, making every moment memorable. The only possible drawback? The packed schedule might feel a little full for some, especially if you prefer more leisure time. But if you’re eager to explore as much as possible, this tour checks all the boxes.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed introduction to Dubai. It suits those who appreciate guided experiences, enjoy a mix of culture and adventure, and are comfortable with a busy itinerary. Now, let’s unpack what makes this tour a true stand-out.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines city sightseeing, a dhow cruise, and desert safari in just two days.
• Value for Money: $99 per person includes multiple activities, meals, and transfers.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides make the experience more enjoyable.
• Authentic Activities: Dune bashing, camel riding, and live entertainment provide classic Dubai moments.
• Convenience: Hotel pickups and drop-offs streamline your day.
• Memorable Food: Buffet dinners and optional shisha at the desert camp elevate the experience.

A 2-Day Dubai Adventure: What’s Included and Why It Matters

This tour is designed to give you a snapshot of Dubai’s most iconic sights and cultural highlights, with a sprinkle of adventure. It’s priced at $99, which, considering the number of activities and meals included, offers good value—especially for budget-conscious travelers looking for an all-in-one package.

Day 1: Discover Dubai’s Landmarks and Skyline

The Dubai City Tour kicks off around 9:00 am with a professional, English-speaking guide leading you through a carefully curated route. Over five hours, you’ll see the Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Beach, and the famous Burj Al Arab, often called the world’s only 7-star hotel. We loved how the guide offered insights into Dubai’s transformation from a pearl-diving town to a global city—making the sightseeing feel more meaningful.

Next, the tour takes you past The Palm Island, Atlantis Hotel, Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, and the towering Burj Khalifa. All these stops reveal Dubai’s love for luxury and innovation. While most monuments are outside, the tour provides enough time for photos and quick walks, which is perfect for snapping social media-worthy shots.

In the evening, you’ll cruise the Dubai Creek Harbour from 6:30 pm. This two-hour boat ride offers stunning views of the city skyline at sunset, with access to both the lower and upper decks. Many reviews mention how the crew is attentive, and the sunset vistas are genuinely breathtaking. It’s an excellent way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, with the gentle boat ride providing a different perspective of Dubai’s modern architecture.

Day 2: Desert Safari and Evening Entertainment

The desert adventure begins around 3:00 pm. You’ll ride in a 4×4 Land Cruiser for an adrenaline-pumping dune bashing session. This activity, often described as thrilling, has been praised for its skilled drivers and smooth ride over the dunes. Expect high hills and sliding down sandy slopes—an experience that’s both fun and slightly nerve-wracking.

After the dune bashing, the tour continues with camel riding, allowing you to experience a traditional mode of desert transportation. Many guests find this a memorable highlight, with some reviewers like Regina calling the food at the desert camp “excellent,” far surpassing the dinner cruise’s fare.

The camp itself is set up in a traditional Arabic style, offering live entertainment such as belly dancing, Tanoura shows, and fire performances. The atmosphere is lively and festive, providing an authentic taste of Bedouin-style hospitality. You’ll also have access to refreshments—Arabic Qehwa, tea, coffee, and water—perfect for cooling down after the desert heat.

Dinner at the camp is a buffet with BBQ, offering a variety of 15 dishes, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Guests often comment on the quality and abundance of food, making it a satisfying conclusion to your desert adventure. An optional professional photoshoot at sunset is available for an extra fee, providing a lasting souvenir of your time in the sands.

Authenticity and Entertainment

All activities are complemented by cultural performances, which add to the fun and immersive atmosphere. From the fire show to the belly dancers, these live acts create an energetic vibe that many reviewers find memorable. The shisha corner with apple-flavored shisha adds a relaxing touch for those wanting to unwind.

Logistics and Practicalities

Transport is a highlight here—air-conditioned vehicles provide easy, comfortable transfers between your hotel and tour sites. The group size is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience, and most activities are included in the price, with only optional extras like professional photography and alcohol available at additional costs.

Timing is well-organized, with hotel pickups generally starting early for the city tour and desert safari beginning around mid-afternoon. The scheduled durations are manageable, allowing you to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed, though the packed itinerary does mean some long days.

Booking in advance is recommended—average bookings are made 44 days ahead—so you’ll want to reserve early if you’re on a tight schedule. The tour’s cancellation policy is flexible, offering full refunds if canceled at least three days before the experience.

What We Learned from Reviews

A key insight from the sole review highlights how guides like Yusuf elevate the experience, providing helpful tips and accommodating requests. The comment “Food at the camp was excellent, far cry from the dinner cruise,” speaks volumes about the quality of the desert dinner compared to the evening cruise. Guests also appreciate the stunning views and the chance to capture sunset photos—even if they’re not professional shots, they help preserve the memories.

Many appreciate the variety of activities packed into two days, especially the mix of cultural sights, adventure, and entertainment. The reviewers’ positive feedback on the friendly guides and well-organized logistics underscore the value of this tour, particularly considering its price point.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re eager to see Dubai’s top attractions without the hassle of planning every detail, this 2-day combo tour offers incredible value. The blend of city sights, a relaxing cruise, and an adrenaline-filled desert safari ensure there’s something for all. The inclusive nature of the tour—meals, transfers, and most activities—means you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than stressing over logistics.

This experience is especially suited for first-time visitors, group travelers, or those with limited time but big ambitions for Dubai exploration. The authentic desert camp entertainment and scenic cruise provide special moments that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

That said, keep in mind that the itinerary is quite full, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, consider whether you’re comfortable with a busy schedule. Also, those wanting a more luxurious or personalized experience might want to look into other options, but for a budget-friendly, action-packed introduction, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day more convenient.

What is included in the price?
The $99 fee covers sightseeing tours, transfers, all fees and taxes, two dinners (buffet in desert camp and on the dhow cruise), unlimited refreshments, and live entertainment.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English?
Most guides are English-speaking, and the tour is designed to be accessible, but check with the provider for language-specific guides.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased separately at the desert camp.

How long is the city tour?
The city sightseeing tour lasts approximately five hours.

What activities are available during the desert safari?
You’ll experience dune bashing, camel riding, and enjoy live entertainment, with options for photos (extra charge) and shisha.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather; bring sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime activities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most activities are family-friendly, but check with the provider for age restrictions, especially for dune bashing.

This two-day Dubai adventure offers a well-balanced, exciting, and affordable way to sample the best of what Dubai has to offer. With its mix of culture, thrill, and entertainment, you’re bound to come away with unforgettable memories—and plenty of photos to prove it.