Dubai: Desert Safari Near City Premium Dining

Visiting Dubai often means exploring its sleek skyscrapers, dazzling malls, and vibrant nightlife. But what if you want a more grounded experience—something that captures the soul of the desert landscape just outside the city? This desert safari with premium dining promises an authentic yet upscale outing, combining traditional Bedouin vibes with modern luxuries. While it’s a full-day adventure, the highlight remains the luxurious food, captivating entertainment, and the chance to experience desert life firsthand.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the attention to detail—everything from the scenic transfer to the desert, the variety of activities, and the impressive 4-course meal served in style. For travelers seeking a blend of adrenaline, culture, and fine dining, this trip hits the sweet spot. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is geared towards those with moderate physical fitness due to activities like dune bashing and sandboarding.

Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive desert experience that balances thrill and relaxation, this tour suits families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see Dubai’s desert from a new perspective—without skimping on comfort or entertainment.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Includes pickup service and a mobile ticket for a hassle-free experience.
• Rich Activities: Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and horse riding offer plenty of adventure options.
• Authentic Entertainment: Enjoy belly dance, Tanoura dance, and fire shows performed by local artists.
• Upscale Dining: A 4-course meal prepared by skilled chefs, served in the VIP lounge, makes for a memorable dining experience.
• Scenic Views: The drive to the desert offers beautiful vistas and opportunities to spot camels and deer.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind for travelers.

A Full Day in the Dubai Desert: What to Expect

Pickup and Journey to the Desert

The experience kicks off at 3:00 pm with convenient pickup, usually included in the package. This is a significant plus—it eliminates the hassle of arranging transport, especially if you’re staying in central Dubai. The drive to the desert is part of the adventure; as you leave the city behind, you’ll enjoy views of the vast sands and possibly spot camels, deer, or other desert wildlife along the way. Travel times can vary depending on the location of your hotel, but the transfer tends to be smooth and comfortable.

The Desert: A Canvas of Adventure

Once in the desert, the real fun begins. The tour typically features dune bashing, which is akin to a rollercoaster ride over the dunes—an exhilarating experience, especially if you’re a thrill-seeker. Reviewers have described this as ‘full of thrill’ and ‘adventurous,’ making it clear that you’ll want to brace yourself for some bouncing and twisting over the sandy hills.

Beyond dune bashing, guests can enjoy camel rides and horse riding, which offer a more relaxed way to take in the scenery. These activities allow you to get closer to the desert’s traditional modes of transport and are perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking up the tranquil landscape.

Sandboarding and Additional Activities

Sandboarding is another highlight, giving visitors a chance to slide down the dunes for a bit of adrenaline. If you’re new to sandboarding, don’t worry; it’s straightforward, and the guides are generally on hand to help. The experience is particularly popular among those wanting an active, hands-on desert adventure.

Dining in Style: The 4-Course Meal

After a series of exciting activities, guests are treated to a luxurious 4-course meal in the VIP lounge, notably called the London package. The food is prepared with care—think mixed salads, beetroot, hummus, falafel, samosas, tomato soup, grilled prawns, chicken dishes, and yellow rice—offering a broad palette of flavors that reflect Middle Eastern culinary artistry.

The dessert, Omali, with crushed bread, milk, sugar, and pomegranates, wraps up the meal on a sweet note. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious” and highlighting the generous portions and fresh flavors.

Live Entertainment and Cultural Touches

Throughout dinner, guests enjoy live performances such as belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows. These performances add a festive atmosphere and allow you to experience local entertainment traditions without leaving the desert. Reviewers note the artistry of these performances, which elevate the overall experience beyond just a meal.

Additional Options

For those interested, camel and horse rides are also available, allowing for a more immersive desert experience or a relaxing ride amid the dunes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This desert safari is best suited for travelers who want a full, immersive experience that offers adventure, culture, and upscale dining in one package. It’s ideal if you seek a luxurious yet authentic outing; the premium dining and entertainment options set it apart from more basic desert safaris.

It’s also a good choice for those with moderate physical fitness—activities like dune bashing and sandboarding require some stamina, but the overall pace is manageable. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a mixture of thrill and relaxation will find this tour well-balanced.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 7 hours, making it a substantial part of your afternoon and evening.
• Start Time: The experience begins at 3:00 pm, so plan your day accordingly.
• Price: At $150 per person, it offers strong value considering the inclusions—activities, transport, and a gourmet meal.
• Booking: This experience is often booked 184 days in advance, indicating its popularity.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, giving you flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Transportation and Group Size

The pickup service is convenient and included, ensuring a smooth start. Since this is a private tour, only your group will participate, fostering a more personalized experience.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera are must-haves. The tour’s timing in the late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat, but it’s still wise to stay hydrated.

Authenticity and Real Experiences from Reviewers

One Tripadvisor reviewer called it an “adventurous and full of thriller tour,” highlighting the “excellent team” managing the activities. Such feedback suggests professional guides who prioritize safety while maintaining an energetic vibe. Another reviewer appreciated the quality of the food and the lively performances, emphasizing that the dinner was a standout feature—”delicious and served at the table,” making it feel special rather than just a buffet-style affair.

The positive comments about the value for money reinforce that this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and luxury, with reviewers noting the good team, the thrill of dune bashing, and the quality of entertainment as key strengths.

The Sum Up

This Dubai desert safari with premium dining delivers a well-rounded experience that combines adventure, culture, and luxury. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of traditional Bedouin life, but with the comfort of modern amenities and entertaining extras. The inclusion of a multi-course meal, engaging performances, and activities like camel rides and sandboarding make it a memorable outing that’s worth the price.

If you’re after an authentic desert adventure that doesn’t compromise on comfort or fun, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate good food, engaging entertainment, and scenic landscapes—all wrapped into one seamless package.

For anyone looking to make the most of their desert experience without sacrificing quality, this tour offers an excellent blend of thrills and elegance.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered as part of the package, making it convenient to start your adventure without worrying about logistics.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, giving plenty of time for activities, dining, and entertainment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Are meals included, and what is served?
A 4-course gourmet meal is included, with a variety of salads, seafood, grilled meats, vegetables, and delicious desserts.

What entertainment can I expect?
Live performances such as belly dance, Tanoura dance, and fire shows are part of the dinner experience, adding a lively cultural touch.

What activities are available in the desert?
Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and horse riding are offered, allowing you to explore the dunes in different ways.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, travelers should consider the moderate physical activity involved. It’s best for those comfortable with physical activities like dune bashing.

In essence, this desert safari offers an immersive peek into Dubai’s desert life, coupled with luxurious dining and lively entertainment, making it a memorable day out for those wanting a taste of both adventure and elegance.