After more than five years of living in the UAE, I finally tried the classic Dubai Desert Safari. It’s one of those bucket-list activities often recommended to visitors. I booked a budget package through a Facebook ad for 35 dirhams per person, curious to see if it was worth the hype.

To avoid the bus crowd, we drove privately to the desert near Sharjah, where we joined other travelers for the dune bashing ride in a Land Cruiser. That first stretch across the sand dunes was thrilling, setting the mood for the day.

Camel Ride & Quad Bike

For me, the most memorable part was riding a camel—something I hadn’t done despite living here for years. I wore a traditional keffiyeh (men’s headscarf) to complete the look. Later, I tried the desert quad bike, which added another dose of adventure.

(What I didn’t try: posing with an eagle or renting extras—they charge separately for those.)

Inside the Camp

The camp offered unlimited juice and water, which was convenient. Dinner, however, felt different depending on the package. Those in the “luxury” section dined earlier with generous barbecue servings, while our section had to queue longer and received smaller portions.

The hookah experience was also separate from the main seating, which I personally skipped. On a positive note, the washrooms were well-maintained despite the crowd—a pleasant surprise.

Evening Entertainment

As the night unfolded, the camp hosted several shows:
• A belly dance performance
• A sword balancing act
• A finale by a performer dressed in glowing neon costumes, spinning endlessly under the desert night sky

The evening ended with the lighting of a giant Dubai sign in the sand, alongside a fire performance.

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Desert Safari is a classic activity, and I’m glad I finally experienced it. For 35 dirhams, it offered a taste of dune bashing, camel rides, and desert entertainment.

Would I go again? Probably not. Once was enough for me, but I’d say it’s worth trying at least once—especially if you’re new to the UAE.