10 Best Places to Go Desert Safari in Dubai

Why Dubai’s desert belongs on your relocation radar

If you are considering a move to Dubai, the desert is more than a weekend escape - it is a window into the city’s adventurous spirit and outdoor lifestyle. This guide is for entrepreneurs, families, and professionals planning relocation who want memorable safaris without the guesswork. We highlight the best spots for adrenaline, wildlife, culture, and luxury, all within reach of the city so you can start building a lifestyle that blends work, nature, and community from day one.

Choose your perfect safari vibe

Dubai’s desert scene covers every preference. For high-energy days, Lahbab’s terracotta dunes and the famed Big Red deliver classic dune bashing, sandboarding, and quad biking. First-timers often start in the Al Badayer area, where Big Red and Pink Rock offer towering red dunes and traditional Bedouin activities with easy access from the city. If you want calm scenery and wildlife, Al Qudra’s gentle dunes and lakes are ideal for sunrise or sunset. Families and mixed groups appreciate Al Awir for its balanced terrain and convenient tours. Conservation-minded travelers enjoy Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve for bird watching, nature walks, and stargazing on gentle sands.

For scale that feels otherworldly, Liwa in the Empty Quarter features some of the UAE’s highest dunes - a longer drive that rewards you with vast, untouched sandscapes and exceptional night skies. Those who love geology should add Jebel Maleihah, also known as Fossil Rock, for fossil spotting, hiking, and distinctive desert formations. Most tour operators run Premium Red Dunes packages that bundle hotel pickup, thrilling 4x4 dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and evening camp entertainment like BBQ, henna, and cultural performances. Luxury safaris add private vehicles, fine dining, and sustainable ecotour options for special occasions.

Best results often happen in the cooler months from October to March for comfortable temperatures and longer outdoor time.

Pro tip: Dune bashing means expert drivers guiding 4x4 vehicles over steep dunes at varying speeds - exhilarating, safe when done with licensed operators, and typically offered in morning or evening safaris.

Quick picker - where to go and why

How ARK gets you moving with confidence

ARK is a Dubai-based team focused on helping people relocate their businesses and lives to the UAE smoothly. We guide you through licensing options, visas for you and your family, banking, and compliant operations so you can enjoy the desert, the city, and your new routine without red tape. From first consultation to arrival, we streamline timelines, explain costs clearly, and coordinate trusted partners for housing, schools, and medical insurance.

Your plan from interest to arrival

1. Book a discovery call with ARK to map your goals and timeline.
2. Choose a company setup path and residence visa plan that fits your needs.
3. Prepare documents - passports, photos, education certificates - with our checklist.
4. Submit applications and schedule biometric and medical appointments.
5. Open a bank account and set up mobile, utilities, and health insurance.
6. Plan your first desert safari weekend and settle into your new neighborhood.
7. Join ARK’s post-arrival check-in for compliance reminders and local insights.

Dubai essentials to help you settle in

Dubai is safe, well-connected, and built for outdoor living when the weather is cooler. For desert safaris, mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and temperatures. Most tours provide hotel pickup, safety briefings, and gear, though you should bring water, closed shoes, and a light jacket in winter. Quad biking and dune bashing typically have age and health guidelines, while family-friendly areas like Al Qudra suit all ages. Luxury or private safaris are ideal if you prefer flexible schedules or have young children. If you drive yourself, deflate tires only in designated areas and travel in convoy with recovery gear.