No visit to the United Arab Emirates is ever complete without the wonder of the desert. Past the glitzy skyscrapers of Dubai and cultural sights of Abu Dhabi exists a realm of golden dunes, night sky studded with stars, and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Desert safaris are still among the favorite activities of tourists in 2025, and they attract couples, families, and adventure seekers as well. With Hala Al Burak Tourism, you get to experience a desert adventure that’s a mix of adrenaline, culture, and memories that last a lifetime. This guide walks you through all you need to know about desert safaris in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2025.

As soon as you enter the desert, you know why it is so revered in Emirati tradition. The seemingly infinite stretches of golden sand are so calm, yet so strong, giving you a sense of serenity and poise. The safaris themselves usually start late in the afternoon, when the sun begins to set, casting burning hues of orange and red over the dunes. This is the moment when the desert awakens, and the adventure starts. The biggest thrill for most visitors is dune bashing, an off-road rollercoaster in a 4×4 car which goes up and down the dunes at high speed. Under the guidance of expert drivers, it’s a scream of an experience that will have you laughing, cheering, and clenching your handholds for dear life.
For a more classic experience, camel riding is still a classic method of discovering the desert. Swaying gently across the dunes on the “ship of the desert” enables you to absorb the views at a tranquil pace, just like the Bedouins used to centuries ago. Safaris often involve sandboarding too, where you glide down the dunes on a board – an entertaining one for children and adventure enthusiasts alike. Quad biking and buggy rides are also on offer for those who want their adrenaline fix.
Yet, a desert safari in Abu Dhabi or Dubai is not just about adventure. It is about experiencing local culture and Arabian hospitality as well. Following the desert activities, most tours take visitors to a Bedouin-style camp installed in the center of the desert. Here, you have the opportunity to dress up in Middle Eastern outfits, have your hands painted with henna, and bask in the fragrance of freshly brewed Arabic coffee. With the onset of the evening, a sumptuous BBQ dinner is served, complete with grilled meats, Middle Eastern classics, and sweets to suit all palates. The evening comes alive with live performances like tanoura dance, fire performances, and hypnotic belly dance shows, transforming the night into a cultural extravaganza under the stars.
For 2025, desert safaris have become more upscale and eco-friendly in options. Private 4×4 transfers, gourmet dinners under the stars, and even overnight stays in air-conditioned tents or glass-roofed pods where you can gaze at the stars from your bed are now offered by luxury safaris. In contrast, eco-safaris in Dubai’s Conservation Reserve and Abu Dhabi’s Al Khatim desert specialize in nature and wildlife conservation. These excursions allow you to view Arabian oryx, gazelles, and desert foxes as you gain insight into the sensitive desert ecosystem. Travelers seeking something extraordinary and sustainable find these experiences ideal.