Dubai: All Inclusive Desert Safari with ATV, Camel, Horse ride, Vip & more

Red dunes make a fine afternoon playground. This six-hour Dubai safari packs more into one outing than the standard dune trip, with a 30-minute ATV ride, dune bashing, sandboarding, horse and camel rides, a desert camp, dinner, and evening shows. I especially like the chance to add both an ATV drive and a horse ride, two activities often missing from basic desert packages.

I also like the simple hotel pickup from Dubai, Sharjah, or Ajman, plus the sunset photo stop and range of camp activities. The main drawback is the busy schedule and potentially large group, with as many as 150 participants. If you prefer a quiet desert visit, this is not the best fit. At $164.50 per person, it offers good value for active visitors who want many included activities, but less value if you plan to skip most of them.

Key points to know before booking

• Lahbab’s red dunes provide the main outdoor action, including a 30-minute ATV session, sandboarding, a sunset stop, and 4WD dune bashing.
• The ATV is self-drive, with a safety briefing before you set off and photo pauses along the trail.
• The horse ride adds something unusual, since many desert safaris offer only a short camel circuit.
• The Al Awir camp is built around variety, with Arabic coffee, sweets, henna, shisha, local clothing, falcon photos, and a short camel ride.
• Dinner comes with several shows, including Tanoura dancing, a fire performance, belly dancing when permitted, and Ladies Khaliji Dance.
• Pickup is included, and private transfers are available as an option, but alcohol and personal expenses cost extra.

Why this safari works for active Dubai visitors

A typical Dubai desert safari gives you dune bashing, a camel ride, dinner, and stage entertainment. This one adds an ATV trail and horse ride, so you spend less time simply sitting in a vehicle or at the camp.

That wider mix is the real reason to consider it. You can start with motorized desert fun, switch to sandboarding, then slow down with a horse or camel. The day has a clear change of pace, which helps a six-hour tour feel varied rather than repetitive.

The experience begins at about 2:00 pm with pickup from your selected hotel or meeting location. An air-conditioned 4WD vehicle takes you toward the Lahbab region. Pickup is also offered from Sharjah and Ajman, which is useful if you are staying outside central Dubai.

The group size can reach 150 people. That does not mean every vehicle or activity will hold 150 people at once, but it does tell you to expect a commercial operation rather than a private desert outing. If you want a more personal arrangement, ask about the private transfer option before booking.

Reaching Lahbab and preparing for the dunes

Lahbab is the first main stop, and the schedule allows about three hours here. When you arrive, the driver prepares the 4WD for dune bashing. You can use the restroom and take a short break during this setup period.

That pause matters. The afternoon includes several physical activities, so it is sensible to use the facilities before the ATV ride and dune drive begin. Loose, casual clothing works best in summer. In winter, bring a jacket because the desert can feel cooler after sunset.

Before riding, you receive a safety briefing for the quad bikes. The ATV portion lasts 30 minutes and is a self-drive activity. You follow the designated trail, with photo stops along the way, then return to the starting point for the 4WD section.

The tour information does not specify the ATV engine size, minimum age, or exact riding rules. Ask the operator about those details if you have limited riding experience or are booking for a child. The safety briefing is included, but you still need to feel physically and mentally ready for the activity.

The ATV ride and dune bashing

The ATV ride is the strongest reason to choose this package over a basic safari. Thirty minutes is long enough to give you a real taste of riding over desert sand, while short enough to leave time for the other activities.

You control the quad bike yourself, rather than sitting behind a driver. That gives you more freedom, but it also makes the ride more demanding. Follow the instructions carefully, keep your pace sensible, and take the safety briefing seriously.

After the ATV session, you return for dune bashing in the air-conditioned 4WD. The drivers are described as trained and licensed for safari driving, and the Land Cruiser vehicles have seat belts, roll bars, insurance, and other safety equipment.

Dune bashing is the more dramatic part of the drive. The vehicle climbs and drops over the red dunes while the driver handles the sand. Some people love the speed and sharp turns. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you feel most comfortable, avoid a heavy meal before the drive, and let the guide know if you need a pause.

The sunset photo stop gives you a quieter moment after the action. Use it for wide desert views and simple photographs rather than expecting a long private session. With a large operation, the stop is likely to follow a set schedule.

Sandboarding adds a short but worthwhile challenge

Sandboarding is included, though the exact amount of riding time is not stated. It usually works as a short activity during the desert portion, giving you another way to use the dunes without adding a separate charge.

You do not need to be an expert snowboarder to try it, but getting back up the slope can be more tiring than sliding down. Wear shoes that are secure and comfortable. Sand gets everywhere, so this is not the time for delicate footwear or clothing you plan to wear to a nice restaurant later.

I like sandboarding here because it breaks up the motor activities. You are not just watching the desert from a vehicle. At the same time, it is best to treat it as an optional bit of fun rather than the main reason to book the tour. The 30-minute ATV ride and dune bashing are the bigger attractions.

Al Awir camp brings the evening change of pace

After Lahbab, the tour continues to Al Awir for roughly three hours at a desert camp. You are welcomed with Arabic coffee and sweets, then have time to try several cultural activities before dinner.

The camp is designed for easy sampling rather than long, detailed instruction. You can try henna painting, smoke shisha, put on local Arabic clothing for photographs, and meet a falcon expert for a picture with the bird.

Henna is listed specifically for women, and the clothing activity is presented as a makeover and photo opportunity. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to ask about the henna ingredients before applying it. Shisha is also optional, and Arabic coffee and sweets provide a gentler welcome for anyone who does not want to smoke.

The falcon interaction offers a quick introduction to an important part of Gulf culture. It is mainly a photo opportunity, so do not expect a long wildlife presentation. Still, it adds a local element that you will not get from a simple dune drive and restaurant dinner.

Horse and camel rides: two different ways to see camp

The horse ride is the package’s most unusual addition. Horse riding is not included in many standard desert programs, and it gives you a calmer contrast to the ATV and dune drive.

The supplied details do not state the horse ride’s length, route, or riding level. Ask the operator about those points if the horse activity is central to your decision. You should also be honest about your riding experience and any physical limitations.

The camel ride is shorter and takes place around the camp. Think of it as a brief introduction and photo opportunity, not a long trek across the desert. That is still worthwhile, especially if this is your first camel ride, but keep your expectations modest.

Together, the horse and camel activities give the camp section more variety. The tradeoff is that you may have to choose how to spend limited time if several activities are running at once. With a full group, queues or scheduled turns may also affect the pace.

Buffet dinner and shows after sunset

The evening meal is an Arabian barbecue buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. That makes the tour easier for mixed groups, since you do not need to arrange a separate meal after returning to Dubai.

The dinner is part of the package, while alcoholic drinks are not included and can be purchased at the camp. Other personal expenses are also extra. Keep that in mind when comparing the $164.50 price with cheaper safari packages.

Entertainment includes Tanoura dancing, a fire show, belly dancing, and Ladies Khaliji Dance, subject to local rules and the season. Belly dancing is not available during Ramadan. The listed dry dates also exclude Tanoura and belly dance performances on certain dates and Islamic occasions under UAE law.

These changes are important. Do not book this tour solely for a particular performance without checking the entertainment schedule for your date. The fire show and dinner still provide an evening program, but the lineup can differ.

After the meal and performances, you can relax or meditate before the return drive. That final quieter period is useful after an afternoon of activity, though the tour still follows a fixed schedule rather than allowing you to linger indefinitely.

Is $164.50 a fair price?

At $164.50 per person, this is not the cheapest desert safari in Dubai. The price makes more sense when you add up what is included: hotel pickup and drop-off, 4WD transport, dune bashing, 30 minutes on an ATV, sandboarding, a horse ride, a camel ride, dinner, Arabic coffee, selected camp activities, a falcon photo, and several shows.

You are paying for breadth. If you plan to try the ATV, horse ride, camel ride, henna, clothing photos, and dinner, the package can be a practical way to bundle a full afternoon and evening. You also avoid arranging separate transport to Lahbab and Al Awir.

The value drops if you dislike motorized activities, do not want camp entertainment, or plan to leave before dinner. In that case, a shorter desert trip may suit you better. The group size is another factor. A private transfer can improve comfort, but check exactly what is private before assuming the whole safari is exclusive.

The 4.8 rating from 20 reviews and 95 percent recommendation provide encouraging signs, though the sample is small. The available written feedback praises the guide’s attention and the pleasure of seeing and spending time in the desert. That matches the tour’s main strength: it delivers a full, well-packed desert day rather than one single headline activity.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Start with a light meal and bring water, even though the tour includes Arabic coffee, sweets, and dinner. The afternoon combines heat, vehicle movement, ATV riding, sandboarding, and horse activity.

Wear loose clothing and shoes that stay on your feet. Pack sunglasses and sun protection, but do not bring anything precious into the sand. A jacket is useful in winter, especially for the drive back after sunset.

You should also think about physical readiness. Most people can participate, but the operator warns of possible risks and recommends travel health insurance. Anyone with a medical concern should decide carefully before booking, since the program includes active riding and dune driving.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the 2:00 pm start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this Dubai desert safari?

I would recommend it to first-time Dubai visitors who want one big desert day with many activities included. Families with older children, couples who like a full schedule, and groups of friends will get the most from the ATV, dune bashing, horse ride, dinner, and shows.

It also suits anyone who wants more than the standard camel photo. The ATV and horse ride give the package a clear point of difference, while the camp offers easy cultural touches without requiring a separate evening outing.

I would choose another option if you want silence, a small group, or a slow desert visit focused on nature. The commercial camp setting, fixed start time, and possible group of up to 150 people are part of the deal. This is an all-action package, not a private wilderness retreat.

Should you book it?

Book this safari if you want the broadest activity list in one six-hour outing and plan to use the inclusions. The ATV ride, horse ride, dune bashing, and sunset stop give you strong value for the price, while dinner and shows round out the evening.

Before paying, confirm the entertainment schedule for your date, ask about horse ride details, and decide if the possible group size suits you. If those points work for you, this is a lively and practical way to see the Dubai desert without arranging each activity separately.

FAQ

What time does the Dubai desert safari start?

The stated start time is 2:00 pm. The activity lasts approximately six hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from your selected hotel or location. Transfers are offered from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman.

Is the ATV ride included?

Yes. A 30-minute quad bike, or ATV, session is included. You receive a safety briefing before riding.

Is dune bashing included?

Yes. The package includes dune bashing in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle.

Are horse and camel rides included?

Yes. Both a horse ride and a camel ride are included. The camel ride is described as a short circuit around the camp, while the exact length of the horse ride is not stated.

Is dinner included?

Yes. An Arabian barbecue buffet is included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Are the evening shows always available?

No. Belly dancing is not available during Ramadan. Tanoura dancing and belly dancing may also be unavailable on listed dry dates and certain Islamic occasions under UAE law.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.