Dubai Desert Safari for Family

Introduction

Welcome to Mahakal Desert Adventure Tourism! Walking into the desert for the first time in Dubai felt like stepping into a living tale of splendour and grandeur. I had booked one of the packages designed for families, and from the moment the tour began, the thrill was undeniable. Our guides welcomed visitors and residents alike with friendly smiles before we set off on our camel ride across golden sand and towering dunes. The experience was a must-do for anyone who wants to discover a blend of adventure and cultural charm in a single day.

The package we chose came with activities like quad biking, sandboarding, and even an unforgettable evening under the stars. For kids, parents, and even teens, every moment felt safe, enjoyable, and filled with the beauty of the Arabian desert.

As the evening settled in, our group gathered for a BBQ dinner beneath a starlight sky that seemed endless. The atmosphere was both relaxed and invigorating, with soft music and the smell of grilled food drifting through the expanse of landscapes.

Watching my family and extended relatives laugh together, I realised how these family-friendly safaris are more than an activity — they are an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning another trip, the possibilities are unmissable. From the enchanting rides to the breathtaking views, the haven of luxury in the Middle of the region is something I’ll always remember as one of the most incredible travel experiences of my life.Top of Form

Inclusions and Exclusions of Dubai Desert Safari for Family

Inclusions

• Pickup from centrally located hotels in a family-friendly safari setting.
• Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned 4-wheel drive vehicle or SUV like a Land Cruiser.
• Cost-effective group transfers for guests and family.
• Dune bashing for 30 minutes.
• Camel ride across golden dunes.
• Sandboarding experience.
• Henna tattooing, painting, and Arabic costumes for photos.
• Photography during sunset views.
• Shisha or sheesha smoking, an Emirati tradition.
• Quad biking, horse riding, or buggy adventures (optional).
• Safe for kids and infants.
• Refreshments: Gahwa, Arabian tea, dates, tea, coffee, bottled water, and soft drinks.
• BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
• Live entertainment: belly dancing, Tanura dance, fire show, and other performances.
• Camp facilities: washrooms for male and female guests.
• Sleeping arrangements for overnight stays.
• Morning breakfast with bonfire and stargazing experience.
• Pick-up and drop-off from Dubai or Sharjah with private or shared options.
• Safety briefing, professional guide, and light snacks.

Exclusions

• Alcoholic beverages.
• Skiing (optional activity with charge).
• Quad bike rental (on-site at additional cost).
• Horse riding (if not part of package).
• Dune buggy ride (if not part of package).
• Dirt bike ride (if not part of package).
• Any services not listed in the inclusions.

Dubai Desert Safari for Families

Family-friendly desert safaris in Dubai can be tailored to comfort, entertainment, and the needs of children, with morning, evening, and even overnight options available.

1. Morning Desert Safari – Comfort and Cool Temperatures

Ideal for families with young children who need protection from midday heat.

• Best Time: Crisp, cool mornings with toddler-friendly temperatures.
• Activities:
  • Play in the sand
  • Camel rides
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Gentle dune bashing tailored for comfort
  • Optional sandboarding
  • Exploring desert flora and fauna
• Amenities: Relaxed camp setup with breakfast.
• Timing: Short and easy—return to the hotel by noon.
• Advantages:
  • Avoids scorching sun and midday crowds
  • Peaceful red dune views
  • Secure environment close to the city

2. Afternoon & Evening Desert Safari – Cultural Flair and Entertainment

Perfect for families who want a mix of excitement and local traditions.

• Activities:
  • Live entertainment (fire shows, belly dancing)
  • Henna painting
  • Traditional attire for photos
  • BBQ buffet dinner with options for varied diets
  • Camel rides, dune bashing, and mini-adventures for kids
• Atmosphere:
  • Magical sunset moments
  • Starlit skies and cooling evening air
  • Less crowded compared to peak afternoon heat
• Dress Code:
  • Light summer wear for warmer daysWarmer clothing for winter nights
  • Covered, flat, sport-ready shoes for comfort

3. Overnight Desert Safari – Sleep Under the Stars

For families with older children who enjoy outdoor adventures.

• Unique Features:
  • Bedouin-style camp with bedding and tents
  • Stargazing and storytelling by the fire
  • Waking up to a sunrise over the dunes
• Extra Activities:
  • Safe adventure coaching for kids (sand skiing, camel riding)
  • Night trekking under moonlight
  • Romantic backdrops for parents
• Vibe:
  • Calm, safe, and family-friendly
  • A mix of thrill and downtime
  • Intimate, private dining options available

4. Tips for Families

• Planning: Choose half-day or full-day itineraries based on your kids’ age and stamina.
• Weather Considerations:
  • Mornings are cooler and better for toddlers.
  • Evenings are pleasant but bring an extra layer in winter.
• Packing List:
  • Camcorders/video cameras for memories
  • Covered, comfortable shoes
  • Sun protection (hats, sunscreen) for day trips
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• Booking Advice:
  • Private tours for more flexibility and less crowding
  • Budget-friendly options are available without losing charm
  • Consider a mix of activities to keep all ages engaged

Top Adventures of Dubai Desert Safari for Family

Camel Riding

• Start your tour in Dubai with camel rides across golden dunes, enjoying the gentle sway of a camel’s walk.
• Take in the vastness and beauty of the desert while kids enjoy playing in the sand and spotting flora, fauna, and animals.
• Capture stunning photography under a sky of pink and orange, perfect for family memories.
• Learn about the ancient bedouins lifestyle and arabian culture during short, low-intensity rides.

Sandboarding

• Slide down a dune with sandboarding, giving you an adrenaline-pumping thrill similar to snowboarding.
• Ideal for kids and adults — short minutes of fun or longer tours for the adventurous.
• Enjoy a safe experience on golden sands, where soft landings make it kid-friendly.

Falconry Shows

• Join interactive falconry shows at the camp, where professional handlers display the skills of these captivating birds.
• Experience live demonstrations set against the breathtaking desert sky.
• Learn enriching facts about the arabian tradition of falconry while taking memorable photos.

Henna Painting

• Visit the artistic corner for henna painting with intricate, floral designs in traditional emirati style.
• Get a personalised design in minutes — from simple to elaborate patterns.
• A fun and entertaining activity for both kids and adults, adding a festive touch to the safari.

Dune Bashing

• Feel the thrilling, adrenaline-pumping excitement of dune bashing in a pickup 4×4.
• Choose between low-intensity rides for a smooth family experience or high-speed runs for the adventurous.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the vastness and beauty of the desert.

Quad Bikes

• Hop on quad bikes for an exhilarating desert ride, perfect for adventure lovers.
• Special kid-friendly versions available so kids can play and enjoy a safe thrill.
• Ride across dunes, explore hidden spots, and create unforgettable family memories.

Conclusion

A Dubai desert safari for families is far more than a simple day trip — it’s a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and shared moments that bring loved ones closer. From the gentle charm of camel rides to the rush of dune bashing and quad biking, each activity caters to different ages and energy levels, ensuring no one feels left out. Cultural highlights like falconry shows, henna painting, and traditional attire add an authentic Arabian touch, while evenings under the starlit sky, with a BBQ dinner and live performances, create memories that linger long after the journey ends. Whether you choose a morning escape, a vibrant evening experience, or an overnight stay beneath the stars, the Dubai desert offers an unforgettable backdrop for family bonding and discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Desert Safari Dubai suitable for kids?

Yes. Many family packages in Dubai include gentle camel rides across golden dunes, safe low-intensity dune bashing, and kid-friendly activities like playing in the sand, spotting flora and fauna, and visiting petting areas with animals. Camps often have cultural shows such as tanoura dancing and falconry performances, plus artistic henna painting, making the experience both entertaining and enriching for kids.

Is it worth doing a desert safari in Dubai?

Absolutely. A desert safari blends thrilling adventures like quad rides, sandboarding, and dune bashing with peaceful moments such as camel rides under a pink and orange sky. The evening camp experience with BBQ food, live music, belly dancing, and fire displays offers a captivating mix of culture, beauty, and adventure that is unforgettable for the whole family.

Which Dubai desert safari is best?

For families, a morning tour offers cool temperatures, camel rides, and photography opportunities in breathtaking golden light. Afternoon and evening tours bring cultural entertainment, traditional attire dressing, and an Arabian-style BBQ under the stars. For the adventurous, an overnight safari includes a Bedouin camp, sunrise views, and safe guided activities like camel riding and quad biking, making it a complete family-friendly adventure.

Is dune bashing safe for kids?

Yes, when done with professional guides offering low-intensity rides. Families can enjoy a smooth pickup in a 4×4, riding over smaller dunes for thrills without compromising safety. Kids can still feel the adrenaline while parents enjoy the vastness and beauty of the desert in comfort.