Dubai is known for its skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and ultra-modern lifestyle, but the heart of the city lies in its desert. If you’re visiting the UAE on a budget, you don’t need to miss out on one of the most thrilling experiences in the region. A cheap desert safari Dubai experience gives you the full adventure—without draining your wallet.
Whether you’re a backpacker, budget traveler, family, or a couple looking for an affordable thrill, this guide walks you through the best low-cost desert safari options, how to book, what to expect, and how to find the best deals and discounts.
🐫 Why Choose a Desert Safari in Dubai?
Dubai’s desert safari is more than just a ride through the sand—it’s a full cultural and adventure-packed experience that includes:
- Dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles
- Camel rides and sandboarding
- Sunset photography over red dunes
- Traditional Arabian buffet dinners
- Live entertainment: Belly dancing, Tanoura shows, fire shows
- Henna painting, shisha, and more
You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience all this. Many tour companies (like ours) offer quality packages at highly competitive prices.
💸 What Is a Cheap Desert Safari in Dubai?
A “cheap” desert safari doesn’t mean low quality. It means you get affordable access to one of the UAE’s most iconic experiences. These budget-friendly packages typically include:
- Pickup and drop-off
- Desert driving/dune bashing
- Camp activities
- Buffet or BBQ dinner
- Entertainment shows
For as low as AED 35 to AED 100, you can enjoy a full evening of desert magic. To find the best rates, check out our latest cheap desert safari Dubai deals.
🏷️ Types of Cheap Desert Safari Tours in Dubai
Here’s a breakdown of affordable desert safari types in Dubai, depending on your interest and budget:
1. Evening Desert Safari (Most Popular)
- Duration: 6 hours (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Price Range: AED 50 – AED 100
- Includes: Dune bashing, BBQ dinner, camel ride, shows
- Best For: Budget travelers, families, first-timers
This is the most common and budget-friendly option. You get everything from adrenaline-pumping dune bashing to a traditional desert camp dinner experience.
2. Morning Desert Safari
- Duration: 2–3 hours (5:00 AM – 8:00 AM)
- Price Range: AED 40 – AED 70
- Includes: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides
- Best For: Short on time or don’t like late nights
Perfect for those who want to avoid the desert heat and enjoy thrilling morning activities at a low cost.
3. Overnight Desert Safari
- Duration: 16–18 hours (4:00 PM – 8:00 AM)
- Price Range: AED 100 – AED 180
- Includes: All evening safari features + overnight stay in tents, breakfast
- Best For: Couples, solo travelers, adventure lovers
Overnight safaris offer a magical escape into the dunes. Sleep under the stars in Bedouin-style camps without overspending.
4. Self-Drive Desert Safari (Cheapest Option)
- Duration: Flexible
- Price Range: AED 35 – AED 50
- Includes: All evening activities (excluding transportation)
- Best For: Residents or tourists with a rental car
If you can drive to the desert meeting point yourself, this is the most affordable safari in Dubai.
5. Private Desert Safari (Economical for Groups)
- Duration: Customizable
- Price Range: AED 400 – AED 700 (total for 5–6 people)
- Includes: Private vehicle, flexible timing
- Best For: Families, groups, couples
Divide the cost between 5–6 people and enjoy privacy with a great per-person rate.
🔥 What’s Included in Most Budget Desert Safari Packages?
Even the cheapest packages typically offer:
- ✅ Pick and drop from centralized points
- ✅ 4×4 dune bashing (15–20 mins)
- ✅ Short camel rides
- ✅ Sandboarding (free or optional)
- ✅ Soft drinks and water
- ✅ Traditional Arabic camp ambiance
- ✅ Live entertainment shows
- ✅ BBQ buffet dinner (veg & non-veg options)
- ✅ Henna painting and photo ops in Arabic costumes
Some providers may offer upgrades like VIP seating, quad biking, or longer camel rides at additional cost.
📍 Best Places for Cheap Desert Safari Dubai Tours
Most tours happen in these desert areas:
- Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes) – Known for thrilling dune bashing
- Al Awir Desert – Popular for budget evening safaris
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Mostly for luxury & eco tours
- Margham Desert – Great for sunrise and morning safaris
For the best budget-friendly experiences, we recommend the Lahbab or Al Awir desert safari options.
💡 Tips for Booking a Cheap Desert Safari Dubai Tour
- Book Directly from the Operator: Avoid third-party commissions by booking directly through Book Dubai Tours.
- Look for Group Discounts: Many providers offer lower per-person rates for groups.
- Watch for Seasonal Deals: Summer (May–August) offers lower prices due to the heat.
- Choose Shared Transfers: Instead of private pickup, opt for shared transportation to cut costs.
- Check Inclusions Carefully: Some packages look cheap but exclude key features like food or dune bashing.
- Use Coupons or Vouchers: Occasionally, sites like Groupon UAE offer extra discounts.
📷 What to Expect: Your Cheap Desert Safari Itinerary
Here’s what a typical evening safari looks like—even at a low cost:
Time | Activity |
---|---|
2:30 – 3:30 PM | Pickup from hotel/meeting point |
4:00 PM | Dune bashing session in Lahbab |
5:00 PM | Camel ride + sandboarding |
5:30 PM | Sunset photography |
6:00 PM | Welcome at desert camp with drinks |
6:30 PM | Henna tattoo, photo ops, shisha |
7:00 PM | Buffet dinner (veg/non-veg) |
7:30 PM | Belly dance + Tanoura dance shows |
8:30 – 9:00 PM | Drop back to hotel/meeting point |
Even the lowest-cost packages follow a similar format.
🧕 Is Cheap Desert Safari Safe for Families and Solo Travelers?
Absolutely. Tour operators are licensed and trained for desert driving. Shared tours are ideal for solo tourists, while private or evening tours work well for families with kids.
Pro Tip: Choose a certified tour operator like us that follows RTA and DTCM safety regulations.
🛍️ What to Pack for a Budget Desert Safari
To stay comfortable and ready for Instagram-worthy moments, pack:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Light clothing (but modest for cultural respect)
- Closed shoes (sand gets hot!)
- Power bank for phone/camera
- Small backpack or crossbody bag
- Scarf for sand protection (optional)
🌅 Best Time for Desert Safari in Dubai (Weather-Wise)
- October to April: Cooler months; best for evening & overnight safaris
- May to September: Hot, but prices are significantly lower—perfect for budget travelers
Tip: Go during the Ramadan season for quiet, less crowded tours (some shows may not run).
🧭 How to Book a Cheap Desert Safari in Dubai?
Ready to ride into the dunes? It’s simple:
👉 Visit our official booking page for cheap desert safari Dubai
👉 Choose your preferred package (Evening, Morning, Overnight, or Self-drive)
👉 Select your date and number of guests
👉 Secure your spot with instant confirmation
We offer 24/7 support, instant WhatsApp help, and no hidden fees.
🏁 Final Thoughts
A cheap desert safari in Dubai doesn’t mean missing out—it means being smart with your travel budget. You’ll still get the thrill of dune bashing, the charm of camel rides, delicious BBQ dinner, and cultural entertainment—all while saving money for your next Dubai adventure.
So whether you’re on a tight budget or just love great value, don’t miss the chance to explore the golden sands of Dubai.
👉 Book now for the best cheap desert safari Dubai experiences starting from just AED 35!