Dubai Desert Safari Do’s and Don’ts

What are the do’s and don’ts of a Dubai desert safari?

The three that matter most: do wear flat closed shoes, do tell your driver if anyone is uncomfortable with the dune driving, and don’t eat a heavy meal right before pickup. Almost every problem we see on a tour traces back to one of those.

The short version. Flat shoes, modest clothing, speak up about the dunes, skip the big lunch, bring a jacket in winter, and leave valuables at your hotel.

Do these

Do wear flat closed shoes. Sand at the dune stop is deep and fine. Sandals fill within seconds and heels sink into the camp floor.

Do tell the driver if the dune session is too much. This is the single most useful thing you can do and almost nobody does it. Drivers adjust routinely and nobody is judged for asking. On a private safari the intensity is fully adjustable and can be changed mid session.

Do arrive on time for pickup. Shared tours run a collection order, so a late guest delays the whole vehicle and pushes everyone’s arrival past the sunset window.

Do bring a jacket between December and February. Afternoon warmth tells you nothing about the desert after dark.

Do tell us about dietary requirements when you book. The BBQ buffet has vegetarian and non vegetarian options, and anything beyond that needs passing to the camp in advance rather than being raised at dinner.

Do charge your phone. Between the dune session, the sunset stop, the camel ride and the shows, most guests shoot far more than they planned.

Don’t do these

Don’t eat a heavy meal right before pickup. Dune bashing is a genuinely bouncy ride. A light meal an hour or two before is fine. A large lunch at 1:00 PM before a 2:00 PM collection is not.

Don’t wear anything loose in an open pocket. Phones, sunglasses and keys come out of pockets during the dune session. Use something that zips.

Don’t bring valuables. Leave jewellery and watches you care about at your hotel. There is nothing at the camp that needs them.

Don’t hide a medical condition. Dune bashing is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or who have back, neck or heart conditions. Sitting it out is easy to arrange and costs you nothing.

Don’t wander off from the camp after dark. Open desert looks the same in every direction once you are past the lights, and it is easier to lose your bearings than people expect.

Don’t bring your own alcohol. It is not part of the standard packages. Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are unlimited at camp.

Etiquette at the camp

The camp is a shared space with guests from many countries. Modest dress is appreciated, meaning shoulders and knees covered, though nothing is enforced and nobody is turned away.

Ask before photographing performers or other guests. The Tanoura and fire shows are fine to film from your seat.

Camels are handled by their keepers. Ask before approaching, and do not feed them.

Do’s and don’ts for families

Do bring a spare set of clothes for young children. Sandboarding puts sand everywhere.

Do consider the morning safari for younger children. Three to four hours is far easier than a seven hour evening.

Don’t bring a pram. It does not work on sand and you will carry both the child and the pram.

Don’t assume every child can do the dune session. It is recommended from age 7 upward. Under 7s can join without it. Full detail in our family guide.

Booking do’s and don’ts

Do ask which desert the camp is in before booking with anyone. Ours is Al Awir, the closest of the main areas to Deira, Bur Dubai and Downtown, which is why our evening tours return around 9:30 PM rather than later.

Do check whether pickup is included from your area. Ours is, across Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, with no surcharge.

Don’t assume the cheapest quote is comparable. Transfers, camp location and whether you are booking the operator or a reseller all move the price.

Don’t book seats for a group of five or more without checking the private car first. At AED 500 flat it often costs the same or less. See the group size guide.

Common questions

Can I skip the dune bashing? Yes. Tell us when you book or tell the driver on the day.

Is tipping expected? No. It is optional and there is no service charge on the tour price.

Can I take my own drone? Drone use in the UAE is regulated and requires permits. Do not assume you can fly one at the camp.

What if I feel unwell during the dune session? Tell the driver immediately. They will stop.

Book your safari

Tell us your date, group size and anything we should know about mobility, age or diet, and we will confirm your pickup time and total.

Book on WhatsApp or call +971 55 719 9652. Compare every option on our Dubai desert safari page.