Where is the Al Awir desert and why do safaris go there?
Al Awir is the stretch of red dune desert immediately east of Dubai city, reached along the Dubai to Hatta road. It is the closest of the main safari areas to old Dubai, which is why our camp is there and why an evening safari from Deira or Bur Dubai still gets you home at a reasonable hour.
The short version. Al Awir sits east of the city, closer than Lahbab and considerably closer than Al Faqa. Same red sand, same dune driving, shorter transfer. Our safaris run from here, from AED 80 per person or AED 500 per private car.
Al Awir compared with the other Dubai safari deserts
Dubai safaris run to a handful of desert areas. Operators rarely explain the difference, and it is the single fact that most changes your evening.
Al Awir. Directly east of the city. Closest to Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown and Business Bay. This is where we operate.
Lahbab. Further south east, well known for its red dunes, and where a large share of Dubai operators run.
Al Faqa. Further out again, towards the Al Ain road.
The dunes at all three are red sand, and the dune bashing is comparable. What differs is how much of your booked time is spent in a vehicle rather than in the desert. From the eastern half of Dubai, Al Awir gives you more of the second and less of the first.
What the drive out is like
You are collected from your hotel, apartment or residence in a 4×4 and taken east out of the city. The built-up area thins, the road opens, and the sand becomes visible from the road well before you turn off it.
At the edge of the dune area the driver stops and lets air out of the tyres. This is standard preparation before entering soft sand and it is worth watching, because it is the moment the tour stops feeling like a transfer and starts feeling like a safari. Lower pressure widens the tyre’s contact patch so the vehicle floats over sand instead of digging in.
The dune bashing session follows, then a photography stop in open desert timed for sunset, then the short run to the camp.
The red dunes at Al Awir
The colour comes from iron oxide in the sand, which is why these dunes photograph the way they do in late afternoon light. The face angles vary across the area, which lets a driver pick a route to match the passengers, gentler for families and steeper for guests who came specifically for the driving.
On a shared vehicle that route is set for the average passenger. On a private safari it is set for your group, and can be changed mid session.
What time to be at Al Awir
Late afternoon into evening is when the area is at its best, and it is what the evening safari is built around. Collection is around 2:00 PM so that the dune session finishes while the light is still good and you are standing in open desert as it turns. Return is around 9:30 PM.
Early morning is the quieter alternative. The morning safari collects between 7:00 and 8:00 AM and returns before midday. The dunes are close to empty at that hour, so if you want photographs without other vehicles in the frame, this is the one. It does not include the camp dinner or evening shows, because it finishes before they start.
Overnight is the only way to see Al Awir after the day tours leave. The overnight safari runs the evening programme, then the camp empties and you stay until sunrise.
Best season
October to April is the comfortable window, and it is when the evening format works best. Sunset falls earlier and the camp evening is pleasant to sit through.
Between May and September the middle of the day is hard work in open desert. Safaris still run, but the morning tour becomes the sensible booking. Winter nights get genuinely cold, so bring a jacket for evening and overnight tours between December and February.
Getting to Al Awir
Transfers are included on every tour, from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, with no surcharge. We do not offer self drive access to the camp, and driving into soft dune areas without a properly equipped vehicle and deflated tyres is how people end up stuck.
If you are staying in Deira, Bur Dubai or Downtown, you are on the near side of the city for Al Awir. From Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah the drive is longer, and the private car is worth considering for comfort.
Common questions about Al Awir
Is Al Awir better than Lahbab? Not better desert, closer desert. The sand and the dune driving are comparable. You spend less time travelling.
Can I visit Al Awir independently? Our safaris run as guided tours with transfer included. We do not offer camp access without a booking.
Are there facilities at the camp? Yes, the camp has toilets, seating, dining and the entertainment area.
Is there mobile signal? Generally yes across the area, though it varies between dune positions.
What is included once you get there? Dune bashing, sunset photography stop, camel ride, sandboarding, henna, Arabic dress photography, BBQ buffet with vegetarian and non vegetarian options, and live entertainment, depending on which tour you book.
Book a safari to Al Awir
Tell us your date, group size and where you are staying and we will confirm your pickup window and the total price.
Book on WhatsApp or call +971 55 719 9652. Compare every format on our Dubai desert safari page.
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