A family desert safari in Dubai is a guided desert excursion built for parents and children of all ages. It combines gentle dune bashing in a Toyota Land Cruiser, camel riding across the Lahbab Red Dunes, sandboarding, and sunset photography with a halal BBQ dinner and live cultural entertainment at a traditional Bedouin camp in the Arabian desert.
If you have been wondering whether a desert safari is safe for your children, trying to decide between morning and evening, or comparing shared and private vehicle options for your family, everything you need, packages, pricing, age-group activities, camp facilities, what to pack, and honest parent-to-parent advice, is covered below.
Emirates Desert Tours is a DTCM-licensed tour operator in Dubai. We specialise in family desert safari experiences with hotel pickup and drop-off, experienced drivers, adjustable dune bashing intensity, and flexible timing. Our family packages start from AED 99 per child and AED 120 per adult.
From AED 99 per child | AED 120 per adult. Pay on arrival. No advance payment. No hidden fees. Adjustable dune bashing, halal BBQ dinner & live shows at a traditional Bedouin camp in the Lahbab Red Dunes, paced around your children's comfort.
| Package | Adult Price | Child (3–10) | Child (<3) | What Makes It Different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Family Safari | AED 120 | AED 99 | FREE | Gentle dune drive, camel ride, sandboarding, photo stops, refreshments, hotel transfer. Return by 11 AM. |
| Evening Family Safari (Classic) | AED 120 | AED 99 | FREE | Dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, sunset stop, full camp, halal BBQ dinner, live shows, hotel transfer. |
| Private Family Safari | AED 750+ | Included | FREE | Exclusive Toyota Land Cruiser for your family (up to 6–7 guests). Adjustable dune intensity. Full control of pace. |
Age 16+ to drive. Helmet & goggles provided.
All ages. Handler walks alongside at every step.
Driver 16+, passenger 10+. Full safety gear provided.
Dubai is known for Aquaventure, the Burj Khalifa, and its mega-malls. But just outside the city lies an entirely different world — golden sand dunes stretching to the horizon, wide-open desert skies, and a Bedouin heritage that goes back centuries.
A family desert safari takes you into this world for an afternoon or evening of shared adventure that no theme park can replicate. Unlike theme parks where the family scatters to different rides, a desert safari keeps everyone together — riding the same dunes, watching the same sunset, sitting around the same dinner table under the stars.
Quick answer: The evening family desert safari is the most popular choice because it includes dune bashing, sunset, camp activities, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment — all in one 6–7 hour trip. Morning safaris are better for families with toddlers or summer visitors.
A morning desert safari is the best choice for families with very young children or anyone visiting Dubai during the summer months. It runs during cooler hours, focuses on gentle experiences, and returns before the midday heat.
The evening safari is the most booked family desert safari option in Dubai because it includes everything: dune bashing, sunset photography, camp activities, a full BBQ dinner, and live cultural entertainment. It gives your family the complete desert experience in a single trip.
An overnight safari adds stargazing, a campfire, and a desert sunrise to the evening programme. Your family sleeps in Bedouin-style tents at the desert camp and wakes up to a fresh Arabian breakfast in the open desert.
| Factor | Private Family Safari | Shared Family Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Exclusive Toyota Land Cruiser for your family (up to 6–7 guests) | Shared with other guests (up to 6 per vehicle) |
| Dune Bashing | ✅ Fully adjustable: Eco, Family, or Sport mode | Standard moderate intensity for the group |
| Schedule | Flexible pickup and drop-off times | Fixed timing |
| Pace | Stop for photos, breaks, or child needs anytime | Follows group schedule |
| Starting Price | From AED 750 per vehicle | From AED 99–120 per person |
| Best For | Families with babies, toddlers, or elderly members | Budget-friendly families with children aged 6+ |
Not every activity suits every age. Here is a practical breakdown of what works best for each group, based on our experience taking thousands of families into the Dubai desert.
Gentle camel ride, sand play, henna, Arabic dress-up, Tanoura dance — skip dune bashing or choose Eco mode only.
Sandboarding, moderate dune bashing (Family Mode), independent camel ride, falcon photography, henna, desert scavenger hunt.
Full-intensity dune bashing, quad biking (16+ to drive), advanced sandboarding, sunset photography, dune buggy rides.
Skip dune bashing entirely — direct camp transfer. Shaded seating, short camel ride, Arabic coffee and dates, cultural performances.
Children from two or three years and above can join desert safaris, though parents should contact us to make specific arrangements. At this age, the focus is on gentle, sensory experiences. Choose Eco Mode or Family Mode — or skip dune bashing entirely on a private safari.
This is the sweet spot. Children in this range enjoy nearly every activity on the safari and are old enough to participate independently. Sandboarding with an instructor is easy to learn, safe, and genuinely exciting. Give your children a simple mission before the trip: "Find and photograph five different things in the desert." It keeps them engaged, observant, and excited from the first dune to the last show.
Teenagers want adrenaline and independence. Desert safaris deliver both. Full-intensity dune bashing in Sport Mode, quad biking (age restrictions: typically 16+ to drive, 12+ as passenger — helmets and safety goggles provided), advanced sandboarding on steeper dune faces, and outstanding sunset photography for social media. Evening and overnight safaris offer the most variety for teenagers.
Dune bashing can be skipped entirely — your driver takes a slower, direct route to the desert camp. The camp has shaded seating areas with cushioned carpets and low tables in traditional Bedouin style. A short, supervised camel ride is enjoyable; the handler walks alongside at every step. Watching cultural performances from comfortable seated areas requires no physical effort.
Every family desert safari with Emirates Desert Tours includes these core elements at no extra charge.
Here is the typical timeline for an evening family desert safari so you know exactly what happens and when — with family notes at every stage.
| Time | What Happens | Family Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30–3:00 PM | Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned Toyota Land Cruiser | Child car seat should be installed. Bring snacks and water. |
| ~3:30 PM | Arrival at the Lahbab desert. Short stop for tyre deflation. | Restrooms available. Optional falcon photo opportunity. |
| ~3:45–4:30 PM | Dune bashing across the Red Dunes | Choose your intensity level. Children secured in car seats. |
| ~4:30–5:00 PM | Sandboarding and photo stop | Instructor-assisted. Excellent family photo spot on dune crests. |
| ~5:00–5:20 PM | Short camel ride | Handler walks alongside. Parents hold toddlers. |
| ~5:20–5:50 PM | Sunset photography at the highest dune | Best light for family photos. Protect phones in a ziplock bag. |
| ~5:50–6:15 PM | Arrival at desert camp | Welcome with rose water, Arabic coffee, dates, and Luqaimat. |
| ~6:15–7:15 PM | Camp activities | Henna, Arabic dress photos, falcon display, kids' play area, shisha corner (adults). |
| ~7:15–8:15 PM | Halal BBQ buffet dinner | Vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and kid-friendly options. All meat is halal. |
| ~8:15–8:45 PM | Live entertainment | Tanoura dance, fire show, belly dance — interactive and family-appropriate. |
| ~8:45–9:30 PM | Return drive to your hotel | Children often fall asleep. Bring a light blanket for the ride. |
Real moments captured during our family desert safaris across the stunning Lahbab Red Dunes — golden sunsets, camel rides, BBQ under the stars, and unforgettable adventures for all ages.
Direct answer: Yes, family desert safaris in Dubai are safe for children of all ages when operated by a DTCM-licensed provider. Vehicles are fully insured Toyota Land Cruisers with seatbelts, roll cages, GPS tracking, and first-aid kits. Child car seats are available on request. Dune bashing intensity is adjustable or can be skipped entirely.
A direct, gentle transfer to the desert camp at standard driving speed is always available. All camp activities — camel ride, henna, dinner, and live shows — remain fully accessible.
Good preparation turns a good experience into a great one. Here is a complete family packing checklist.
One of the most common questions families ask: "Will my child actually eat the food?" The answer is yes — the BBQ buffet is designed for a wide range of tastes, and kid-friendly options are always available.
The desert climate changes significantly across the year, and the right timing makes a real difference when travelling with children. The best months overall are November through February — days are warm, evenings are cool, and the golden hour light during sunset is perfect for family photographs.
| Season | Months | Evening Temp | Family Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov–Feb | 15–20°C | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ideal | Perfect for all ages. Peak demand — book early. |
| Spring | Mar–Apr | 20–25°C | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommended | Comfortable. Warming by late April. |
| Summer | May–Sep | 30–35°C | ⭐⭐ Morning Only | Extreme heat. Morning safaris only for families. |
| Autumn | October | 25–28°C | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | Cooling begins. Shoulder-season pricing. |
Desert safaris fill up during school holidays. If your trip falls in these windows, book at least 4–8 weeks ahead:
| Detail | Emirates Desert Tours Policy |
|---|---|
| Advance Payment | ❌ Not required — Pay on Arrival |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before scheduled pickup |
| Rescheduling | Free rescheduling with 24+ hours notice |
| Confirmation | Instant — via WhatsApp or email |
| Child Car Seats | ✅ ISOFIX-compatible — request at booking |
| Pickup Coverage | All Dubai hotels, residences, towers, and addresses |
| Sharjah / Ajman Pickup | ✅ Available — small additional charge applies |
| Languages | English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu |
Complimentary door-to-door pickup and drop-off from:
Every family desert safari we deliver is personal, unhurried, and thoughtfully planned around your children's comfort. When you book Emirates Desert Tours, you get Emirates Desert Tours — not a subcontractor, not a reseller, not a random driver.
"Ajmal was an outstanding driver and guide. From the moment he picked us up, he was polite, welcoming, and very professional. His dune bashing skills were incredible — thrilling but always safe — and he knew exactly how to make the experience enjoyable and comfortable."
"From the moment we were picked up, everything was organised perfectly — smooth driving, thrilling dune bashing, and a very comfortable experience. Munir was incredibly polite, friendly, and professional."
"Good trip. We enjoyed. Tent is big. Camel riding was nice. Fire show was amazing."
"We would like to sincerely thank Ajmal, our safari guide, for making our trip truly unforgettable. He was kind, cheerful, respectful, and very knowledgeable."
These come directly from Ajmal, Munir, and our team of local desert guides — the same people named in our guest reviews:
Yes. Family desert safaris in Dubai are safe for children of all ages when operated by a DTCM-licensed provider. Vehicles are fully insured Toyota Land Cruisers with seatbelts, roll cages, GPS tracking, and first-aid kits. Child car seats and baby booster seats are available on request. Dune bashing intensity is adjustable — Eco, Family, or Sport mode — and can be skipped entirely for very young children or anyone who prefers not to participate.
There is no strict minimum age. Babies and infants are welcome on family desert safaris. Most operators recommend a minimum age of 3 years for dune bashing. Children younger than 3 can enjoy all camp activities — camel rides (with a parent holding them), henna painting, Arabic dress-up photoshoot, kids' play area, and a full BBQ dinner. Emirates Desert Tours accommodates all ages with advance planning.
Prices at Emirates Desert Tours start from AED 99 per child (ages 3–10) and AED 120 per adult for both morning and evening shared safaris. Private vehicle packages start from AED 750 for up to 6–7 guests. Children under 3 travel free on all packages. Add-ons like quad biking (from AED 150) and extended camel rides (from AED 80) cost extra. A typical family of four on a shared evening safari spends approximately AED 438 total — including dune bashing, sunset, full BBQ dinner, camel ride, henna, and three live shows.
It depends on your children's ages. The morning safari (3–4 hours, return by 11 AM) is better for families with toddlers under 5 or for summer visits — it avoids extreme heat and keeps to a shorter schedule. The evening safari (6–7 hours, return by 9:30 PM) is the most popular choice because it includes sunset, camp activities, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment. For the most complete family experience, choose the evening safari. For the gentlest and shortest option, choose the morning.
A stroller is not practical in the desert. Pushchair wheels sink into sand and cannot roll on dune terrain. Use a baby carrier or sling instead. At the camp, flat carpeted platform areas are stroller-accessible if you choose to bring one, but a carrier remains far easier throughout the entire experience.
The halal BBQ buffet includes plain grilled chicken, white rice, bread, hummus, French fries, fresh fruit, and simple desserts alongside the full buffet spread. All meat is halal. Vegetarian options are standard at every camp. For nut allergies, gluten intolerance, or dairy sensitivities, inform Emirates Desert Tours at least 48 hours before the safari so the kitchen can prepare alternatives. Baby bottles and formula can usually be warmed on request — confirm when booking.
Yes. Established desert camps have clean restroom facilities with running water, including separate male and female sections. Some camps have basic baby changing areas, but bringing your own portable changing mat is recommended for families with infants. If you need a quiet, private space for breastfeeding, ask the camp staff — most will arrange a shaded, semi-private area for you.
Yes. Private family desert safaris are one of our most popular options. Your family receives an exclusive Toyota Land Cruiser for up to 6–7 guests, a personal driver-guide, flexible pickup and drop-off times, adjustable dune bashing intensity (Eco, Family, or Sport mode), and full control over pacing. You can stop for photos anytime, take breaks when children need them, or request an early return to your hotel at any point. Private packages start from AED 750 per vehicle — which often works out cheaper per person than individual shared tickets for larger families.
The best months are November through February when daytime temperatures are 20–25°C and evenings are a comfortable 15–20°C. December and January are ideal. If you visit during summer (May–September), choose a morning safari departing before 7:00 AM. Summer "Kids Go Free" promotions are common during the May–September period, making it the most affordable time for families despite the heat.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing. Closed shoes — trainers or sneakers only, not flip-flops. Long pants if doing a camel ride. A light jacket for cooler evenings between November and February. Wide-brim sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Bring a spare set of clothes per child as sand gets everywhere. Avoid white clothes and leave expensive jewellery at the hotel. For babies, bring a hat with a chin strap as the desert breeze blows loose hats off immediately.
For shared safaris, 3–5 days ahead is usually sufficient. For private vehicles, book at least 1–2 weeks ahead — especially during the winter peak season (November–February). During Christmas, New Year, and Eid periods, book 4–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and vehicle type. Private Land Cruisers sell out faster than shared spots during peak demand.
Yes. On a private family safari, dune bashing can be skipped entirely — your driver takes a gentle, direct route to the camp. The camp has shaded, cushioned seating areas, and short camel rides are manageable for most elderly guests with handler assistance. Watching cultural performances from comfortable seated areas requires no physical effort. However, the unpaved desert approach road (10–15 km) involves moderate vehicle vibration — guests with serious back or spine conditions should discuss this with our team before booking.
Pregnant women should not participate in dune bashing at any stage of pregnancy due to the vigorous jolting and lateral movement involved. Emirates Desert Tours arranges a smooth, direct transfer to the desert camp for expectant mothers, where they can safely enjoy the sunset views, camel ride, henna, Arabic dress photoshoot, falconry display, entertainment, and full BBQ dinner. All camp activities remain fully accessible.
No. Emirates Desert Tours operates on a Pay on Arrival basis — no advance payment, no deposit, and no card details are needed to reserve your slot. You pay directly to your driver at pickup on the day of your safari, in cash or card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX accepted). Instant confirmation is sent via WhatsApp or email as soon as you reserve your slot.
Send us a WhatsApp message for instant confirmation in under 5 minutes, or use our online booking form. Share your group size, children's ages, preferred date, and any special requirements (child car seats, dietary needs, mobility considerations). We respond to all enquiries within 30 minutes during operating hours. No advance payment is required — simply confirm your pickup address and receive your booking confirmation.
Rated 4.9/5 by 140+ guests · DTCM Licensed · Child car seats available · Free cancellation
