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Desert safari in Dubai without dune bashing – prices, what to expect

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For most tourists, a significant part of a Dubai desert safari is dune bashing, where you get packed into a 4×4 car and driven over and around the dunes almost recklessly. 

While dune bashing is a fun experience, it is not for everybody. 

There are many circumstances under which tourists request desert safaris without dune bashing.

Dune bashing isn’t for you if you answer yes to any of the below –

  • You don’t love roller-coaster
  • You have back or neck problems
  • You get motion sickness
  • You are traveling with an infant (less than three years)
  • You are traveling with elders

If you answered yes to any of the above, dune bashing isn’t for you.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for a Dubai desert safari without dune bashing.

If not dune bashing, then what?

The massive Dubai desert has so much more to offer than dune bashing. 

Guests who opt out of dune bashing can enjoy the expansive and rich subculture, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking scenery of the desert.

Besides, you also help the sensitive desert ecosystem when you skip dune bashing.

More than 90 percent of the desert wildlife lives under the desert, so when you drive fast across dunes, the car damages all the wildlife and vegetation in its path. 

This is why dune bashing is limited to certain areas – to restrict the damage. 

If you have decided to go for a desert safari in Dubai without dune bashing, you have plenty of options. 

You can book safaris that take you through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and show you the desert wildlife.

Or you can book a tour with a quad bike or a dune buggy ride

Both are much more in your control than dune bashing because you ride the vehicle. 

You can also opt for the safari, which includes many cultural activities such as wearing an Arabic costume, Henna Painting, Shisha Smoking, Belly Dancing, Tanoura Dance, Falconry, etc.

We list some of the best Dubai desert safaris with no dune bashing in a 4×4 SUV. 


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Land Rover desert safari with traditional dinner 

Start time: 2.30 pm
Tour operator: Platinum Heritage

During this seven-hour desert safari without dune bashing, you will travel by vintage Land Rover.

Your driver and guide will help you spot local wildlife as you board an open-top Land Rover and go around the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. 

You will see a Falconry display and move to the plush Bedouin-style camp within a royal residence. 

You will also experience Emirati culture at the camp by participating in traditional activities.

Additionally, you will be dropped back home after enjoying a delicious dinner, live music, and dance performances. 

Children under five years are not permitted on this safari.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years): AED 712 ($194)
Child Ticket (5 to 11 years): AED 610 ($166)


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Safari with cultural activities & dinner

Start time: 2.30 pm
Tour operator: Platinum Heritage

This safari starts when you get picked up from Dubai in an air-conditioned minivan. 

When you meet a camel train, you transfer to the ship of the desert and head to the royal desert retreat.

As the sun sets, you will enjoy a falconry display, watch an Arabic bread-making demonstration, get a henna tattoo, and indulge in numerous other local activities.

Finish with a 4-course dinner under the stars accompanied by Arabian dancing and music.

Children under five years are not permitted on this safari, and the weight of the guests can’t exceed 150 Kg (330 Pounds).

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years): AED 712 ($194)
Child Ticket (5 to 11 years): AED 610 ($166)


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Desert Quad Bike Safari

Start time: 2.30 pm
Tour operator: OceanAir Travel

Some of the quad biking safaris don’t include dune bashing. 

Quad Bikes are motorcycles with four large tires, ridden astride like a dirt bike.

These four-wheeled vehicles are specially designed for off-road driving experiences and are guaranteed to provide a fantastic adrenalin rush.

You will explore the magnificent Lahbab Desert on this safari and indulge in sandboarding, a camel ride, shisha smoking, a Khaliji dance show, a Tanoura show, a belly dance performance, etc.

Before you head home, you will enjoy a fantastic BBQ dinner.

Ticket Prices

Shared Quad Bike: AED 526 ($143)
You get one bike for two people. It is perfect for couples.

Single Quad Bike: AED 661 ($180)


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Evening Dune Buggy and Desert Adventure

Starting time: 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 2 pm, and 3.15 pm
Tour Operator: Excursion Point Tourism

Desert Dune Buggies are two-seater, off-road vehicles ideal for an adrenalin rush. 

Four-seater Dune Buggy tours are also available, which are perfect for families. 

Dune Buggy Safari is a more premium experience than the Quad Bike Safari and doesn’t include dune bashing. 

Your English-speaking guide shows you the best routes to take, and you ride your Dune Buggy at a comfortable pace.

This superior desert experience can be enjoyed as a solo guest or a couple sharing the buggy for an hour. 

If you don’t want to drive, you can share a Buggy with someone who wants to be behind the steering wheel.

If you opt for an elaborate Dubai desert safari, a 4×4 vehicle takes you to a Bedouin camp for cultural activities and BBQ dinner after the buggy adventure.

Ticket Prices

Only Dune Buggy Safari: AED 452 ($123) per person
Buggy Safari + BBQ Dinner: AED 626 ($170) per person

FAQs about Desert safari in Dubai without dune bashing

Here are some general frequently asked questions about Desert safari in Dubai without dune bashing.

What is a desert safari without dune bashing?

A desert safari without dune bashing is a more relaxed and gentle experience in the desert, excluding the thrilling activity of driving over dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.

What activities are included in a desert safari without dune bashing?

Activities may include camel riding, sandboarding, quad biking, falconry displays, and enjoying traditional entertainment such as belly dancing or tanoura dance.

What is the best time for a desert safari without dune bashing?

The best time for a desert safari is usually late afternoon to evening, allowing you to witness the stunning sunset in the desert.

What should I wear for a desert safari without dune bashing?

Wear comfortable, light clothing suitable for the desert climate. It’s also advisable to bring a jacket as temperatures can drop in the evening.

Recommended Reading

# Best Desert Safaris in Dubai
# Desert Safari from Sharjah
# Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
# Desert Safari in Ras Al Khaimah
# Price of desert safari in Dubai
# VIP Desert Safaris in Dubai
# Morning desert safaris in Dubai
# Dubai Safari with BBQ dinner
# Dubai Safari with Quad Bike
# Dune Buggy Safari in Dubai
# Overnight desert safari in Dubai
# Safari in Dubai with belly dance
# Safari without dune bashing
# Falconry safari in Dubai

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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