Planning a desert safari in Dubai? One key decision you’ll face is whether to book a morning or an evening tour. While both offer unforgettable experiences, they come at different prices — and the value you get can vary.
Let’s compare both options so you can choose the right one for your budget and travel style.
1. Morning Desert Safari: Quick & Thrilling
Morning safaris are designed for adventure-seekers who prefer cooler weather and shorter tours without the dinner or entertainment.
???? Timings:
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
???? Price Range:
AED 100 – AED 300 per person
✅ Inclusions:
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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30–40 mins dune bashing
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Sandboarding
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Short camel ride
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Optional: quad biking or dune buggy (extra charge)
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No live entertainment, BBQ, or camp activities
???? Best For:
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Adventure lovers
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Families with young kids (avoid late-night return)
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Travelers on a tight schedule
Pros:
✅ Cooler temperatures
✅ Less crowded
✅ Cheaper than evening safaris
Cons:
???? No dinner
???? No cultural entertainment
???? Limited photo ops due to daylight
2. Evening Desert Safari: Full Cultural Experience
Evening safaris are the most popular and immersive, combining thrill, culture, and food — ideal for first-timers.
???? Timings:
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
???? Price Range:
AED 150 – AED 500 per person
✅ Inclusions:
-
Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Dune bashing (20–30 mins)
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Camel ride
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Sandboarding
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BBQ buffet dinner (veg & non-veg)
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Live shows: belly dancing, Tanoura, fire performance
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Henna painting, shisha (in common area)
???? Best For:
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First-time visitors
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Couples & families
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Those looking for the full “Arabian Nights” experience
Pros:
✅ Sunset photography
✅ Cultural immersion
✅ Live entertainment + dinner
Cons:
???? More crowded
???? Pricier than morning safaris
???? Can get chilly in winter evenings
3. Price Comparison Table
| Feature | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Price | AED 100 – 300 | AED 150 – 500 |
| Duration | 3–4 hours | 6–7 hours |
| Activities | Dune bashing, camel ride | All morning activities + dinner & shows |
| Entertainment | None | Belly dance, fire show, Tanoura |
| Food Included | No | Yes (BBQ dinner) |
| Photography | Limited (daylight only) | Sunset views + costumes |
4. How to Choose Based on Budget & Interest
| Your Priority | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Safari | Morning Safari (AED 100–150) |
| Full Experience | Evening Safari (AED 200–400) |
| Avoid Crowds | Morning Safari |
| Romantic/Special Occasion | Evening Safari (with VIP seating) |
| Adventure-Only | Morning Safari (add quad biking) |
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Dubai for the first time and want the full experience, the evening safari offers the best value despite its slightly higher cost. But if you’re on a tight budget, short on time, or prefer a quiet thrill ride in the dunes, the morning safari is a great alternative.
???? Pro Tip: Try booking both if your budget allows — morning for the thrill, evening for the atmosphere.