- Distance: Around 40 km from Downtown Dubai. Find on maps.
- Time to reach: Approximately 40 minutes
- Quickest route: Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), then continue on Lahbab Road (E102).
- About the venue: Famous for its striking red dunes, Lahbab Desert is one of Dubai’s most iconic safari spots. It’s ideal for dune bashing, sandboarding, and sunset photography, offering wide-open landscapes perfect for adventure-focused safaris.
Best Dubai desert safari locations
Located mostly on the city’s outskirts, the golden sands of Dubai offer a unique adventure of desert safari. With your tickets including return transfers, commuting to these sites is the last thing you should think about. Here’s a list of the most popular places in Dubai known for their desert safari experiences.
Lahbab Desert
Al Awir Desert
- Distance: Around 35 km from Downtown Dubai. Find on maps.
- Time to reach: Approximately 35 minutes
- Quickest route: Follow Ras Al Khor Road (E44) toward Al Awir.
- About the venue: Known for its long, rolling dune belts, Al Awir is a classic safari region with a traditional Bedouin feel. It’s close to the city yet offers peaceful desert scenery, making it great for dune bashing and cultural camp experiences.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)
- Distance: Around 40 km from Downtown Dubai. Find on maps.
- Time to reach: Approximately 40 minutes
- Quickest route: Travel on Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66) toward the reserve entrance.
- About the venue: A protected wildlife reserve, DDCR offers eco-friendly safaris focused on conservation, heritage, and desert ecology. Expect sightings of native wildlife, guided nature drives, and serene landscapes untouched by mass tourism.
Noble Camp (Al Awir)
- Distance: Around 35–45 km from Downtown Dubai. Find on maps.
- Time to reach: Approximately 35–45 minutes
- Quickest route: Take Ras Al Khor Road (E44) toward Al Awir, then continue on the designated off-road track.
- About the venue: Nestled deep inside the Al Awir dunes, Noble Camp offers a boutique-style setup with elevated comforts. Known for its premium ambience, it’s designed for travellers looking for a refined yet authentic desert evening.
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
- Distance: Around 35–40 km from Downtown Dubai. Find on maps.
- Time to reach: Approximately 35–40 minutes
- Quickest route: Drive along Al Qudra Road (D63).
- About the venue: Dubai’s first unfenced desert conservation area, Al Marmoom is home to desert lakes, wildlife like Arabian oryx, and beautiful golden dunes. It’s perfect for nature-led safaris, photography, and sunrise or sunset viewing.
Al Khayma Camp (Lahbab Desert)
- Distance: Around 40 km from Downtown Dubai. Find on maps.
- Time to reach: Approximately 40 minutes
- Quickest route: Use Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), then follow Lahbab Road (E102) to the camp entrance.
- About the venue: Set at the edge of Lahbab’s red dunes, Al Khayma blends traditional Bedouin elements with a warm, community-style atmosphere. Guests love it for its cultural activities, cozy majlis seating, and stargazing-friendly open layout.
