From exhilarating dune bashing to a starlit dinner under the night sky, we’ll show you how to get the most out of Dubai’s ultimate adventure. Dubai’s futuristic skyscrapers, piercing the clouds, are known the world over. Yet just an hour’s drive from this ultramodern metropolis lies an entirely different world—the timeless, alluring, and silent Arabian Desert. A trip here is a must for any traveler, but it’s important to understand that not all safaris are created equal. In a market brimming with options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing between mass-market budget tours and a truly exclusive experience. In this crowded market, Luxury Tours plays in a league of its own. Their offering isn’t for those seeking the cheapest thrill; it’s for travelers who ask: “Is it possible to experience all the adrenaline of the desert without the crowds, plastic tableware, and with air conditioning in the vehicle?” The answer is yes—but it comes at a price. To help you decide whether it’s worth it, we’re not just going to summarize their program for you; we’re going to take their tour apart “down to the bone,” from the quality of the tires on the jeeps to the taste of the kebab served at dinner.
A safari guide to Dubai: Where does luxury tours fit in?
To understand where Luxury Tours stands on the premium safari map, let’s compare them with two other heavyweights:
- If your primary focus in a safari is adrenaline and comfort, then Luxury Tours is your choice. Their specialty is a perfectly tuned “experience machine”: powerful jeeps, thrilling yet safe dune bashing, and a restaurant-quality dinner. It’s a polished, gleaming “Disneyland” in the desert—ideal for first-time visitors or families who value predictability.
- If you’re looking for less high-speed action and more cultural immersion, turn your attention to Dubai Tours Premium Safari. They typically offer a less aggressive dune-bashing experience, but their evening program at the camp is rich with stories about Bedouin life, falconry demonstrations, and more authentic music instead of just “belly dancing.”
- If you’re a foodie and history matters more to you than speed, then 57 Luxury Heritage Safari is your option. Here, dune bashing is often replaced with a leisurely ride in vintage cars, and the highlight of the evening is not a fire show but a multi-course dinner prepared by a renowned chef using traditional recipes. This is a boutique safari, not a theme-park-style attraction.
The Luxury Tours itinerary: From adrenaline on the dunes to relaxation in an oasis
The Luxury Tours tour is meticulously planned and logically divided into two parts: the dynamic, adrenaline-packed daytime program flows seamlessly into a relaxing, atmospheric evening in a stylized Bedouin camp.
Daytime: adrenaline and desert landscapes
Conquering the dunes: legendary dune bashing
Dune bashing is what many people come here for. Forget smooth asphalt: your Land Cruiser turns into the sands of the Lah Bab desert, and a 20-minute thrill ride begins—governed by the laws of physics and the driver’s skill. The vehicle climbs an almost vertical dune, pauses for a moment at the crest, offering a view of an endless sea of sand, then hurtles down, sending everyone inside screaming with excitement and laughter at the same time. It’s less scary than it is ticklish and incredibly fun—like a roller coaster, only the surrounding landscape is far more picturesque.
Who should be cautious?: Dune bashing is thrilling but quite extreme. We do not recommend this activity for pregnant women, guests with heart or back problems, or families with children under 5 years old. Your safety comes first!
More speed: quad biking and sandboarding
For those who want to take control themselves, quad biking is offered as an additional option. The rides take place on a specially fenced and safe area, where you can feel like a true conqueror of the desert. And if you’ve always dreamed of trying snowboarding but don’t like the cold, sandboarding is your chance. It’s a fun and accessible activity for everyone that doesn’t require any special training. Sliding down a sand dune on a board while standing or even sitting is a great way to get an energy boost and capture some striking photos for social media.
Evening session: culture and atmosphere in the camp
After the active part of the program, an oasis of tranquility and hospitality awaits you. Arriving at a stylized Bedouin camp as dusk falls is an experience in itself. The soft light of torches, carpets spread out on the sand, cozy cushions, and low tables create a warm and slightly theatrical atmosphere, allowing you to forget, for a couple of hours, about the skyscrapers that lie beyond the horizon.
Getting to know bedouin culture
The evening begins with calm, meditative activities. You can take a short camel ride—the “ships of the desert.” This leisurely journey will be the perfect opportunity for photos against the backdrop of the setting sun. In addition, those who wish can have their hands decorated with traditional henna art or try on traditional Arab clothing for colorful photos.
A captivating show
As night falls over the desert, the main performance begins. The evening program consists of three vibrant segments:
- Tanoura dance: A mystical and mesmerizing male dance in which the performer spins in a hypnotic rhythm, and his layered skirt transforms into a huge, colorful disc.
- Belly dance: Of course, how could it be missing? This is a must-see performance in the program—vibrant and professional, designed to entertain and amaze the audience. Don’t expect a deep ethnographic immersion here; this is, above all, a beautiful and energetic show.
- Fire show: A spectacular and thrilling finale to the evening, where performers demonstrate incredible skill in taming the fiery elements.
Important cultural nuance: Please note that during the holy month of Ramadan, the entertainment program may be adjusted; in particular, belly dancing is typically not performed. Be sure to confirm this when booking if your trip falls during this period.
Dinner under the stars: from BBQ on the sand to VIP service
The culinary experience is one of the key elements that sets safaris apart from Luxury Tours. Here, food is treated with special care.
Standard dinner: delicious and authentic
Even the standard package includes a full and varied dinner. Guests can enjoy a buffet with a wide selection of Arabic and international dishes, fresh salads, appetizers, and desserts. The BBQ station is particularly popular, where juicy meat and chicken kebabs are prepared right in front of you on the grill.
VIP Dinner: restaurant-style dining in the heart of the desert
For the most discerning guests, a VIP package is available, taking desert dining to an entirely new level. Its main advantages include a separate, more secluded VIP area, personalized service from waitstaff, and, of course, an expanded menu that can feature several dozen items, including slow-cooked lamb, steaks, and seafood. Additional live-cooking stations, where chefs prepare pasta or other dishes right in front of you, turn dinner into a true gastronomic show.
What’s the main “highlight” of the VIP package?: Let’s be honest: the VIP package here is less about the food (though it’s excellent) and more about privacy. While the general buffet area can get crowded and busy, in the VIP zone you sit at your own table, are served by a dedicated waiter, and feel like a guest in a restaurant rather than a participant in a mass event. If you value personal space, this upgrade is well worth the extra cost.
Planning your adventure: Practical tips
Inspired and ready for an adventure? Great! Now let’s move on to the practical details that will make your trip seamless.
When to go and what to wear?
The best time to visit the desert is from November to March, when the daytime heat subsides and the evenings become pleasantly cool. However, safaris are offered year-round. When it comes to clothing, choose light, loose-fitting garments made from natural fabrics that cover your shoulders and knees to protect you from the sun. Your footwear should be as comfortable as possible and easy to remove—sandals or flip-flops are perfect. Be sure to bring a warm sweater or windbreaker, as it can get chilly in the desert after sunset, even in summer.
Budget and booking: what you need to know
Safari prices vary depending on the season and the package you choose (standard or VIP). We recommend checking the current rates on the operator’s official website or with your travel agent.
- What’s included in the price: Round-trip hotel transfers, dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, dinner (buffet-style), non-alcoholic beverages, and an evening show program.
- What you’ll likely have to pay extra for: ATV rides, souvenirs, professional photos, and shisha.
It’s best to book your tour in advance, especially if your trip falls during the high season (winter months).
Safety and comfort
To ensure your adventure goes smoothly, follow a few simple rules:
- Sun protection: Be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
- Motion sickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, take a motion sickness pill 30–40 minutes before the dune-bashing begins. Ask the driver to seat you in the front—it helps too.
Important to know: amenities in the desert: Don’t be fooled by the word ‘Luxury’ in the name when it comes to amenities. The camp is located in the middle of the desert, and the toilets here are clean but still mobile cabins, not marble restrooms. Wi-Fi here is only available in the form of a breeze, and power outlets are rare. That’s why a fully charged power bank is your best friend for the evening. Be prepared for this, and nothing will spoil your experience.
Checklist: what to bring
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- A light jacket or windbreaker for the evening
- A power bank to charge your phone
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- A small amount of cash for souvenirs or tips
- Motion sickness pills (if needed)
Travel journalist’s verdict: Luxury Tours has achieved almost the impossible: they’ve taken one of Dubai’s most popular tourist activities and turned it into an almost flawless assembly line for delivering comfortable experiences. You won’t find raw authenticity here, but you also won’t encounter the typical problems of ‘budget’ tours. This is a fair ‘business class’ in the world of safaris: predictable, high-quality, and very comfortable. Perfect for those who want to experience guaranteed positive emotions without any surprises.
So if your goal is to bring back from the desert not just sand in your shoes, but also the feeling that you were truly taken care of at every stage, then a safari from Luxury Tours is exactly the option for you. It’s less about immersing yourself in the wild and more about a flawlessly orchestrated performance set against a backdrop of majestic scenery. And, it must be said, it’s a very high-quality performance.
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