Desert Safari Dubai Timings & Location: Pickup Times, Schedules and Where the Desert Is
Before you book a desert safari in Dubai, you want to know two things: what time you'll be picked up and where you're actually going. This guide gives you the exact timings for every safari we run, from sunrise tours to overnight camping, and explains where the desert is, how long the drive takes and how to reach us if you're driving yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Evening safari: pickup 2:30 to 3:00 PM, back around 9:30 to 10:00 PM.
- Morning safari: pickup 5:30 to 6:00 AM, back around 10:00 to 10:30 AM.
- Overnight safari: pickup around 3:00 PM, back at your hotel around 9:00 AM the next day.
- Bus safari: board at 2:00 to 2:30 PM from a central pickup point, back 8:30 to 9:30 PM.
- We go to the red dunes near Lahbab and the Sharjah desert, usually 45 to 60 minutes' drive from Dubai or Sharjah.
- Hotel pickup is included on most tours. Self-drive guests get the exact GPS pin on WhatsApp after booking.
Desert Safari Timings at a Glance
Pickup times change a little with your area and the season. We confirm your exact pickup time on WhatsApp the day before.
| Safari | Pickup | Back at hotel | Total time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening desert safari | 2:30 to 3:00 PM | 9:30 to 10:00 PM | About 7 hours |
| Evening safari with quad bike | 2:30 to 3:00 PM | 9:30 to 10:00 PM | About 7 hours |
| VIP red dune safari | 2:30 PM | 9:30 to 10:00 PM | About 7 hours |
| Morning desert safari | 5:30 to 6:00 AM | 10:00 to 10:30 AM | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Morning safari with quad bike | 5:30 AM | 10:30 to 11:00 AM | About 5 hours |
| Overnight desert camping | 3:00 PM | About 9:00 AM next day | About 18 hours |
| Bus pickup desert safari | 2:00 to 2:30 PM | 8:30 to 9:30 PM | 6 to 7 hours |
| Self drive to meeting point | You arrive in the afternoon | Leave when you're ready | Camp lasts 4 to 5 hours |
| Dune buggy safari | Several sessions a day, 30 to 120 minutes | Plus 45 to 60 minutes' drive each way | |
Evening Desert Safari Timings
The evening desert safari is our most popular tour. It's timed so you're on the dunes for sunset and at camp after dark, when the desert cools down.
- 2:30 to 3:00 PM: pickup from your hotel or apartment in Dubai or Sharjah in a 4x4.
- Around 4:00 PM: arrive at the red dunes for a safety briefing.
- 4:00 to 5:00 PM: dune bashing in our modified Land Cruisers.
- 5:00 to 5:30 PM: camel ride and sandboarding.
- 5:30 to 6:00 PM: sunset photos on the dunes.
- 6:00 to 9:00 PM: camp with BBQ dinner, henna, Arabic coffee and live belly dance, fire and Tanoura shows.
- 9:30 to 10:00 PM: drop-off back at your door.
If you add a quad bike, the ride (35 to 45 minutes) fits in before sunset, so the timings stay the same. See evening safari with quad bike.
Morning Desert Safari Timings
The morning desert safari is the coolest time to be in the desert, so it's the best choice in summer and for young children.
- 5:30 to 6:00 AM: pickup before sunrise.
- Around 7:00 AM: sunrise at the dunes.
- 7:00 to 8:00 AM: dune bashing and sandboarding.
- 8:00 to 8:30 AM: camel ride.
- 8:30 to 9:30 AM: Arabic breakfast at camp.
- 10:00 to 10:30 AM: back at your hotel.
Sunrise is earlier in summer and later in winter, so we adjust the pickup time to match. Not sure which slot suits you? Read morning vs evening desert safari.
Overnight Desert Safari Timings
On the overnight desert safari, you get the full evening programme, then sleep at camp and wake up for sunrise.
- 3:00 PM: afternoon pickup from your hotel.
- 4:00 to 5:30 PM: dune bashing, camel ride and sandboarding.
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM: sunset and photos.
- 6:30 to 9:30 PM: BBQ dinner and live shows.
- 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM: campfire and stargazing.
- 5:30 to 7:00 AM: desert sunrise.
- 7:00 to 8:30 AM: Arabic breakfast.
- About 9:00 AM: return to your hotel.
Bus Desert Safari Timings
The bus pickup desert safari is our budget option. You board a coach at a central pickup point instead of being collected from your hotel.
- 2:00 to 2:30 PM: board the bus at your pickup point. We send the exact boarding time on WhatsApp the day before.
- Around 3:30 PM: switch to a 4x4 at the desert meeting area.
- 3:45 to 4:30 PM: dune bashing.
- 5:00 to 6:00 PM: sunset, camel ride and sandboarding.
- 6:00 to 8:00 PM: camp, BBQ dinner and shows.
- 8:30 to 9:30 PM: bus back to the same pickup point.
Please arrive at your pickup point 10 minutes before the boarding time.
Where Is the Desert Safari in Dubai?
Dubai's desert safaris don't happen in the city. They take place in the open desert inland from the coast. Our tours go to the red sand dunes near Lahbab and the Sharjah desert, some of the most dramatic dunes in the UAE. The sand there has a deep orange-red colour that looks amazing at sunrise and sunset.
- From Dubai: the drive takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on where you're staying and the traffic.
- From Sharjah: typically 45 to 60 minutes from central Sharjah. See our desert safari from Sharjah page for local pickup areas.
- From Abu Dhabi: it's a longer drive, so we run a separate desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
You don't need to find the camp yourself. With hotel pickup, your driver takes you from your door to the dunes and back, and the travel time is already built into the timings above.
Bus Pickup Points
If you book the bus safari, you choose one of these pickup points:
| Area | Pickup point |
|---|---|
| Deira | Day to Day, opposite Deira City Centre |
| Al Barsha | LuLu Hypermarket, behind Mall of the Emirates |
| Bur Dubai | Spinneys, next to BurJuman Centre |
| Al Awir | Dragon Mart 1 (ADNOC station, Al Awir Road) |
| Sharjah | Sharjah City Centre, Al Wahda Road |
| Sharjah | Sharjah Mega Mall, near the Immigration Office |
| Al Nahda | Sahara Centre, near Ramada Hotel |
| Sharjah | Nesto Supermarket, opposite Kalba Fire Station |
Not sure which is closest? Choose "Not sure" when you book and we'll suggest one on WhatsApp.
Self Drive: Getting to the Meeting Point
Already have a car? The self drive desert safari lets you drive straight to our desert meeting point and join the full camp experience.
- We send the exact GPS pin of the meeting point on WhatsApp as soon as your booking is confirmed.
- On the day, share your live location with us and we'll guide you in.
- A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final approach to camp.
- The camp experience lasts 4 to 5 hours, and you can leave whenever you're ready.
Dune buggy rides also start from our meeting point on the red dunes. You can drive there yourself or add hotel pickup. See dune buggy safari Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the desert safari start in Dubai?
The evening desert safari starts with hotel pickup between 2:30 and 3:00 PM. The morning safari picks up between 5:30 and 6:00 AM, and the overnight safari around 3:00 PM.
How long is a desert safari in Dubai?
An evening safari takes about 7 hours door to door, a morning safari about 4 to 5 hours, and overnight camping about 18 hours including the night at camp.
What time do you get back from an evening desert safari?
Most guests are dropped back at their hotel between 9:30 and 10:00 PM.
Where is the desert safari located?
Our safaris go to the red sand dunes near Lahbab and the Sharjah desert, around 45 to 60 minutes' drive from Dubai or central Sharjah.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai and Sharjah is included on our evening, morning, VIP and overnight safaris. The bus safari uses central pickup points, and the self drive package has no transport.
How do I find the desert camp if I drive myself?
We send the exact GPS pin of our meeting point on WhatsApp after you book, and we guide you in on the day if you share your live location.
Can I change my pickup time?
Message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 000 6467. Pickup times depend on your area and the route, so we'll tell you what's possible. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your tour.
