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Most couples visiting Dubai have the same question: should we book a desert safari together, or is it just a tourist trap? Here's the honest answer from our team, having run thousands of safaris over the years. A desert safari can be one of the best date-night experiences in Dubai, but which package you book makes all the difference. Pick the wrong one and you're crammed in a Land Cruiser with four strangers and their kids. Pick the right one and you've got a private vehicle, a quiet corner at the camp, and a sunset that actually lives up to the hype.
We wrote this guide specifically for couples planning a desert safari Dubai trip. It covers what's actually romantic (and what isn't), how to get privacy without overpaying, and the practical stuff: timings, what to wear, how to get the best sunset photos together.
It depends entirely on what you book. Let's be upfront about this.
A standard shared desert safari is fun. You'll enjoy the dune bashing, the BBQ dinner, and the shows. But romantic? Not exactly. You're sharing a 4x4 with four to six other guests. The camp seats 100+ people at peak times. The belly dance and tanoura shows are entertaining, but they're group entertainment -- everyone's watching together, phones out, kids running around. If you're looking for a lively evening out in the desert, a shared safari delivers. If you're after quiet couple time, it won't.
A premium desert safari is a different story. Smaller groups, better seating arrangements, and a generally calmer atmosphere at the camp. We seat premium guests in a separate section, which means you're not competing for space at the buffet or trying to find two chairs together. The food is better too -- think grilled prawns and lamb chops alongside the standard BBQ spread.
And then there's the private desert safari Dubai option, which is what we'd recommend for couples celebrating something -- an anniversary, honeymoon, proposal, or just a proper date night. Private means your own vehicle for the dune bashing, and we can arrange a quieter setup at the camp.
So is a romantic desert safari Dubai actually possible? Yes, but you need to book smart. Standard safaris are social experiences. Premium and private safaris are where the romance happens.
We're biased, obviously, but we genuinely think the premium desert safari hits the sweet spot for most couples. Here's why.
The standard package is great value, and we'd still recommend it for couples on a budget or those who like a more social vibe. But premium gives you three things that matter when it's just the two of you:
The premium package includes everything the standard does: dune bashing, camel rides, henna painting, BBQ dinner, tanoura dance, belly dance show, and sandboarding. You just get a less crowded, more relaxed version of it.
If budget allows, adding a private vehicle upgrade takes it further. Your driver tailors the dune bashing pace to what you both enjoy (some couples want the full adrenaline ride, others want a gentler drive with photo stops), and you don't share the vehicle with anyone else.
For the full range of what we offer, check our standard desert safari package page too. It breaks down all the inclusions so you can compare before deciding.
This is the question we get asked most by couples, so let's break it down honestly.
You're in a 4x4 with other guests -- typically a group of 4 to 6 people per vehicle. The driver takes the group through the same dune bashing route. At the camp, everyone sits in the same area (standard) or a smaller premium zone.
Pros for couples: Lower cost per person. You might meet interesting people. The group energy at the camp can be fun, especially during the shows.
Cons for couples: No control over who you're sharing with. Could be families with small children, a stag group, or solo travelers. The camp gets busy between 7:00pm and 8:30pm when everyone's eating and watching shows at the same time.
Your own vehicle, your own driver. The dune bashing run is customised for you -- want to stop on top of a dune for photos? Done. Want to do an extra lap? Your driver will sort it. At the camp, we reserve a table for two in a quieter spot.
Pros for couples: Total control over the experience. Better photo opportunities because you can stop whenever you want. More intimate dinner setting. The dune bashing feels more personal when it's just you two screaming in the back seat.
Cons for couples: Higher cost. And honestly, some couples actually prefer the group energy -- if you're outgoing people who like meeting other travelers, private might feel too quiet.
Our recommendation? If you're celebrating something specific or you're the kind of couple who prefers your own space, go private. If you're easygoing and just want to have a good time in the desert, premium shared is excellent value and still gives you a more relaxed experience than standard.
The camp portion of a desert safari Dubai for couples runs roughly from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (in winter -- summer timings shift later). Here's what you'll actually do there, in the order it usually happens.
You arrive at camp after the dune bashing. This is the golden hour -- literally. The sun is setting, the light is warm, and the camp isn't fully busy yet. This is the best time for couple photos (more on that below).
Free activities available:
Buffet-style with grilled meats, salads, hummus, Arabic bread, and desserts. Premium guests get additional items like prawns and lamb chops. Vegetarian options are always available -- just let us know when you book so we can prep properly.
One tip: eat early if you want a quieter dinner. By 7:30pm the buffet line gets long and the seating fills up. If you're on premium or private, your section will be calmer, but the food still goes fast.
The tanoura dance is the highlight, honestly. It's a traditional Sufi spinning dance with LED-lit skirts -- looks spectacular in the dark desert. The belly dance show follows. Both are about 15-20 minutes each.
If you want a deeper dive into what the evening experience feels like, we wrote a detailed post about it: Arabian Nights Desert Safari Dubai.
Here's something most guests miss. After the shows, most people head back to the buffet for tea and dessert. But if you walk about 50 metres away from the camp lights, the stargazing in the Lahbab desert is genuinely impressive. There's very little light pollution once you step away from the camp. On a clear night (which is most nights from October to April), you can see the Milky Way. Bring your phone and try a long-exposure shot -- it won't match a proper camera, but modern phones do a surprisingly decent job.
This is the moment that turns a good evening into a memorable one. No crowds, no noise, just desert and stars. It's the kind of thing you don't get anywhere else in Dubai.
The desert sunset is genuinely worth the trip on its own. Golden hour in the Dubai desert hits different because there's nothing blocking the horizon -- no buildings, no trees, just sand dunes in every direction. Here's how to make the most of it for couple photos.
In winter (November to February), sunset is around 5:30pm to 5:45pm. In summer, it's closer to 7:00pm. The best light starts about 30-40 minutes before actual sunset. Our drivers know this and usually time the dune bashing to end on a high dune ridgeline right around golden hour -- especially for premium and private bookings.
For a more detailed breakdown of seasonal timing and what to expect, read our guide on the best time to visit Dubai desert safari.
Get to the top of a dune ridge. Seriously, the difference between shooting at the base of a dune and at the crest is night and day. At the top, you get the sun behind you (or in front for silhouettes), clean sand lines, and no other people in frame. Our drivers will drop you at a good spot if you ask.
Solid colours photograph best against the sand. Avoid busy patterns -- they compete with the landscape. Red, white, deep blue, and black all pop against the golden-orange sand. Flowing fabrics (a maxi dress, a loose scarf) look incredible in the desert wind. Avoid heels entirely -- you'll sink. Flat sandals or go barefoot.
Modern phones (iPhone 15/16 Pro, Samsung S24/S25) handle desert light really well. Use portrait mode for the two of you, and switch to wide angle for landscape shots with you both in them. Pro tip: wipe your lens before shooting. Sand dust coats everything after dune bashing and you'll end up with hazy photos if you don't clean it.
One more thing -- don't spend the entire sunset behind a screen. Take your 10-15 photos, then put the phone away and actually watch it. The colours shift fast and it's better in person than through a viewfinder.
Pricing for a desert safari Dubai for two depends on which package you choose. We won't quote exact figures here because our rates change seasonally and we often run promotions, but here's the general picture.
Standard shared safari is the most affordable option. Per-person pricing, so you're paying for two. It includes hotel pickup, dune bashing, all camp activities, BBQ dinner, and drop-off. Solid value for what you get.
Premium shared safari costs more per person than standard. For couples, the upgrade is worth it because of the smaller groups, better food, and dedicated seating. If you can stretch the budget, this is where we'd point you.
Private safari is the highest tier. You're paying for an exclusive vehicle and personalised service. Worth it for special occasions -- and honestly, when you split it between two people, the per-person cost isn't as steep as you'd think.
A few things that affect the final price:
The best way to get current pricing? Check our premium desert safari or standard desert safari package pages -- prices are always up to date there. Or just message us on WhatsApp and we'll give you a quote in minutes.
Booking a private desert safari Dubai through us is straightforward. Here's how it works.
Go to our premium desert safari page, select your date and number of guests (2 for couples), and in the special requests field, write "private vehicle requested." Our team will confirm availability and adjust the booking accordingly.
This is what most couples do. Message us on WhatsApp with your preferred date, hotel name, and that you'd like a private vehicle. We respond within an hour during business hours (9am-10pm UAE time). You'll get a confirmed booking with pickup time and driver details the day before.
Old school, but it works. Our team speaks English, Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu. Call during UAE business hours and we'll get you sorted on the spot.
A few tips for couples booking:
We don't recommend the dune bashing portion for pregnant guests -- the 4x4 ride involves sharp turns, sudden drops, and a lot of bouncing. However, you can skip the dune bashing and go directly to the desert camp for the dinner, shows, and all other activities. Just let us know when booking and we'll arrange a comfortable direct transfer to the camp. Your partner can still do the dune bashing and meet you there.
We can't control the sun, unfortunately. But we do time our pickups so that you arrive at the dunes during golden hour. For premium and private bookings, our drivers specifically stop at the best dune ridgelines for photos right before sunset. In winter months, we pick up around 2:30pm-3:00pm from your hotel so you're in the desert by 4:30pm, with sunset around 5:30pm. In summer, pickup is later -- around 3:30pm-4:00pm.
Comfortable, casual clothes. Avoid anything too tight -- you'll be getting in and out of a 4x4, sitting on floor cushions, and possibly sandboarding. Closed-toe shoes or flat sandals work best (no heels, they sink in sand). Bring a light jacket for winter evenings -- it drops to 18-20 degrees Celsius after sunset. For photos, solid colours look best against the sand. And leave expensive jewellery at the hotel -- sand gets everywhere.
We don't have a separate "couples package" as a standalone product, but we can customise any premium or private safari for couples. This includes reserved seating at the camp, a small cake or decoration for celebrations, and priority sunset photo stops. Just mention what you're celebrating when you book through WhatsApp or in the special requests field online. There's no extra charge for basic setups -- we're happy to make the evening special for you.
