Al Awir meeting point · Arrive 3:30 PM · Any car works
Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai Park Near Al Awir, Our 4×4 Does the Dunes
Bring your own vehicle or a rental. You remain on the road, while our licensed drivers handle the dunes and the camp transfer. USD 10 (AED 35) per visitor, with dinner and entertainment included.
USD 67 (AED 245) for 7 · hotel pickup would cost USD 286
Tomorrow near Dubai: sunset 5:37 PM. Arrive at 3:30 PM for dune bashing before sunset.
Book self driveDate and number of guests, that is all
From our team
Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai, the Easy Way
Already have a vehicle in Dubai? Honestly, you don’t need to pay anybody to chauffeur you to the desert. Drive to our meeting location near Al Awir, then lock the vehicle. One of our 4x4s collects you there. Afterwards you enjoy the identical evening every visitor receives: dune bashing, sunset, camels, dinner and three performances.
Here is what people usually misunderstand. Self drive doesn’t mean driving on the sand yourself. Your vehicle remains parked beside the road, while our licensed drivers handle the dunes. That matters particularly with a rental, because UAE rental insurance generally finishes where the tarmac ends.
We have operated in this desert since 2015, and residents especially love the self drive option. It costs USD 10 (AED 35) per visitor. Below you’ll find the directions, the timing, our late arrival policy and everything the price includes.
The short answer
What Is a Self Drive Desert Safari in Dubai?
A self drive desert safari in Dubai means driving your own vehicle to the operator’s meeting location. You join the evening safari there. You park beside the road, and the operator’s 4×4 provides the dune bashing and the transfer to camp. With us it costs USD 10 (AED 35) per visitor, with arrival at 3:30 PM.
Per guest AED 35 includes dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, three performances and the BBQ dinner.
Arrival time Reach our meeting location near Al Awir by 3:30 PM. The precise pin arrives on WhatsApp.
Stays on tarmac Your vehicle remains on the road. Our 4×4 handles every metre of sand.
Dune bashing In our 4×4 with a licensed driver. Alternatively, travel directly to camp.
We wait for you Message us during your journey. We send a 4×4 back to collect you slightly later.
Lahbab option Drive yourself to the red dunes, then ride a private Land Cruiser. AED 500 covers up to 7.
Packages
Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai Packages and Prices
Four ways to experience the desert when you have your own vehicle. Seats are priced per visitor, and private Land Cruisers per vehicle for up to 7.
Travellers’ ChoiceTripadvisorWorld Travel AwardsAward winner★4.9 rating10,000+ reviews✓DTCM licensedDubai, since 2015⛑Roll cageSeat belts, helmets$No depositPay on the day↺Free cancellationUp to 12 hours before◷No passport heldNo licence needed
1 · Most bookedSelf Drive Evening Safari, Al Awir
Drive to our meeting location near Al Awir for 3:30 PM, then park beside the road. Our 4×4 continues to the dunes and the camp, and dinner with entertainment completes the evening.
- Dune bashing 20 to 30 minutes in our 4×4
- Camel ride, sandboarding and henna
- BBQ buffet and three live shows
Under 3s free · From age 3 the adult price
2 · Red dunesSelf Drive to Lahbab Red Dunes
Drive yourself to Lahbab, where the sand becomes orange red and the dunes grow considerably taller. Our private Land Cruiser meets you there for dune bashing.
- Private Land Cruiser and permit driver
- Up to 7 guests in one car
- Lahbab pin sent on WhatsApp
About USD 19 each when 7 share the car
3 · You driveDrive the Dunes Yourself
Prefer your own hands on the steering wheel? Ordinary vehicles shouldn’t enter the dunes. Instead, drive our buggy or quad with an experienced guide alongside.
- Can-Am or Polaris buggy, helmets included
- Quad bikes, automatic, with a guide
- Come in your own car, parking available
Buggy drivers 16 and over
4 · No carSame Evening With Pickup
Decided against driving? Book the identical evening, and we collect you from your hotel in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman.
- Shared bus from our pickup points
- Shared 4×4 from your hotel
- Private car for up to 7
Hotel pickup 2:30 to 3:30 PM
Plan and price
Self Drive Safari Planner: Your Total and Your Route
Choose the desert, your group and any extras. The planner displays your total, your saving compared with hotel pickup, and the recommended route. One tap sends everything to us.
Which self drive?
Self Drive Desert Safari: Which Kind Do You Mean?
Search for self drive in Dubai and you’ll discover three completely different experiences mixed together. Here they are side by side, so you reserve the correct one.
You drive your own or rented vehicle on ordinary roads, then park at our meeting location. Our 4×4 continues from there. From USD 10 (AED 35) per visitor, and any vehicle works.
Certain tours provide a Jeep that follows a lead vehicle. They typically cost approximately USD 245, and rental insurance won’t cover your own vehicle on sand. We don’t operate convoys.
The safest way to steer through the sand personally. An experienced guide accompanies you, and helmets are provided. Buggies begin at USD 163 (AED 600) for 30 minutes.
Want the wheel in your hands? See our dune buggy in Dubai or the quad biking options.
Self drive vs pickup
How Much You Save by Driving Yourself
The evening at camp is identical in every option. Only the transportation changes, and that’s where the money goes. A family of four pays USD 38 (AED 140) instead of USD 163 (AED 600) with hotel pickup.
| Your group | Self drive | Shared bus | Shared 4×4 pickup | Private car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 guest | USD 10 (AED 35) | USD 14 (AED 50) | USD 41 (AED 150) | USD 190 (AED 699) |
| 2 guests | USD 19 (AED 70) | USD 27 (AED 100) | USD 82 (AED 300) | USD 190 (AED 699) |
| 3 guests | USD 29 (AED 105) | USD 41 (AED 150) | USD 123 (AED 450) | USD 190 (AED 699) |
| 4 guests | USD 38 (AED 140) | USD 54 (AED 200) | USD 163 (AED 600) | USD 190 (AED 699) |
| 5 guests | USD 48 (AED 175) | USD 68 (AED 250) | USD 204 (AED 750) | USD 190 (AED 699) |
| 6 guests | USD 57 (AED 210) | USD 82 (AED 300) | USD 245 (AED 900) | USD 190 (AED 699) |
| 7 guests | USD 67 (AED 245) | USD 95 (AED 350) | USD 286 (AED 1,050) | USD 190 (AED 699) |
Swipe the table
Fuel and any Salik tolls remain your responsibility. From 5 visitors, a private vehicle may be preferable, because nobody needs to drive home after dark.
Getting there
How to Drive to the Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai Meeting Point
Our meeting location sits beside the road near Al Awir, east of the city. Allow approximately 50 to 55 minutes from central Dubai, plus additional time on weekday afternoons. After booking, we send the precise Google Maps pin on WhatsApp.
| Starting from | Route |
|---|---|
| Downtown or Business Bay | Ras Al Khor Road (E44) east, then Al Aweer Road. Neither road has a Salik gate. |
| Deira or Bur Dubai | Join Ras Al Khor Road (E44) eastbound and stay on it as it becomes Al Aweer Road. |
| Marina, JBR, Palm, Al Barsha | Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road both carry Salik gates. Then continue east on Al Aweer Road. |
| Sharjah or Ajman | Take Emirates Road (E611) south to the Al Aweer Road junction, then head east. Rush hour can add real time. |
Swipe the table
The speed limit on Ras Al Khor Road and Al Aweer Road is 100 km/h, according to Dubai Police. Salik gate locations come from the Gulf News Salik guide. Refuel inside the city, because petrol stations become less frequent beyond Al Awir.
Our Al Awir camp: open in Google Maps. Lahbab area pin for the red dunes: open in Google Maps. The meeting point pin comes on WhatsApp.
Rental cars
Self Drive Desert Safari in a Rental Car: What to Know
Most of our self drive visitors arrive in a rental. Here is what rental companies state, together with how our meeting location keeps you compliant.
UAE rental contracts generally prohibit sand and unpaved tracks. Insurance stops covering the vehicle, and you become responsible for any damage.
You park beside the road at the meeting location. Your vehicle never touches the dunes, so your rental conditions remain intact.
Keep your licence, the rental agreement and a phone charger inside the vehicle at all times.
Shake out your shoes before climbing back inside. Certain rental companies charge a cleaning fee for sand.
Place bags inside the boot before arriving. Leave nothing visible on the seats while the vehicle remains parked.
Begin with at least half a tank. Charge your telephone, because the location pin and our WhatsApp conversation are stored there.
Sources: Dollar UAE on off road rentals and ALKA Rent A Car terms. Always read your own contract too.
Your evening
Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai Timings, Step by Step
This is how an evening operates for visitors who drive themselves to Al Awir. Sunset changes throughout the year, so the photography stop moves slightly with the season.
3:30 PMYou arrive
Park at the meeting point
Lock the vehicle, collect your water and sunglasses, then find our driver. He confirms your name against the reservation.
20 to 30 minutesDune bashing
Over the dunes in our 4×4
Tyre pressure drops, seat belts are fastened, and the drive begins. Request gentle or energetic, and he follows your preference.
SunsetPhoto stop
Sunset and sandboarding
We stop on a high dune for photographs while the sun disappears. Sandboarding is completely complimentary.
At campCamp
Camel, henna and Arabic coffee
Enjoy a short camel ride, henna for anybody interested, and Arabic coffee while dinner is prepared.
EveningDinner and shows
BBQ dinner and three shows
The halal buffet opens, followed by belly dance, tanoura and the fire performance. Belly dance pauses during Ramadan.
After the showsBack to your car
Our 4×4 returns you to your car
We return you to the meeting location. Afterwards it’s simply your vehicle, the quiet road and the city lights ahead.
Send your date and group size. We confirm in writing and share the meeting point pin.
Before you go
Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai: Late Arrival, Payment and Cancellation
The important conditions, explained simply. Nothing here costs additional money unless you request it.
Message us during your journey. Our 4x4s may depart punctually, but we send another vehicle back for you slightly later.
There is no deposit and no online payment. Pay cash in any currency, or by card with a bank fee of 8 to 10%.
Cancellation is free up to 12 hours before 3:30 PM. Unsuitable weather means we reschedule or release you, with nothing owed.
Under 3s sit free on a parent’s lap. Older children pay the normal seat price, and we provide child seats whenever you ask.
Absolutely, same day reservations are welcome. Message your group size, and we confirm availability immediately.
Our limited time saving of up to 30% is already inside these numbers. Nothing gets added at the meeting point.
We confirm your seats, the arrival time and the pin on WhatsApp.
Safety
Is a Self Drive Desert Safari in Dubai Safe?
Yes. You only drive on main roads, while our trained drivers handle every section of sand. The part requiring attention is the evening drive home.
The desert roads are dark at first. Keep to the speed limit, use dipped lights, and leave a bigger gap than you would in the city.
Decide before departure who drives home. That person should avoid the late shisha and relax briefly before departing.
Our drivers hold an official dune driving permit and have 10+ years of desert experience. Every vehicle carries insurance.
Our 4x4s are fitted with roll cages, and every seat has its own belt. Keep yours fastened until the dunes finish.
Pregnant, or experiencing back, neck or heart problems? Tell us, and you travel to camp by road instead.
Request the gentle drive. Children under 3 receive it automatically, and nobody minds a slower pace.
Travelling with kids? Our family desert safari page covers food, seats and the gentle drive.
What AED 35 covers
What the Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai Price Includes
✓Included
- Parking at the meeting point on the road
- Our 4×4 from the meeting point to the dunes, the camp and back
- Dune bashing for 20 to 30 minutes with a permit driver
- Sunset stop and free sandboarding
- Short camel ride, henna and Arabic costume photos
- Halal BBQ buffet with vegetarian dishes, water and soft drinks
- Belly dance, tanoura and fire show
- Clean toilets, separate for men and women
✕Not included
- Fuel and Salik for your own drive
- VIP seats by the stage: USD 14 (AED 50) per guest
- Quad bike: from USD 27 (AED 100) for 30 minutes
- Dune buggy: from USD 163 (AED 600) for 30 minutes
- Shisha: USD 27 (AED 100)
- Photographer: USD 14 to 41 (AED 50 to 150)
- Tips are up to you, and our drivers never ask
Photos
Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai Photos From Our Camp
Taken on our own evenings near Al Awir. No stock pictures.
Guest reviews
What Our Guests Say
4.9 from more than 10,000 reviews on Google, Tripadvisor and WhatsApp since 2015.
4.9
From 10,000+ guest reviews on Google, Tripadvisor and WhatsApp
Liz Giddens Verified guest · Google review ★★★★★Adnan was a brilliant guide. He was punctual, friendly and polite and a really safe but fun driver on the dunes. He knew lots of interesting facts about Dubai too. We would definitely recommend him and Desert Safari company.
Sibusiso Dube Verified guest · Google review ★★★★★Wow! What an amazing experience! The Dubai Desert Safari was everything I expected and more, from the thrilling dune bashing to the beautiful sunset views, camel ride, and amazing entertainment show. Everything was perfectly organized and full of fun. A very special BIG THANK YOU to Umer, my driver, who made my day even better. He was so professional, friendly, and skilled, the best driver ever! He made the whole desert adventure safe, exciting, and truly unforgettable. His energy and hospitality made the experience 10/10. If you are in Dubai, this is a MUST-DO! Highly recommended. I will definitely come back again. Thank you to the whole team!
Syed Ali R. Verified guest · Google review ★★★★★Fabbtastic lahbab safari in Dubai desert with best safari company . dune bashing camel ride amazing food was ok. over all good experience
Cristina B. Verified guest · Google review ★★★★★We went with Tiger in an amazing desert tour! It was our greatest experience, very safe and good car. We also went with our 4 years old son and every thing was Marvelous. I higly recommend Tiger desert tour for great experience! Thank you so much
Book
Book Your Self Drive Safari in Three Steps
- Choose the desertAl Awir evening safari, or Lahbab red dunes by Land Cruiser.
- Send a messageYour date and number of guests. We reply with the pin.
- Drive and pay on the dayArrive by 3:30 PM. No deposit, nothing online.
We answer on WhatsApp day and night.
- 4.9from 10,000+ reviews
- 95,000+guests since 2015
- LicensedDCT Abu Dhabi, DTCM Dubai
- No depositpay on the day
Local operator, Dubai
Tips From the Team Who Meets You at Al Awir
Royal Arabian Safari Tourism LLC is a DTCM-Licensed Operator, working these dunes since 2015 with our own 4x4s. These recommendations go to every self drive visitor.
- Leave the city by 2:30 PM. From Downtown, that delivers you to the meeting location by 3:30 with comfortable margin.
- Save the pin offline. Mobile signal occasionally drops near the desert, so download the area in Google Maps beforehand.
- Park nose out. After the performances everybody departs together, and you’ll appreciate driving away immediately.
- Pack a light jacket in winter. Between December and February, the desert becomes properly cool after dark.
Reviewed by Bilal Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director of Royal Arabian Safari Tourism LLC. Written by our Dubai operations team. Routes and rental terms checked on 3 November 2026.
Questions
Self Drive Desert Safari Dubai: Before You Drive Out
What is a self drive desert safari in Dubai?
A self drive desert safari in Dubai means driving your own vehicle to our meeting location near Al Awir. Our 4×4 then provides the dune bashing, the camp, dinner and entertainment.
How much is the self drive desert safari?
Our self drive desert safari in Dubai costs USD 10 (AED 35) per visitor. That includes dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, three performances and the BBQ dinner.
Is the desert safari 35 AED price real?
Absolutely. AED 35 (USD 10) is our self drive price per visitor, including dinner and entertainment. You only add fuel and any optional extras.
What time do I need to arrive?
Please reach the meeting location by 3:30 PM. We send the precise pin on WhatsApp together with your booking confirmation.
Where is the self drive meeting point?
It sits beside the road near Al Awir, east of the city, about 50 to 55 minutes from central Dubai. Here is our Al Awir meeting point pin, and we send it again with your confirmation.
How will we find your team at the meeting point?
You will not be on your own. Our coordinator stays in contact with you from the moment you leave home until our team receives you. Keep your phone on and follow the pin.
Do I need a 4×4 for the self drive safari?
No. Any ordinary vehicle works, because you park beside the road. Our own 4×4 handles all the driving on sand.
Can I drive my own car on the dunes?
No, and we strongly recommend against it. Your vehicle remains parked. To steer through the sand personally, choose our buggies or quad bikes with a guide.
Can I do the self drive safari in a rental car?
Certainly. You remain on paved roads throughout, which UAE rental contracts expect. Never take a rental vehicle onto the sand.
Does rental car insurance cover desert driving?
Usually not. UAE rental companies commonly exclude sand and off road use, so any damage becomes your responsibility. Our meeting location keeps you on tarmac.
What happens if I arrive late?
Message us during your journey. Our 4x4s may depart punctually, but we send another vehicle back to collect you slightly later.
Is dune bashing included in the self drive price?
Yes, 20 to 30 minutes in our 4×4 with a licensed driver. Alternatively, travel directly to camp by road.
How long is the self drive desert safari?
Arrival is 3:30 PM, and the evening continues through sunset, dinner and three performances. Our 4×4 then returns you to your vehicle.
Is parking free at the meeting point?
Yes, parking costs nothing. The parking area sits just below the road, and any sedan or 4×4 parks there without getting stuck. Lock the car and keep your bags in the boot.
Can I come from Sharjah or Ajman in my own car?
Certainly. Take Emirates Road (E611) south to the Al Aweer Road junction, then continue east. Allow additional time on weekday afternoons.
Are there Salik tolls on the way?
Ras Al Khor Road and Al Aweer Road have no Salik gate. From Marina along Sheikh Zayed Road, you will pass gates on that road.
What is the speed limit on Al Aweer Road?
Dubai Police list 100 km/h on Al Aweer Road and Ras Al Khor Road. Watch for lower limits approaching junctions.
Is it safe to drive back from the desert at night?
Yes, provided you stay rested and respect the limit. The first section is dark, so drive steadily and choose your driver before departing. You never drive on sand after dark, which is exactly what Road Safety UAE advises.
Can I self drive to the Lahbab red dunes?
Yes. Drive yourself to Lahbab, then our private Land Cruiser provides dune bashing. It costs USD 136 (AED 500) per vehicle for up to 7.
Is the self drive option cheaper than hotel pickup?
Definitely. Four visitors pay USD 38 (AED 140) instead of USD 163 (AED 600) with shared hotel pickup. Only the transportation changes.
Are there hidden charges at the camp?
No, and we are pretty strict about that. Your price covers dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, three shows and the BBQ dinner. VIP seats and a quad bike are optional extras, and the planner above shows their prices before you book. Card payments carry a bank fee of 8 to 10%, so most guests bring cash.
Are the Al Awir dunes as big as Lahbab?
Honestly, no. Lahbab is known for taller red dunes, while Al Awir is closer to the city, so the drive is shorter. If big red dunes matter most, drive to Lahbab instead. A private Land Cruiser does the dune bashing there for USD 136 (AED 500), shared by up to 7 guests.
Is food included for self drive guests?
Yes. The halal BBQ buffet offers Arabic and Indian dishes, numerous vegetarian options, water and soft drinks.
Which shows will I see?
Belly dance, tanoura and the fire performance on the camp stage. During Ramadan there is no belly dance, and everything else continues.
Can I upgrade to VIP seats as a self drive guest?
Certainly. VIP seats beside the stage cost USD 14 (AED 50) per visitor, and dinner is served at your table.
Can I add a quad bike?
Yes, from USD 27 (AED 100) for 30 minutes. Our quad biking Dubai page explains the open dune options.
Are children allowed on the self drive safari?
Absolutely. Little ones under 3 ride free, while anyone aged 3 or older pays the normal seat price. Ask our driver for the gentle dune drive.
Can pregnant guests join?
Yes, although they should avoid dune bashing. We transport them to camp by road, and everything else remains identical.
Is there a toilet at the desert camp?
Yes. Separate facilities for women and men are cleaned throughout the evening, beside the shaded seating area.
What should I bring for a self drive safari?
Your licence, telephone, water, sunglasses and closed shoes. Add a light jacket during winter, and leave valuables at home.
Is the self drive safari available in summer?
Yes, the self drive desert safari in Dubai operates throughout the year. Summer afternoons remain hot, so bring water and wear light clothing.
Can I book a self drive safari for today?
Absolutely, same day reservations are welcome. Send your group size on WhatsApp, and we confirm availability immediately.
Do I pay in advance?
No deposit is required. Most visitors hand over cash in whatever currency they carry, and cards attract a bank fee of 8 to 10%.
Can I cancel my self drive booking?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 12 hours beforehand. If unsuitable weather stops the evening, we reschedule or release you.
Is there a self drive desert safari in Abu Dhabi too?
Yes. Our self drive desert safari in Abu Dhabi operates from our own camp, with separate prices and timings.
How do I book the self drive desert safari in Dubai?
Tap Book now, or send your date and group size on WhatsApp. We confirm in writing and share the meeting location pin.
Keep exploring
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