The desktop is the most common answer for visitors when asked what they love about Dubai: at least 50% will respond with the desert. The rolling red dunes of the Arabian Desert also reveal another face of the emirate – one that is still, unspoiled and uncrowded. However, after committing to the process, one question arises: how do you go about it? 

If you are travelling on a sunrise to midday trip, or a dusk to sunrise trip? Both are great, but it has a very different feel to it! Catering to different travellers, this guide outlines both options and helps you make your choice based on your energy level, budget and the way you travel. The first, and undoubtedly the best, is the Dubai Morning Desert Safari, which is both calm and cooler.

What to Expect on a Morning Safari

A pickup often begins around 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at the hotel with one of the comfortable 4x4s and lasts approximately 45 minutes until you arrive in the desert conservation area. It's cool, fresh air, cool sand underneath our feet, very soft and clear light. 

The majority of package tours involve sandboarding, walking around the dunes at your own speed, a camel ride and dune bashing with an experienced driver who drives up and down the dunes. Others arrive at a Bedouin-style camp, where they drink Arabic coffee, eat dates and drink water before heading back to the city in the late morning or early afternoon. 

Possibly the best time to visit the desert is when the sun is low, making the desert look best in photos. The ripples in the sand are often cast in shadow and the sky is frequently dark, clear and blue. But it's a bonus for the wildlife as well: oryx, gazelles and desert birds are more active at the early hours of the day. It's for those who prefer quiet and nature experiences over loud ones.

Why Travelers Choose the Morning Option

Lower temperatures are important particularly from May through September when afternoon temperatures can exceed 40°C, and also in the mornings which can be more comfortable for children, older travellers and people sensitive to high temperatures. 

There are fewer people to wait in line for sandboarding or camel rides, which means that while you are there you'll be surrounded by less people. The day's end is before lunchtime so you have the rest of the day free to explore the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall or a long afternoon on the beach. It comes with a price, and it's atmosphere. 

These are usually less crowded and shorter trips in the morning, plus they don't always feature the live entertainment, barbecue lunch or camp "buzz" that many people think of when planning a desert vacation. It’ll also require an early start, which can be difficult if you've been traveling long or late into the night.

What to Expect on an Evening Safari

Celebration is the theme of this Evening Desert Safari Dubai if the Morning Trip theme is about stillness. Pickups will normally start around 3:00-3:30 p.m. Your group comes to a halt after dune bashing in the late afternoon sunlight and as the sun dips below the horizon, you know it's time. After that, the camp "comes alive"! 

In the typical evening package, visitors will enjoy a sunset stop for pictures, camel riding, henna painting, falconry demonstrations, and enjoy a barbecue buffet dinner under the stars. Usually, there is a tanoura (spinning) show, a dancer spins a colorful layering "skirt" and a belly dance performance. 

Many of the camps will also provide shisha for the adults, traditional costume for photo sessions, unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Your guests are tired and happy when they return to the City about 9:00 or 9:30 pm.

Why Travelers Choose the Evening Option

The classic full feature version and for good reason. Excellent value for money, as you can enjoy adventure, culture, food and entertainment all in one. The sunset is amazing, the after dark air cools down as desired and the camp atmosphere is ideal for groups, couples and celebrations. 

It's a great choice for families with older children, as there's always something going on. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks. The evenings are more crowded, especially on weekends and in winter (November to March) and you could find yourself sharing the dunes with lots of other vehicles. The time for dinner and shows is set and there is less time to explore quietly. You'll stay at camp the majority of the night, instead of out in the open desert.

A Quick comparison of Morning vs Evening.

FactorMorningEveningWeatherWins in summer, Loses in winterA pleasant spring throughout the year, especially in the winterPhotographyLight and crisp dune textures and clean, crisp lightVibrant red, orange, and blue hues in the skies and vibrant scenes from the campAtmospherePeaceful and nature-focusedSocial and festiveFood and entertainmentTypically light refreshments will be provided.Dinner and live shows includedDurationAbout 4–5 hoursRoughly 6–7 hoursPriceTends to cost lessIn addition, a higher number of inclusions for the priceCrowdsCalmerMore hectic particularly on weekends

Which One Suits Your Travel Style?

Young families: Take advantage of the morning. Less opportunity for meltdowns and no late bedtimes due to the cooler weather, shorter duration, and early finish. 

Honeymooners and couples: Sunset is a must-see, and the starlit dinner of the evening trip is not to be missed. For those who wish for privacy, a private morning tour is the better option that is quieter and more intimate. 

Photographers and nature enthusiasts: plan on taking pictures in the morning for clean light and wildlife or in the late afternoon for sunset pictures. 

Large groups and celebrations: The evening is the obvious option! Birthdays, reunions, and team outings are enjoyable due to the shows, shared atmosphere and dinner. 

First time visitors: For those who can't make it in the middle of the day, the evening will offer the complete desert experience. If your morning schedule is packed, it can easily fit in, and it will do so without interfering with your other appointments. 

In summer: Bend forward as it is not so hot and can be comfortable all day long.

Tips for Booking the Right Safari

Regardless of your solution, there are a couple of tips that help make it easier. Ensure that they have a trained driver, your vehicle is a legal 4×4 and your seat belts are working and that pickup and drop off are services provided. Dress in light, loose clothing, wear sunglasses and sunscreen and wear shoes that are easy to remove sand from or sandals. 

Persons suffering from back problems, heart ailments or pregnancy should avoid dune bashing and good operators can offer them alternative ways of enjoying the dunes. Be sure to ask: What is included? (You won't want to be surprised), including meals, drink, sandboarding and photos. It also assists in booking with a licensed supplier and not just a random street provider. 

All elements of the experience are managed by a trusted destination management company in Dubai, including vetted camps, safe transportation, flexible schedules and multilingual guides. Since they know the area well, you won't be left with any last minute issues or problems for family trips, group travel or corporate outings. A reasonable operator will also be honest to you if a certain camp is too full, and offer an alternate time.

Final Thoughts

There are no bad options here – just a better option for you. For those seeking quiet, cooler temperatures, soft lighting and a flexible day, then the morning journey is for you. If you are looking for sunsets, music, dinner and a partying night under the stars, then the evening’s trip will be the one. Consider the people traveling, the season and how much of the day you want to spend in the desert. Either way, you'll come away with some sand in your shoes, some amazing photos and a whole new experience of Dubai.