When most people think of a desert safari Dubai experience, they picture a dramatic sunset over golden dunes, a cozy BBQ dinner under the stars, and traditional Arabian entertainment. While the evening trips are popular, there’s a hidden gem many travelers miss — the morning desert safari.
The morning desert safari offers a quieter, more peaceful, and equally thrilling way to explore the magical desert landscape. As someone who has experienced this early adventure more than once, I can confidently say: it’s underrated but unforgettable.
In this guide, I’ll share what you can expect from a Dubai desert safari in the morning, why it might be better than the evening version, and how you can even enjoy it through a desert safari self drive. We’ll also explore iconic spots like Al Faqa Desert and Al Khatim Desert, and help you choose the best desert safari packages that suit your travel style.
Why Choose a Morning Desert Safari?
The Cool, Golden Hours of the Day
One of the biggest reasons to choose a morning desert safari is the weather. The UAE desert can become extremely hot after 11 AM, especially during the summer. But in the morning, the air is crisp, and the dunes are bathed in soft golden light — perfect for photography, camel rides, and dune bashing.
The morning time is also ideal if you’re short on time and want a quick adventure before continuing with your day in Dubai or Sharjah.
What Happens During a Morning Desert Safari?
Every desert safari trip offers its own unique experience, but here’s what you’ll usually find in a morning safari package:
✅ Pickup and Drive to the Desert
If you choose a guided package, you’ll be picked up from your hotel around 6:00–7:00 AM. However, if you prefer a more flexible option, you can opt for a desert safari Dubai self drive route, where you drive your own 4×4 SUV to the camp location.
Popular pickup zones include Desert Safari Sharjah, Dubai, and other nearby Emirates.
✅ Dune Bashing
This is the highlight for many. A skilled driver takes you on a thrilling ride over the sand dunes, often at high speed. It’s like a desert rollercoaster!
For those using a desert safari self drive option, you might want to join the group only once you reach the camp. Driving over soft sand requires experience.
✅ Camel Rides & Sandboarding
Nothing says Emirati tradition like a camel ride in the desert. Most desert safari packages include short camel rides along with sandboarding, where you surf down the dunes.
✅ Photography & Scenic Views
The morning sun casts stunning shadows and highlights the texture of the sand. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or a smartphone, this is a photographer’s dream.
✅ Light Refreshments
While evening safaris offer BBQ dinners, a morning safari includes light snacks, tea, water, and sometimes Arabic coffee and dates.
Best Locations for Morning Desert Safari
Some deserts are more scenic and accessible in the morning, especially for those interested in self-drive safaris. These include:
🌄 Al Faqa Desert
Located between Dubai and Al Ain, Al Faqa Desert is known for its rolling red dunes and peaceful environment. It’s great for a desert safari Dubai self drive because of the easy access from main roads. The sunrises here are breathtaking.
🌄 Al Khatim Desert
Near Abu Dhabi, Al Khatim Desert is ideal for beginner drivers and families. The dunes are wide and not too sharp, making it safer for a desert safari self drive.
🌄 Lahbab Desert (Big Red Dune)
Situated along the Dubai-Hatta road, Lahbab is famous for the towering Big Red Dune, perfect for sandboarding and photography.
Morning Safari vs. Evening Safari – Which Is Better?
Let’s compare both to help you decide:
| Feature | Morning Desert Safari | Evening Desert Safari |
| Time | 6 AM – 10 AM | 3 PM – 9 PM |
| Weather | Cooler | Warmer |
| Crowd | Fewer tourists | More tourists |
| Activities | Adventure-focused | Cultural shows, dinner |
| Photography | Golden sunrise | Golden hour, sunset |
| Flexibility | Great for short trips | Needs full evening |
If you’re a morning person, want to avoid crowds, or have a busy itinerary, then the morning desert safari is your best choice.
Desert Safari Self Drive in the Morning
Choosing a desert safari Dubai self drive means you’ll use your own or rented 4×4 vehicle to reach the desert, saving on pickup charges and adding flexibility. It’s ideal for residents or travelers with confidence in off-road driving.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
✅ What You Need
- A 4×4 SUV (e.g., Land Cruiser, Pajero)
- Deflate your tires before hitting the dunes
- Carry water, GPS, and a shovel (just in case!)
- Know the route to the camp (e.g., Al Faqa or Al Khatim)
✅ When It’s Ideal
- Cooler mornings reduce the risk of engine overheating
- Fewer cars mean a safer, smoother drive
- Better lighting for land navigation
For first-timers, it’s recommended to join a desert safari package that allows self-driving to the campsite but lets you ride with a pro for the dune bashing part.
Choosing the Right Morning Desert Safari Package
Here are some things to consider when picking your desert safari package:
🔹 Group or Private Tour?
- Group tours are budget-friendly and social.
- Private tours offer privacy and custom experiences.
🔹 With or Without Self Drive?
- If you enjoy driving and adventure, choose a self-drive desert safari.
- Otherwise, go with a chauffeured package.
🔹 Adventure Level
Some packages focus on thrill rides while others include nature and wildlife (like spotting desert foxes or gazelles).
Recommended Operators (based on local reviews):
- Desert Safari DXB
- OceanAir Travels
- Royal Vision Tourism
My Experience with a Morning Safari
Last winter, I booked a morning desert safari with a desert safari self drive option. I drove my friend’s Nissan Patrol to Al Faqa Desert just before sunrise. The peace and golden light made it feel like I was stepping into a painting. After joining the group at the camp, we enjoyed an exciting dune bashing session, followed by fresh dates and Arabic coffee.
Compared to the crowded evening safaris I’d done in the past, this felt more personal, relaxed, and refreshing. If you enjoy silence, wide views, and crisp morning air, this is for you.
Conclusion
The morning desert safari is one of the most underrated experiences in the UAE travel scene. Whether you’re a tourist short on time or a resident seeking a weekend thrill, it offers excitement, scenery, and peace all in one.
From Al Faqa Desert to Al Khatim Desert, the UAE has some of the most stunning landscapes that look even more magical in the early hours. Whether you choose a guided Dubai desert safari, a desert safari self drive, or an adventurous ride in Desert Safari Sharjah, you’ll be stepping into a world that many miss — but few forget.
So the next time someone talks about desert safari Dubai, tell them there’s more to it than evening shows. The real magic starts at sunrise.
