The short version
Wear light clothing by day and bring a layer for the evening. Carry water, sun protection and a charged phone. Ask before you photograph people, leave a drone at home unless the operator confirms otherwise, and read your government's travel advice before you book.
The details below come from tour operators and official sources. Rules for a specific activity, such as quad biking, come from the operator of that activity and can be stricter than the general advice.
Current travel advice, as of 21 October 2026
Read your own government's advice before you book, and choose flexible cancellation terms.
Germany, Federal Foreign Office
Since 30 September 2026 (status 21 October 2026), it advises against non-essential travel to the UAE. It cites a volatile regional situation and the risk of airspace closures.
United Kingdom, FCDO
Updated on 24 July 2026, still current on 21 October 2026. It notes the risk of further escalation, flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures. It does not describe a closure of all desert activities.
United States, State Department
Level 3, Reconsider travel, since 29 August 2026, because of terrorism and armed conflict. This is a US rating and not a ban on tourist entry.
This page does not judge the situation. Operators may change or cancel trips at short notice, so ask about their policy when you book.
Our pick: a standard evening safari
Read the current travel advice on this page before you book. This evening safari has the usual programme with refreshments and pickup.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Desert safaris from Dubai
Evening, morning and overnight desert tours, with live prices and availability.
Clothing, water and gear
What to wear and carry.
What to wear
Operators suggest light summer clothing. In winter, add a sweater or jacket, especially for the evening. By day, bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. In rural and public areas, modest clothing is advised. For quad biking and other sports, the equipment rule of that activity applies.
Water and gear
Dubai's tourism portal recommends enough water, a first aid kit, sun protection, a light and GPS, and telling a contact where you are before a camping trip. Mobile reception can be limited in the desert.
Weather
Starkregen and flash floods can hit wadis, especially in winter. The German Foreign Office advises leaving wadis when a warning is issued. Balloon flights depend on weather, and fog or wind can delay or cancel them. The best time page covers heat by month.
Dune bashing, health and children
Operator guidance, not medical advice.
Health notes
Arabian Adventures warns guests with heart, neck or back problems, and other conditions that off-road driving can affect. Pregnant guests and guests with such conditions should arrange an alternative before the trip. Ask your doctor if you are unsure. The dune bashing page has more.
Seat belts and child seats
You wear a seat belt during the drive. Request child seats in advance. The rules differ by product and between private and shared vehicles. For example, one evening safari asks for a private vehicle for children under 5, while a morning product asks for a private vehicle below 135 cm.
A calmer alternative
Some operators offer nature drives without dune bashing. That is a different service, described on the private safari page.
Alcohol, Ramadan, photos and drones
Local rules and etiquette.
Alcohol
The FCDO gives a minimum age of 21 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Drinking or being drunk in public places is illegal, and licensed venues are a separate case. In Sharjah, even possessing or drinking alcohol is banned, which matters on routes toward Hatta. Do not assume you may bring your own alcohol to a camp in the open desert.
Ramadan
The FCDO warns that eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day, and loud music or dancing, can cause offense. Operators can be stricter than the law. Arabian Adventures asks guests to drink the water it provides inside the vehicle during the day. Camp programs and drinks differ by operator, so ask what is offered during Ramadan.
Photographing people
Photograph people only with their consent. Do not photograph government or military sites. The German Foreign Office points to criminal risks of recordings connected with military conflicts.
Drones
The GCAA requires registration of the user and the device, and flying only in approved zones. Registration does not mean you may fly now: Safety Decision 2026-03 of 28 February 2026 suspended drone permits. A third-party source reports that commercial flights resumed on 30 June 2026, but that does not cover tourists. Leave the drone at home unless the GCAA or your operator confirms it is allowed.
Animals
Camel rides and falcon shows differ by operator in how they care for the animals. One operator states at most two rides a day and one rest day a week, which is the operator's own statement and not an independent seal. See the camel ride page.
Licenses and booking
What to ask the seller.
Ask for the permits
Dubai's tourism authority runs ePermits for safari drivers, vehicles, camps and tour operators. A mention of an old license in a listing is not proof of a current one. Safari drivers must pass a 5-day RTA training and renew their permit every year.
Book ahead
Some operators recommend reserving before you arrive because they have a limited number of vehicles and guides. Cancellation terms differ by product, for example 24 hours for one evening safari.
Desert safari tips: frequently asked questions
What should I wear on a desert safari?
Light summer clothing by day, a sweater or jacket for winter evenings, and a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Modest clothing is advised in rural and public areas. For quad biking, follow the equipment rule of the activity.
Can I drink alcohol on a safari?
The minimum age is 21 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and drinking in public places is illegal. Licensed venues are a separate case, and some operators offer drinks packages while others serve no alcohol. Do not assume you may bring your own alcohol to a camp.
Can I photograph people at the camp?
Only with their consent. Do not photograph government or military sites.
Can I fly a drone in the desert?
Do not count on it. The GCAA requires registration and approved zones, and Safety Decision 2026-03 of 28 February 2026 suspended drone permits. Leave the drone at home unless the GCAA or your operator confirms it is allowed.
Is it a good time to travel to the UAE?
Official advice has changed this year. Since 30 September 2026 (status 21 October 2026), the German Foreign Office advises against non-essential travel to the UAE, citing a volatile regional situation and the risk of airspace closures. The UK FCDO updated its advice on 24 July 2026 and notes the risk of further escalation, flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures. The US State Department has listed Level 3, Reconsider travel, since 29 August 2026. Read your own government's current advice before you book, and choose flexible cancellation terms.