Is Platinum Heritage the Best Desert Safari in Dubai? Our Unfiltered Review
This our experience with Platinum Heritage desert Safari in Dubai. Let’s be honest, a desert safari is one of these activities that you can’t miss on the list when planning a trip to Dubai. Besides the skyscrapers and the bustling souks, there is the heart of Dubai: The desert. We are very lucky to have…
This our experience with Platinum Heritage desert Safari in Dubai. Let’s be honest, a desert safari is one of these activities that you can’t miss on the list when planning a trip to Dubai. Besides the skyscrapers and the bustling souks, there is the heart of Dubai: The desert.
We are very lucky to have been on the best desert safari in Dubai. Thanks to Platinum Heritage we have some of the best memories from the UAE.
Even our hotel concierge gave us a knowing nod when we mentioned our pick—apparently, we’d chosen the gold standard for Dubai desert safaris. After our experience, we can only agree.
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Is desert safari in Dubai worth it?
Absolutely. A Dubai desert safari offers unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and adventure, making it one of the city’s top activities.
FAQ | Dubai Premium Heritage Desert Safari
Why Platinum Heritage Stands Out
This is an honest review, so believe us or not, but they are the best. Platinum Heritage is in a league of its own. What made it unforgettable for us?
Sustainable and Authentic: Platinum Heritage operates inside a protected nature reserve. It’s inaccessible to the public. Because of that there is a high ethic about the environment and Bedouin culture. We saw wildlife roaming freely, and the guide seemed to know them very well, one by one.
Vintage Land Rover Adventure: Like in an old movie, we were on a vintage 1950s Land Rover. Dune bashing on this vehicle was incredible. It is part of the desert’s history, which is rebranded for tourism. Our guide whisked us across golden sands, sharing stories about the desert’s history and pointing out Arabian oryx and gazelles along the way.
The Bedouin Camp: that was a one-of-a-kind moment. We arrived at the camp at sunset. This isn’t the usual re-creation of a traditional Camp. It works as a camp. We dined on a four-course Emirati feast, watched a falconry display at sunset, and finished the night with stargazing and a heritage show. I had so much fun dancing, singing and learning as much about local life.
No Animal Exploitation: We’re always wary of animal experiences, but Platinum Heritage’s approach is refreshingly ethical. We hugged camels and watched Bedouins ride, but there was no pressure to participate in anything that felt staged or exploitative. For us, it struck the perfect balance.
Desert Safari Dubai: Our Step-by-Step Experience
Hotel Pickup: Punctual and friendly, our guide set the tone for the day.
Scenic Drive: We got a quick history lesson about Dubai’s outskirts—perfect for anyone who loves a bit of context with their adventure. While driving (about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai), we saw camels, and the city slowly disappeared.
Wildlife Spotting: Arabian oryx and gazelles are the real locals here. We were lucky enough to spot both.
Vintage Land Rover Tour: Once you get to the checkpoint, you’ll dress up (They will help you). Then will board the old vintage Vehicle and start slowly, as per the rules of the nature reserve, to get your way through the dunes. The car is open-top, so you can stand up and enjoy the wind and the whole landscape.
Bedouin Gifts: We had some souvenirs to take back home. While dressing up, they will gift men with local Ghutra (or keffiyeh, and Head turbans) and a Hijab for ladies.
Sunset Falconry
We learned so many things about falcons and life as bedouins in such a harsh environment. Watching a falcon swoop across the sky as the sun set was one of the best moments.
We had the front row of the show. Couldn’t ask for the best. The quiet of the desert, broken only by the falcon’s wings, made the moment feel truly timeless.
Dinner at the Bedouin Camp
Think lantern-lit tables, aromatic spices, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to linger all night. We flew the drone above the camp, and then we could see the golden dunes hugging this little oasis in the desert. There was nothing more for miles.
Cultural Show & Stargazing: It was a feast, food was flowing, and the mood was of a real, traditional party. We sat as Bedouin and watched the performance. At some point we were also dancing, singing and having the best time. As you are in the desert, there is no light pollution. The best way to see stars. It was magical.
You can stay overnight: So that you know, you can stay overnight. The bedouin camp is one of the best ways to experience Emirati hospitality. It includes breakfast and surely a nice sunrise.
Tips for the best desert safari experience
Book Early: Platinum Heritage tours are popular and seats fill up fast, especially for sunset and overnight safaris. Check the availability here.
Dress Smart: It was hot. Glad we had light and breathable clothes. No shorts, please, it isn’t just culture but practicality. The sand of the desert and the sweat aren’t your friends. Get a jumper with you; at night, it can get a bit chilly in the camp. If you want to know more about what to wear in Dubai, read our guide.
Bring a Camera: Glad we had both cameras with us. Don’t know how many shots of the desert we have. If you love Instagrammable moments, don’t miss our guide to Dubai’s best photo spots for some inspo. Anyway, if you don’t have one, the team can provide some professional shots and even a video.
Hydrate: The desert is dry—bring water, and don’t forget sunscreen.
A Heritage Desert Safari: What is included?
Even if you check the reviews you’ll get that Platinum Heritage isn’t the usual desert safari. It’s a bit more. It’s a trip into Emirati culture, brought with passion to tourists. We felt welcome in any way. We know a lot more about Dubai and the UAE thanks to this tour. This is what the tours include:
- Pickup and Drop-off
- 7 hours tour
- 4-course traditional dinner
- Shisha included
- Falconry Show
- Traditional Yola dance
- Stargazing
Book your Dubai desert safari with Platinum Heritage.
Platinum Heritage compared to other desert safari
One of the reasons why our concierge was particularly pleased by our pick is the fact that Platinum Heritage stands out for its unicity.
Starting from the fact that there is limited access to the oasis. In fact, the space is in concession by the royal family, and of course, there are no tours with such premium access.
The price is at the highest for the standards. Also, the experience overall is completely different. We highly appreciated the vintage car and the one-to-one service they offer.
The guides are exquisite, providing so much information about life in the desert. This is an advantage point compared to other experiences. As Dubai is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it might be worth spending a little more.
Other desert safari in Dubai
We completely understand that the price might get you off from booking this premium desert safari. Well, you don’t have to miss out on a unique experience. These are some alternative experiences with a lower price tag.
Half-Day Desert Safari + Quad Bike: Rated at 4.9 with over 15K reviews is one of the best desert safari in Dubai. It costs only £33 ($44 | €38), Book here.
Cheaper Desert Safari: Another Top Rated for GetYourGuide. Include a 7-hour tour with sand boarding, Quad biking, shisha, a fire show and a belly dance. Check availability.
Dubai Quad and ATV: Show and fun on this tour. Still one of the top-rated 4.9 and over 1K Reviews. This tour is perfect also if you have drop off in other locations, Sharjah and Ajman. Check out this tour.
