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Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown
18 February 2026 | 15 Min Read
For years, desert safaris have been some of the most popular experiences in Dubai. However, recently Ras Ai Khaimah desert safari has overtaken by becoming more popular due to its calmer and traditional experience in the desert.
This guide will help tourists, families and any kind of person to make the right decision by giving details about both places to go on their perfect holiday
A normal UAE desert safari would include activities such as dune dashing or desert driving, sandboarding, live entertainment and BBQ dinner under the stars. These activities are world famous activities that are considered thrilling in the Arabian community.
The only factor that separates Ras AI Khaimah from Dubai is the location, popularity and the overall look of everything.
A Ras Ai Khaimah ride would take place in the north emirate in the UAE. This part of the UAE is surrounded by red dunes and the Hajar Mountains that gives a beautiful scenery to the desert landscape. is perfect for someone looking for a peaceful yet authentic holiday.
Key highlights includes:
This is perfect for someone looking for a peaceful yet authentic holiday.
A Dubai desert safari would be an energetic and thrilling experience taking place in a much more crowded place that is located close to a city. It is a very famous experience for first time visitors in the UAE.
Key features include:
Dubai desert safari would be perfect for someone who’s looking for high entertainment and excitement.
| Feature | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Crowd level | Low and peaceful | High and busy |
| Desert landscape | Red dunes and mountains | Golden dunes |
| Experience style | Authentic and peaceful | Fun and thrilling |
| Price range | Better value | Often higher |
| Best for | Couples and families and for luxury | First time tourists |
The Ras AI Khaimah is outstanding due to its red dunes and the Hajar mountains that gives a beautiful scenery to the whole landscape which is better for photographs and sunset moments.
The Dubai desert safari is glamorous with dunes but is often filled with visible vehicle traffic as it is closer to the city.
The Ras AI Khaimah has small groups for all activities and normally the place has free spaces to rest and have a peaceful time as it is not always packed and crowded. This is better for travellers like families, couples and luxury travels.
The Dubai desert safari is often very crowded due to traffic jams and is always rushed and noisy due to the crowd and vehicles. This is good for someone who is travelling alone.
The Dubai desert safari gives a more thrilling and strong experience such as extreme dune dashing and motorbike experiences which can be very adventurous.
The Ras AI Khaimah desert safari gives much calmer activities such as scenic dune drives with optional activities.
The Ras AI Khaimah desert safari offers a variety of traditional entertainment such as cultural performances and storytelling.
Dubai desert safari offers more modern entertainment with live stages and louder music.
The Ras AI Khaimah desert safari offers various food types including a traditional BBQ buffet and emirates food. It also includes private dining setups.
The Dubai desert safari offers a buffet that is available to larger crowds.
The Ras AI Khaimah desert safari is affordable whilst giving a luxurious experience. The experience there stands out to their prices.
The Dubai safari experience is often very expensive.
Also Read - Best Time to Book Ras Al Khaimah Tour for Perfect Weather
If you are someone who is looking for high entertainment and does not mind overcrowded places and wants high adventurous activities, the Dubai desert safari would be the best option for you.
If you are someone who enjoys having a peaceful time with stunning landscapes and some quality entertainment, the Ras AI Khaimah desert would be your perfect holiday desert safari experience.
A typical Ras Al Khaimah desert tour includes dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, sunset photography, traditional entertainment, BBQ dinner, and cultural experiences.
Yes, Ras Al Khaimah desert tours are family-friendly, offering calmer dunes, kid-safe activities, and optional non-dune bashing experiences.
Ras Al Khaimah is approximately 120 km from Dubai and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
Ras Al Khaimah desert tours are generally more affordable than Dubai tours while offering similar activities and better value.
Yes, dune bashing is safe when done by licensed drivers using well-maintained 4x4 vehicles with proper safety measures.
Yes, private Ras Al Khaimah desert tours are available and can be customized for couples, families, or groups.
The best time is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and ideal for desert activities.