Is the VIP Premium Desert Safari Worth It? What You Get for AED 150

Yes, for most couples, families and first-time visitors, the VIP Premium Desert Safari is worth it. For 150 AED per person, 50 AED more than our Evening Desert Safari, you get the same dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding and six live shows, plus a BBQ dinner served at your table and VIP seating with an air-conditioned room.

If your only goal is the dune bashing at the lowest price, the standard Evening Safari at 100 AED covers the same activities. This guide shows exactly what the VIP Premium package includes, what the extra 50 AED buys, and when it makes sense to upgrade further to VIP Gold or VIP Platinum.

What the VIP Premium Desert Safari includes

The VIP Premium desert safari is a 6-hour evening tour that combines the full desert adventure with an upgraded camp experience, for 150 AED per person.

• Pickup and drop-off: door-to-door from your hotel or residence in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman by 4×4, with a shared or private transfer that you choose when you book.
• Desert activities: dune bashing with professional drivers, a camel ride, sandboarding and a stop for sunset photos.
• At the camp: henna painting and photos in traditional Arabic costume.
• Dinner: a VIP BBQ buffet served at your table, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters.
• Drinks: unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee.
• Seating: an air-conditioned VIP room and a separate VIP seating area at the camp.
• Entertainment: six live shows: Belly Dance, Tanoura, Fire Show, Saeedi Dance, Dabka Dance and Sofi Dance.

The show line-up can vary slightly depending on the day of the week. Quad bikes, buggies and alcoholic drinks are not part of the package and are available at extra cost.

VIP Premium vs Evening Safari: what the extra 50 AED buys

The VIP Premium and the evening desert safari share the same desert adventure, so the 50 AED difference pays only for how you spend the evening at the camp.

Both tours have the same pickup areas, the same dune bashing, camel ride and sandboarding, the same six live shows, and unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee. The difference starts once you arrive at the camp:

• Dinner service: on the Evening Safari the BBQ buffet is self-service; on VIP Premium your dinner is served at your table.
• Where you sit: Evening guests sit in the shared camp; VIP Premium guests have a separate VIP area and an air-conditioned VIP room.
• Price: 100 AED per person for the Evening Safari and 150 AED per person for VIP Premium.

In practice, the upgrade matters most in two situations: when you would rather not serve yourself after a long afternoon in the dunes, and in the warmer months, when an air-conditioned room is a real comfort before and after dinner.

VIP Premium vs VIP Gold and VIP Platinum

VIP Premium is the entry level of our three VIP desert safaris, and all three share the same activities and live shows, so the higher tiers add privacy and extras rather than more adventure.

The VIP Gold desert safari costs 230 AED per person and gives you your own separate table in the VIP area, with a hookah, juice and refreshments at the table. The VIP Platinum desert safari costs 300 AED per person and is our most exclusive package, with the highest level of personalised service.

If a private table or a hookah is important to your evening, VIP Gold is the better fit. If not, VIP Premium already gives you table service and VIP seating for 80 AED less than Gold. Our VIP Platinum vs Gold vs Premium comparison puts all three side by side.

Who the VIP Premium safari is worth it for

The VIP Premium safari is worth it for guests who want a more comfortable camp evening without paying for a private table.

• Couples who want a relaxed dinner served at the table instead of serving themselves at the buffet.
• Families with young children or older relatives, who can rest in the air-conditioned VIP room.
• First-time visitors who want the classic desert safari with a little more comfort.
• Anyone visiting in the warmer months, when air-conditioning at the camp makes a real difference.

It is less worth it if you are travelling on a tight budget, because the 100 AED Evening Safari already includes every activity and every show. It is also not the right choice if you want a hookah or a table of your own, which come with VIP Gold.

Pickup, timing and what to know before you book

Pickup for the VIP Premium safari is typically between 3:00 and 4:00 PM, and the exact time changes through the year with the sunset, so it is confirmed when you book.

The tour lasts about 6 hours and runs every day, including weekends and public holidays. If you have dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, let us know when you book. Because of the dune bashing, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with serious back or neck conditions.

You can cancel or reschedule for free up to 24 hours before your pickup. To see how VIP Premium compares with every other package, read our guide to how much a Dubai desert safari costs, or our complete Dubai desert safari guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the VIP Premium Desert Safari in Dubai?

The VIP Premium Desert Safari costs 150 AED per person, which is 50 AED more than the 100 AED Evening Desert Safari.

What is the difference between the Evening Safari and VIP Premium?

Both include the same activities, live shows and soft drinks. VIP Premium adds a BBQ dinner served at your table, a separate VIP seating area and an air-conditioned VIP room, while the Evening Safari has a self-service buffet in the shared camp.

Does the VIP Premium safari include hotel pickup?

Yes. Door-to-door pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman is included, and you can choose a shared or private transfer when you book.

Is alcohol included in the VIP Premium safari?

No. Unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee are included, and alcoholic drinks are available at extra cost.

Are quad bikes included in the VIP Premium safari?

No. Quad bikes and buggies are not part of the VIP Premium package and are available for an additional fee.

Is the VIP Premium safari suitable for children?

Yes. It is suitable for all ages, including young children and seniors, and the air-conditioned VIP room gives families a comfortable place to rest. The dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with serious back or neck conditions.

Can I cancel my VIP Premium booking?

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule for free up to 24 hours before your pickup.

Ready for a more comfortable desert evening? Book the VIP Premium desert safari on our website, or message us on WhatsApp if you are deciding between VIP Premium and VIP Gold.