Guidelines

How to Book

  • To book any of our tours and safaris please book online, call us on +971 545886056.
  • Purchase of any of our products or services is subject to our Conditions of Contract.
  • You may be asked to sign an indemnity form upon purchasing certain tours and safaris.

Good to Know

  • Our sightseeing tours are conducted in more than one language and are usually multilingual, however our safari are conducted in English only.
  • Our safaris involve off-road driving through rugged country – which adds to the excitement of the excursion. However because of the adventurous nature and the rough terrain, you should not participate if your health or any pre-existing medical conditions (including heart ailments neck or back problems) may be adversely affected.
  • We do accept expectant mothers and passengers with heart ailments neck or back problems but alternative arrangements need to be made in advance for certain segments of the excursions. Please email info@desert-safari-in-dubai.com or call to make these arrangements.

Ramadan

  • Ramadan is the holy month during which the Islamic world commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran and all Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk. Eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours is strictly prohibited for all, throughout this month. Food is served at some restaurants and cafes, and in the hotels.

Safari Vehicles

  • Our safari vehicle fleet ensures comfort and safety. By law, all passengers must wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion.
  • There are special considerations for children travelling in our safari vehicles. For the safety of our younger passengers in the vehicles, special seating is required and must be requested and booked in advance, as below:
  • Seating is not pre-allocated. During safaris, seating for passengers within one 4-wheel drive vehicle will be rotated. We recommend that all passengers read our safety card which is available with the driver/guide in the vehicle before the start of the excursion.

Cultural Awareness

  • Photographing government buildings, military institutions and all oil and gas refineries is strictly prohibited
  • If you litter you may be fined
  • Don’t smoke indoors or in public areas
  • Always ask permission before taking pictures of Emiratis.
  • Avoid taking photographs of ladies dressed in traditional attire.
  • As a mark of respect for local customs, please avoid public displays of affection.
  • The UAE has a reasonably relaxed dress code, but it is an Islamic country and modest clothing is recommended, particularly in shopping malls, souks, rural areas and during visits to mosques or places of worship. For ladies, shoulders and knees should be covered. Clothing should not be transparent, tight or revealing. Beachwear is acceptable at beach clubs, in the hotel, at the pool or on the beach. Light summer clothing is suitable for most of the year. Sweaters or jackets may be needed during the winter months, especially in the evenings and on desert and mountain safaris. Hats, sunblock and sunglasses are advised during daylight hours.

Dress Code and Conduct for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Conservative dress is required to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:

  • Ladies Dress Code:
    • Ladies hair must be covered with a headscarf. Ladies must bring a headscarf (not the crocheted type) with them when visiting the mosque and it must be worn at all times on the mosque premises.
    • Conservative and loose fitting clothing is a requirement – long sleeves up to the wrists, long skirts and trousers to the ankles with no side slits.
    • Clothing items for ladies must not be white or transparent (see-through).
    • Abayas (the black local cloak) can be worn, however they should be closed at the front or buttoned up and not see-through.
  • Gents Dress Code:
    • Shorts for men are not allowed however the ¾ length trousers are allowed.
    • Short sleeves are allowed, however sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
    • Visible tattoos must be covered.
    • Clothing items with iconic images or visible slogans are not allowed.
    • Swimwear or beachwear is not allowed.
  • Codes of Conduct:
    • Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque’s main prayer hall, so we recommend slip- on shoes.
    • Public display of affection – holding hands, hugging or kissing is not acceptable in a Muslim place of worship.
    • For safety reasons and as a sign of respect to worshippers, visitors should stay within the areas of the mosque that are permitted and not wander around.
    • Smoking and consumption of food is not permitted on the mosque premises.
    • Lying down on the carpet in the main prayer hall is not allowed.
    • Photography is allowed everywhere in the mosque except Sheikh Zayed mausoleum
    • Visitors are requested not to touch the Holy Quran Book and other architectural elements inside the main prayer hall.
    • Children are to be supervised by their parents. The mosque has several reflective pools and these should be avoided at all times by children.

Alcohol

  • Serving of alcohol and live entertainment is not permitted for a period of 24 hours starting at sunset on the eve of all religious holidays. The legal drinking age in the UAE is 21 years of age.