- Arabian Adventures reports year-on-year growth on evening safari bookings during summer
- Guests are booking more indoor cultural tours and water-based activities to balance their UAE summer itineraries
Momentum is expected to build further as the UAE heads into its busy winter travel season
Dubai, UAE, 4 September 2025: Arabian Adventures, the UAE’s leading destination management company (DMC) and part of the Emirates Group, has recorded steady summer growth across both desert and city experiences, as travellers blend iconic dune drives with cooler, indoor explorations.
Between June and September, the Dubai-based operator has seen a notable 4% growth in desert safari bookings, with nine in 10 guests opting for evening departures. Meanwhile, summer city tours grew nearly 10%, mainly driven by international visitors, with iconic attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, alongside Dubai’s At The Top, among the most-booked attractions.
City experiences take centre stage
While safaris remain the brand’s flagship product, Arabian Adventures’ city tours have become an increasingly popular choice for guests seeking cultural highlights and indoor comfort during warmer months. Shared tours to Abu Dhabi have grown in demand, offering visits to world-class attractions.
The company’s Adventure Pass, which bundles a desert safari with other city attractions, has also seen remarkable traction – recording a 67% year-on-year increase in bookings for June and July. Guests are using it to combine desert adventures with thrill-filled water and theme parks, indoor ski slopes, lush biodomes, and cultural icons – from museums to soaring observation decks – for a varied summer itinerary.
Evening safaris dominate the dunes
On the desert side, evening safaris accounted for 90% of all summer bookings, as guests sought out sunset drives, traditional dinners, and stargazing experiences. Premium safari offerings, including private vehicles, enhanced dining, and personalised camp setups, continue to gain popularity, appealing to travellers looking for added comfort while still enjoying the open dunes.
“The UAE continues to prove itself as a true year-round destination,” said Sebastien Doussin, Senior Vice President – Global Travel Services & Destination Management at dnata Travel Group. “Whether it’s cooling off at an indoor ski slope, exploring a biodome, or dining under desert stars, the UAE offers variety in a way few destinations can match. That diversity is what keeps it on the map for summer travellers from around the world.”
With the autumnal equinox on September 22 marking the official end of summer in the UAE, the coming weeks are set to bring even more favourable conditions for desert and city exploration. Arabian Adventures is already preparing for an influx of travellers during the cooler months, with winter traditionally ushering in the UAE’s busiest season for tourism and outdoor experiences.
Award-winning experiences backed by guest feedback
This growth follows Arabian Adventures being named a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice winner, placing it among the top 10% of global travel experiences. The award is based on consistently high guest reviews, reflecting the company’s service quality and guest satisfaction.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognised by our guests,” said Doussin. “The award reflects our team’s commitment to creating exceptional experiences – whether it’s a premium evening safari, a water-based adventure, or a family’s first time in the dunes.”