Home > > > How to Add a Jeep Safari to Your Dubai MICE Programme

How to Add a Jeep Safari to Your Dubai MICE Programme

Author : Phillips Texa | Published On : 02 Oct 2026

Why a Jeep Safari Belongs in a MICE Programme

The days of the conference are usually crowded in Dubai. Delegates move through plenary, breakout sessions, networking lunches and exhibition stands, typically in air conditioned buildings. There is a decrease in energy after the second or third day. It's a different deal when you're in the desert.

A Jeep Safari in Dubai is a better experience than any activity available in the urban environment for a number of reasons: 

  • It's special to the area. A lot of delegates have already visited rooftop bar and shopping malls in other cities but limited delegates have seen the red sand dunes at sunset.

  • It encourages networking. A 4x4 ride with five other delegates is definitely an idea that gets conversations rolling that may not have been otherwise created in a conference hall.

  • It is appropriate for audiences of a diverse nature. Nothing is too adventurous or too laid back, from adrenaline-pumping dune bashing to cultural and laid back camel riding.

  • It creates content. The photographs and videos taken in the desert are perfect for events, social media and future advertising campaigns.

  • This is near the city. The excursion can be done in a half day as most desert camps are within an hour of major hotels and venues. 

These benefits help to make delegates happier, engagement is deeper and delegates will talk about the programme long after the event is over for organisers. 

Choosing the Right Slot in Your Agenda

The first decision is on the place of the safari in the programme. The timing, from attendance to energy level, makes sense in all aspects and should be considered carefully. 

Welcome Evening

The event starts with a desert evening which will set the mood. Early arrival on the same afternoon or next day for delegates to check in and go to the dunes. It's a wonderful icebreaker, particularly if people are from overseas and different businesses. 

Mid-Programme Break

An inter-conference safari provides delegates a much needed break in the middle of a multi-day conference. The sessions are followed by an afternoon in the desert to refresh everyone, and then the day following. 

Closing Celebration or Gala Dinner

A number of organizers take the desert as the final event. The event can be made memorable by having the closing dinner, award presentation and entertainment in a private camp. 

Pre- or Post-Event Tour

If the conference has a very tight agenda, the safari could be provided as an extra tour pre/post to the conference. Delegates can add on to their tours without disrupting the main schedule. 

Selecting the Right Safari Format

While all desert experiences are similar in some ways, they will differ in others and could be designed to fit your group's budget and objectives. Common options include:

  • Evening Safari: This is the most popular type which includes dune bashing, sunset photography, camel riding, henna, barbecue dinner and live entertainment at camp.

  • Evening dinners or receptions: Can be the evening activity of choice, which is why a shorter version of the safari is an option, conducted in the morning, involving dune driving and sandboarding.

  • Private camp experience: Private camp or a setup that is tailored to your requirements, ideal for galas, product launches and confidential events.

  • Overnight desert stay: a luxury alternative of having your tents set up in the desert, stargazing and breakfast in the dunes, for smaller groups of VIPs and incentive travelers. 

Additional activities can also be incorporated into a complete Desert Safari Dubai package, including falconry, team challenges on the sand, astronomy, photography of traditional costumes and quad biking. If the format is appropriate for the audience, the excursion does not impinge on the purpose of the event.

Planning Logistics for Large Groups

Coordinating the move of hundreds of delegates to the desert takes care. The following are the main areas to plan upon.

Vehicles and Drivers

Typically, the 4x4 safari vehicles are able to accommodate 6 guests. If there are 180 delegates in a group, it requires approximately 30 vehicles, plus some extras in reserve. It is a good idea to license all drivers, and have them experienced and briefed on the group, for desert driving. Roll cages, seatbelts, first aid kits and radios should be included in the vehicles. 

Pick-Up and Transfers

Pick ups are typically delayed by the hotels/by the groups in the case of MICE Dubai, which has several groups of people heading out. Sometimes, people ride buses from their homes to a central location and then in the 4x4s to the site. This will help prevent congestion at the hotel gate and ensure the convoy arrives at sunset.

Camp Capacity and Layout

The camp should be able to accommodate the entire group of campers and provide sufficient seating, buffet stations, restrooms and shaded areas. A private camp or a separate area for larger events will ensure that the group is away from others who are visiting the camp. 

Food and Beverage

Menus should be relevant and diverse to an international audience including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten free and allergy friendly options. Gather information on dietary needs at registration and provide information early in the event. Alcohol must be served at desert camps with the proper licence, so be sure to check through first if serving alcohol in packages.

Branding and Content

An evening in the desert is a wonderful opportunity to remind people of the message of the event. Branded welcome arches, photo booths, custom table settings and LED screens ensure the brand doesn't come across as heavy-handed. Hire a photographer and videographer to take special photos and videos.

Safety and Risk Management

In the desert, safety has to be a careful, planned-on affair and not something that's taken for granted. Remember to include in your plan: 

  • All vehicles & activities must be properly licensed and insured.

  • For larger groups, onsite first aid or paramedics will be provided.

  • Wind, sandstorm and extreme heat monitoring and contingency plans.

  • An open safety brief with no prior assumption made about safety before dune bashing.

  • Provide separate transport direct to camp for guests with medical conditions and/or those that prefer a more calm journey as well as those who are pregnant. 

This is easily managed by an experienced DMC Dubai partner. A destination management company arranges permits, operators, insurance, medical support and back-up arrangements, and communicates with the hotels and transport teams and the camp. This gives the organiser the freedom to concentrate on the content and delegates, not on desert logistics.

Best Time of Year for Desert Excursions

October to April is the best time to visit Dubai for desert experiences, as it is also the busiest season for the Dubai calendar of MICE events. Outdoor activities are comfortable, as days get pleasantly warm and nights cool.

Desert programmes can be done in the summer months, but they tend to be shorter and take place in the late afternoon and evening. Activities can be provided as an alternative in an indoor or hotel environment. 

Tips for a Successful Desert Add-On

  • Effectively notify delegates beforehand. Include dress code, timing, what to bring and health advice in the event app/ welcome pack.

  • Make registration easy. Have delegates register for safari at event registration (gentle or standard dune drive).

  • Stay on schedule: Take your time to pick up, take photos of the sunsets, have a meal and don't rush.

  • Build in networking. Intermingle delegates at tables and in cars to foster new relationships.

  • Measure the impact. Use post-event surveys to gauge delegates' appreciation of the excursion. 

Conclusion

When you book a jeep safari for your MICE Dubai programme, you can rest assured that your event will be one that you will never forget. It also provides delegates a chance to relax from the conference hall, and also offers them a natural opportunity to network and gives them a glimpse into Dubai that they may not have known. Safety, appropriate transport, an appropriate format and careful planning can make the desert event a highlight. Plan ahead, particularly during peak season, and the dunes will take you from there