THE MIDDLE EAST · PRIVATE

The 15 Private Tours in the Middle East That Earn Their Price

106 tours  ·  from $13 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 private tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Private Morning Desert Safari Dubai with Dune Bashing & Sandboard - Camel riding, with a slower change of pace
Desert Safaris, Desert Safaris in Dubai, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

Private Morning Desert Safari Dubai with Dune Bashing & Sandboard

1.Private Morning Desert Safari Dubai with Dune Bashing & Sandboard

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,488 reviews Our pick

Start before sunrise and head from Dubai to Lahbab in a private 4x4. Your driver-guide, such as Shaban, Ahsan, or Hussein, handles pickup, dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and photos. The four-hour outing suits families and small groups, while quad biking costs extra.

“Fantastic experience from booking to being dropped off. Our guide was professional, knowledgeable and we really enjoyed the trip. He took lots of photos for us without being asked!”

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3000cc Dune Buggy & Sandboarding - Private Experience - One hour of driving across the dunes
Desert Safaris, Desert Safaris in Dubai, Private, Quad Biking & Dune Buggies, Quad Biking in Dubai, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

3000cc Dune Buggy & Sandboarding – Private Experience

2.3000cc Dune Buggy & Sandboarding – Private Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,486 reviews · from $388

Take control of an individual 3,000cc V6 dune buggy for one hour of guided desert driving, then try sandboarding if you wish. Your private experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, safety helmet, goggles, water, soft drinks, Arabic coffee, dates, a convoy leader, and a backup vehicle. Minimum age is 10.

“Great trip, excellent service. We had a great time driving these dune buggies. It was easy to learn and the photo shoot was a fun addition, providing great memories.”

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Private Half Day Desert Safari - Khor Al Udaid, where dunes meet the sea
Desert Safaris, Desert Safaris in Doha, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Doha

Private Half Day Desert Safari

3.Private Half Day Desert Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,350 reviews · from $192

This four-hour private safari takes you from Doha or Wakra across Qatar’s dunes to Khor Al Udaid, where sand meets the sea. A licensed guide drives the 4x4, with bottled water and soft drinks included. Choose morning or afternoon departure, then add a camel ride or ATV at Sealine Beach for an extra charge.

“We had a fun time on this desert safari but we really missed out on what can be the best part of a trip because the driver's English language skills were very poor.”

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Dubai Airport Private Departure and Arrival Airport Transfer - What happens after your flight lands
Airport Transfers, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

Dubai Airport Private Departure and Arrival Airport Transfer

4.Dubai Airport Private Departure and Arrival Airport Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,138 reviews · from $19

Arrange a private Dubai airport pickup or departure ride with Rimo Tours, available 24/7. A sedan carries up to three people, while a minivan carries up to five. Meet a representative at the airport, then ride to your hotel or residence. Confirm your destination carefully, since Marina, Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, and Jebel Ali cost extra.

“Riyaz Khan was very nice and professional. Our driver, Mr.Aziz (i don't remember full name) was also very nice and professional. Good experience.”

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Private Dubai Airport Transfer DXB to Dubai City - The Ride to Your Hotel or Residence
Airport Transfers, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

Private Dubai Airport Transfer DXB to Dubai City

5.Private Dubai Airport Transfer DXB to Dubai City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 978 reviews · from $12Best value

You’ll be met at Dubai International Airport and driven to your Dubai hotel or residence in a private air-conditioned sedan for up to three people or minivan for up to five. Rimo Tours offers flight tracking, complimentary waiting time, 24-hour service, and WhatsApp coordination, but confirm any distance surcharge beyond 17 kilometers before paying.

“Reps were waiting for us and welcomed us at arrival as expected. They guided us to the parking lot and accommodated us into the vehicle. Then, the driver finally brought us to the hotel. We are very satisfied.”

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Dubai 3 Hour Private Luxury Yacht Charter with Jet Ski Option - Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai from the water
3-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Ski Rides, Private, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai, VIP, Yacht & Marina Cruises

Dubai 3 Hour Private Luxury Yacht Charter with Jet Ski Option

6.Dubai 3 Hour Private Luxury Yacht Charter with Jet Ski Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 886 reviews

Set out from Dubai Marina on a private yacht for up to 10 people. Your crew serves bottled water and soft drinks as you pass Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai, JBR, Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab. Choose morning, afternoon, or evening, and add a one-hour Jet Ski session for anyone aged 16 or older.

“This was an amazing experience. When we arrived, check in process was easy. Everything we had added such as balloons and BBQ lunch was all ready and presented as promised. The crew on the yatch was exceptional Suchin being one of them. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Pick up from Dubai or Abu Dhabi - Heritage Village gives you a quick cultural introduction
Abu Dhabi Day Trips, City Tours, City Tours in Dubai, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dubai

Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Pick up from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

7.Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Pick up from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 863 reviews

Travel from Dubai or Abu Dhabi in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Yasir, Malik, or Mr. Khan. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, Emirates Palace, Marina Mall, and the Dates Market, with a Ferrari World photo stop. The itinerary can be adjusted, but guide quality and English fluency may vary.

“Great experience. Thx to our chauffeur and tour guide Malik for answering all of our questions, the explanations and flexibility with the itinerary! Had a great time!”

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Dubai: Full-Day Private Car and Driver Hire - What the car and driver provide
Full-Day, Private, Private Car with Driver, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

Dubai: Full-Day Private Car and Driver Hire

8.Full-Day Private Car and Driver Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 862 reviews · 5 - 10 hours

Book a private air-conditioned car and English-speaking driver for 5 to 10 hours in Dubai. You choose the stops, from major sights to shopping and photo breaks, while drivers such as Vicky Ali, Fahad, Yasir, and Ghulam Ali handle the roads, waiting time, and route. Hotel pickup, drop-off, bottled water, and private transport are included.

“My driver was great he took us from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to see the grand mosque and anywhere we asked him to go he was very accommodating .”

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Private Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Sand Boarding - The drive from Dubai to Lahbab
Desert Safaris, Desert Safaris in Dubai, Dining Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

Private Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Sand Boarding

9.Private Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Sand Boarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 853 reviews

You get a private air-conditioned 4x4 from any Dubai address, then head to Lahbab for camel riding, falcon photos, 35 to 40 minutes of dune bashing, sandboarding, and sunset views. At the Al Awir camp, expect BBQ dinner, henna, Arabic dress, shisha, Tanura, fire shows, and a ride home by 9:00 to 10:00 PM. Guides include Noori, Haider, Yousaf, and Adnan.

“The dune ride with Syed and the desert itself. We had a wonderful driver and guide that helped make this evening perfect.”

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Dubai: Marina Private Boat Tour & Palm Jumeirah Sightseeing - Sunset, daytime, or evening?
Burj Khalifa & Dubai Landmarks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dubai

Dubai: Marina Private Boat Tour & Palm Jumeirah Sightseeing

10.Marina Private Boat Tour & Palm Jumeirah Sightseeing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 801 reviews · 80 minutes - 2 hours

Take a private English-guided motorboat cruise from Dubai Marina for 80, 100, or 120 minutes. You will pass Ain Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Royal Atlantis, and, on the longest route, Burj Al Arab. Captains such as Jitu, Raj, and CJ are known for friendly commentary and taking family photos. Bring a towel and connect your phone to the boat’s sound system.

“Amazing activity! Every time I visit Dubai, Sea X Sea are my go to for boat rides due to their phenomenal staff. Our tour guide Raj was so kind and took great pictures and videos for us during our boat ride. Would highly recommend to all!”

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Private Dubai Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer to Dubai City - From the terminal to your hotel door
Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

Private Dubai Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer to Dubai City

11.Private Dubai Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer to Dubai City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 771 reviews · from $13

Rimo Tours provides a private, 24-hour transfer between Dubai International Airport and your Dubai hotel or residence. You’ll ride in a sedan for up to three people or a minivan for up to five, with an English-speaking professional driver, air conditioning, GPS tracking, and insured passengers and luggage. Confirm any possible extra charges before travel.

“The man who fetched me from the terminal to the car was a super gentleman. He was very kind. The driver too was such an amazing person. Together, they managed to give me an amazing experience. 💚”

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Private Evening Red Sand Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner - Thirty-five minutes of dune bashing
Desert Safaris, Desert Safaris in Dubai, Dining Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

Private Evening Red Sand Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

12.Private Evening Red Sand Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 757 reviews

You’ll ride privately from Dubai or Sharjah to Lahbab’s red dunes with a 4x4 guide such as Rashid, Salim, or Khalid. Expect dune bashing, sunset photos, a 10-minute camel ride, henna, Arabian coffee, dates, BBQ dinner, belly dance, Tanura, and a fire show.

“Nice excursion to the sand dunes. Booking was easy. Communication with agency and driver via Whatsapp worked well, and pick-up in private vehicle was on time. We loved the drive in the sand dunes (over one hour in the dunes, activities, photo stops). Rashid is a good aRead more”

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From Amman: Petra & Wadi Rum Private or group Day Tour - Entering Petra through the Siq
Petra Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Amman, Tours in Jordan, Wadi Rum Desert Camps

From Amman: Petra & Wadi Rum Private or group Day Tour

13.Petra & Wadi Rum Private or group Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 750 reviews · 14 hours · from $126

Leave Amman early for Petra and Wadi Rum, two of Jordan’s great sights. Your English-speaking driver, often Mahmoud, Zeyad, Fox, or Khalil, handles the long road and timing. Spend about three hours at Petra, then take a two-hour 4x4 ride through Wadi Rum if selected. A local Petra guide is not included.

“Mahmoud, our driver, is not only a well-mannered and trustworthy professional, but he also creates a friendly atmosphere among group members. He treated us with respect and kindness. It is worth mentioning that Mahmoud speaks English fluently, drives carefully, has a neat and clean new minivan, and is reachable via WhatsApp. P.S. DO NOT MISS THE JEEP TOUR IN WADI RUM!”

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Dubai: Private Luxury Yacht Tour on a 50-Foot Yacht - Leaving Dubai Marina with a short safety briefing
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dubai, VIP, Yacht & Marina Cruises

Dubai: Private Luxury Yacht Tour on a 50-Foot Yacht

14.Private Luxury Yacht Tour on a 50-Foot Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 724 reviews · 2 - 8 hours

Take a private 50-foot yacht around Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and Ain Dubai. Your English-speaking crew handles the route, photos, drinks, and safety briefing. Bring food for the electric BBQ, swim when conditions allow, or choose a sunset cruise with music and city lights.

“Would change nothing! Attention to detail was great. A great day for a 50th Birthday celebration. Thank you!”

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Desert Safari & Keshta | (Private) - Sealine Beach brings you close to camels and falcons
Desert Safaris, Desert Safaris in Doha, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Doha

Desert Safari & Keshta | (Private)

15.Desert Safari & Keshta | (Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 721 reviews · from $178

You’ll ride from Doha in a private 4x4 with a professional driver, race across Mesaieed’s dunes, visit camels and falcons at Sealine Beach, stop at Khor Al Adaid, then enjoy a Keshta picnic with Arabic coffee, tea, dates, and snacks. The 5 to 6 hour tour starts at 4 pm and includes pickup, water, insurance, and drop-off.

“We were picked up from the hotel then driven out into the desert 🐪 and saw some camels. We then drove up and down some steep sand dunes. We came across one of our drivers other cars which had broken down so spent quite a long timRead more”

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New in Private

★ 5.0From Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem Half-Day Private Tour23 reviews
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★ 5.0Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos Private Day Tour29 reviews
★ 4.8Private Petra Day Trip with GuideFrom $18664 reviews
★ 4.7Petra & Wadi Rum Private/Group Full Day TourFrom $14028 reviews
★ 5.0Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea Private 2-Day TripFrom $227103 reviews
★ 4.9Private Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais TourFrom $5782 reviews
★ 4.8Private Day Trip to Petra with PickupFrom $125129 reviews
★ 4.8Jerash, Umm Qais, and Jesus’ Cave Private TripFrom $8723 reviews
★ 4.9Full-Day Private or Group Tour to PetraFrom $72145 reviews
★ 4.9Petra and Dead Sea Private Day TourFrom $58101 reviews
★ 5.0Private Walking Tour in Dubai / Old Dubai TourFrom $4725 reviews
★ 4.8VIP Private City Tour with Burj Khalifa Entry TicketsFrom $150170 reviews
★ 4.1VIP Private Scuba Dive with Free Hotel TransferFrom $9531 reviews

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