You are staying in Sharjah the Cultural Capital of the UAE and you want to experience the thrill of the desert. But when you look online, almost every tour company talks about “Dubai pickup.”
Do you have to take a taxi all the way to Dubai just to start your tour? Will the driver come to your hotel in Al Majaz or your apartment in Al Nahda? And does a pickup from Sharjah cost extra?
If you are searching for “evening safari Sharjah pickup”, you are in the right place. The good news is: You do not need to go to Dubai.
At Maverick Safari UAE, we treat Sharjah guests with the same priority as Dubai guests. Our fleet operates daily across both emirates. In this guide, we will answer all your questions about booking a desert safari from Sharjah, including 2026 pricing, exact pickup locations, and how to avoid the “meeting point” trap that many budget operators use.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know (Fast Facts)
- Can I get picked up from Sharjah? Yes! We offer door-to-door pickup from any hotel or residence in Sharjah.
- Is it extra cost? For Private and Advance (Shared) packages, pickup is usually included in the ticket price. For Budget bus packages, you may need to go to a specific meeting point (like Sharjah City Center or Mega Mall).
- Pickup Time: Typically 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Slightly earlier than Dubai pickups due to traffic).
- Price Range (2025):
- Shared 4×4: 140 AED – 200 AED per person.
- Private Car: 750 AED – 1,100 AED per car.
- Best For: Residents in Al Nahda/Al Khan, tourists at Sharjah beach resorts, and families.
What Is an Evening Safari Sharjah Pickup?
The actual desert experience is exactly the same as the famous Dubai safari. The only difference is where your journey begins.
You will be driven from Sharjah to the Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes) or the Al Aweer desert conservation reserve. The drive usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your location in Sharjah (traffic on E11 or E311 can be heavy, so we plan accordingly).
A Typical Timeline
- 02:30 PM: Pickup from your hotel lobby or apartment building in Sharjah.
- 03:45 PM: Arrival at the desert meeting point (deflating tires).
- 04:15 PM: Dune Bashing begins (30-45 minutes).
- 05:00 PM: Sunset photography stop.
- 06:00 PM: Arrival at the Desert Camp.
- 06:15 PM: Camel riding, Sandboarding, Henna painting.
- 07:30 PM: BBQ Dinner & Live Shows (Tanoura, Fire Show, Belly Dance).
- 09:00 PM: Drop-off back at your location in Sharjah.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
Pricing for Sharjah pickups is competitive. Here is how Maverick Safari UAE structures the options for 2025:
1. Basic Package (Bus Pickup Point)
- Price Range: 60 AED – 90 AED per person.
- How it works: You must meet the bus at a landmark like Sharjah City Center or Mega Mall.
- The Catch: The bus takes you to the camp. It does not do dune bashing (buses can’t drive on sand). You might get a short 5-10 minute bashing in a 4×4 near the camp, but it’s not the full experience.
- Best For: Solo travelers on a tight budget.
2. Advance Package (Door-to-Door 4×4)
- Price Range: 140 AED – 200 AED per person.
- How it works: A Land Cruiser picks you up directly from your home or hotel. You stay in this car for the drive to the desert AND the dune bashing.
- The Perk: No changing vehicles. No waiting at malls.
- Best For: Most tourists and residents.
3. Private Car from Sharjah
- Price Range: 750 AED – 1,100 AED per car.
- How it works: You rent the whole car.
- The Perk: Total privacy. If you live in Al Nahda and traffic is bad, you can relax in your own space with your own music. Great for families with kids.
What’s Included (And What Most Companies Don’t Tell You)
Transport & Pickup Details
- Coverage: We cover all areas of Sharjah: Al Majaz, Al Khan, Al Nahda, Corniche, Rolla, Muweilah, and even near the Airport.
- Traffic Note: Sharjah traffic is famous for being heavy during rush hour. We might ask to pick you up 15-20 minutes earlier (e.g., 2:15 PM) to ensure we reach the desert before sunset.
Dune Bashing & Safety
- Included: 30-45 minutes of Red Dune Bashing.
- Safety: All cars have roll cages and first aid kits.
- Kids: Children under 3 need a private car for a “Nature Drive” (no bashing).
Activities & Camp
- Included: Short Camel Ride, Sandboarding, Henna (small tattoo), Shisha (in designated area).
- Entertainment: Fire Show, Tanoura Dance, Belly Dance.
Food & BBQ
- Included: Buffet Dinner with Veg/Non-Veg options, Water, Soft Drinks, Tea/Coffee.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- “Free” Pickup vs. Paid: Some companies advertise “Free Pickup” but then tell you it’s only from Deira City Center. Always confirm: “Is this pickup from my hotel in Sharjah?” With Maverick’s Advance/Private packages, the answer is always YES.
- Drop-off Delays: If you take the Bus Option, drop-off can take a long time as the bus stops at multiple locations. A 4×4 drops you straight home.
How to Choose the Best Package
| Traveler Type | Recommended Package | Why? |
| Family in Al Nahda | Private Car | Al Nahda traffic is unpredictable. A private car is comfortable for the kids and flexible with timing. |
| Couple at Sharjah Beach Resort | Advance 4×4 | Enjoy a hassle-free pickup from your resort lobby. No need to take a taxi to a mall. |
| Group of Bachelors | Advance or Private | If you are 6 friends, a private car is cheaper per person and gives you freedom. |
| Budget Solo Traveler | Basic (Bus) | If you don’t mind walking to Mega Mall or City Center, you save money. |
Real Experience: What a Typical Guest Day Looks Like
2:30 PM: Your driver, Imran, calls you. He is waiting outside your building in Al Majaz. The white Land Cruiser is spotless.
3:30 PM: You are cruising down E611 (Emirates Road), avoiding the city traffic. You pass the Sharjah Mosque a stunning sight.
4:00 PM: You arrive at the Lahbab Desert. Imran deflates the tires. You buy a karak tea at the stop.
4:30 PM: The dune bashing starts. The car climbs high red dunes. It feels like a rollercoaster. You scream, laugh, and hold on tight.
5:15 PM: Sunset stop. You take photos with the endless sand behind you. It’s quiet and peaceful, a world away from the busy Sharjah streets.
6:00 PM: At the camp, you ride a camel and watch the chef grill the chicken tikka. You sit on cushions, eating hummus and bread while the dancer spins on stage.
8:45 PM: The show ends. You hop back into the Land Cruiser. Imran drops you right back at your building door. No taxi hunting required.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. Traffic Strategy
Sharjah-Dubai traffic is busiest between 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Our Solution: By leaving at 2:30 PM, we beat the evening rush out of Sharjah. By returning at 9:00 PM, we usually miss the worst of the traffic coming back.
2. Dress Code
Sharjah is generally more conservative than Dubai. However, the desert camp is a relaxed zone.
- Wear: Comfortable shorts, t-shirts, or light trousers are fine at the camp. Bring a jacket in winter (Nov-Mar).
3. Food Before Pickup
Eat a light lunch. Do not eat a heavy biryani right before 3:00 PM. Dune bashing on a full stomach can lead to motion sickness.
4. Booking “Sharjah Tour” vs. “Safari”
Don’t confuse the two. A “Sharjah City Tour” sees the museums and souks. An “Evening Safari” goes to the desert. Make sure you book the right one!
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- We Know Sharjah: Our drivers know the shortcuts in Sharjah to avoid traffic jams. We won’t leave you stuck in a gridlock.
- No Extra “Out of Area” Fees: For our standard Sharjah coverage zones, we don’t charge extra hidden fuel fees.
- Family Friendly: We have child seats available (on request) and drivers who drive safely.
Ready to Escape the City?
You don’t need to be in Dubai to enjoy the desert. Let us pick you up from your doorstep in Sharjah and take you on an adventure.
Pickups from Sharjah are limited per day book in advance!
- Check Sharjah Pickup Availability
- WhatsApp Us for Location Check: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
Book your seat in the sand today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you pick up from Sharjah Airport area? A: Yes, we cover the Muweilah and Airport areas.
Q: Is the price different for Sharjah pickup compared to Dubai? A: Usually, the price is the same or very similar for Shared 4×4 packages. Private cars might have a small difference depending on how deep into Sharjah you are (e.g., near Ajman border). Check our booking page for exact rates.
Q: Can I get dropped off in Dubai instead of Sharjah? A: Yes! If you want to finish your night at Dubai Mall or a hotel in Dubai, just tell us when booking. We can do a “Sharjah Pickup -> Desert -> Dubai Drop-off.”
Q: Is alcohol available at the camp? A: Important: Sharjah is a “dry” emirate (no alcohol). However, the desert camps are located in Dubai/Ras Al Khaimah territory. Alcohol IS usually available at the camp bar (except during religious holidays), even if you came from Sharjah.
Q: How long does the return trip take? A: The drive back to Sharjah at night usually takes 45-60 minutes, depending on your exact drop-off location.
About the Author
This guide is brought to you by Maverick Safari UAE. We operate one of the most reliable desert fleets in the UAE, connecting guests from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman to the magic of the dunes.