About Explorer Tours
Explorer Tours is not a conventional Dubai performance venue with an auditorium, stage or permanent seating plan. It is an adventure-tour operator whose principal visitor experience now trades as Zerzura Experiences . The Dubai address in Business Bay is an administrative office; the activities, dinners and overnight stays take place at Zerzura Camp in Mleiha National Park, Al Ruwaida, Sharjah. Current material describes the camp as a low-density destination capped at approximately 50 guests.
As of 14 August 2026, the former Explorer Tours material was directing guests to the Zerzura brand, and current experience pages were accepting bookings from October 2026. The camp closes during the hottest part of summer, although exact reopening language has varied between September and October on different pages. Visitors should therefore rely on the availability displayed for their chosen experience rather than assuming year-round operation.
What distinguishes the operation is its location within Mleiha’s protected desert landscape. The surrounding 34.2-square-kilometre national park combines dunes, geological formations and archaeology within the Faya Palaeolandscape. Faya was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025 for evidence of intermittent human occupation and adaptation extending back more than 210,000 years. Fossil Rock, Camel Rock and ancient settlement sites give the excursions substantially more historical context than a standard dune circuit.
History: From Explorer Tours to Zerzura
Explorer Tours was already an established UAE adventure company by the early 2010s, initially offering a broad mix of corporate team-building, school expeditions, hiking, kayaking, camping, desert safaris and outdoor leadership programmes. A 2022 industry profile described the company as more than a decade old, although no dependable public source gives a precise opening day. The Mleiha project itself dates from 2018, according to the operator’s present history.
During 2021 and 2022, Explorer Tours promoted 2,000cc Desert Fox buggy rides, camel experiences, sandboarding, private desert dinners, mountain treks, yacht activities and corporate outings. It received a 2021 travellers’ recognition and was named Best Safari Experiences Company – Dubai in a 2022 business award programme. Contemporary visitor accounts frequently combined hotel collection, dune driving, buggy use, sandboarding and a private dinner beside a campfire.
By September 2023, the name Zerzura was appearing in Explorer Tours material as the company concentrated more heavily on premium Mleiha experiences. Explorer Tours remained an award nominee under its original name in 2024, but the newer identity increasingly represented the desert camp, self-drive buggies and private dining. In 2025, Zerzura added a shared four-course dinner and received recognition as the Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator.
The transition is now explicit: Explorer Tours says that its former booking presence is closing and that the experiences are continuing under Zerzura. No verified concerts, theatrical seasons or public festivals were found for 2021–2026. Famous sportspeople, musicians, DJs and entertainers have visited, but the operator does not claim that all of them performed publicly. No named programme beyond the autumn 2026 season has been announced.
Events and Programming
Programming is experience-led rather than performance-led. The core product is a guide-led, self-drive journey in two-seat or four-seat Desert Fox sand buggies. A typical booking includes a safety briefing, about one hour behind the wheel, Fossil Rock and Camel Rock stops, sandboarding, a camel ride and a nature walk. Total time at the site is usually two to three hours, before the journey from Dubai is added.
Evening options extend the visit with a four-course Arabic and Emirati dinner, table service and refreshments. Couples can choose a secluded private arrangement in the dunes, with either Majlis-style floor seating or a boho-style table. Optional enhancements have included oud or other live musicians, fire shows, cultural performances, floral decoration, telescope stargazing and proposal arrangements. These are bespoke additions, not a guaranteed nightly show.
Overnight programming includes private glamping tents and simpler camping arrangements. A glamping tent is prepared for two guests with a queen-size inflatable bed, linen, pillows, a side table and ambient lighting. Dinner, breakfast and access to camp facilities can be included. Ramadan has also brought seasonal iftar dinners, while corporate retreats and tailored celebrations reflect Explorer Tours’ original team-building background.
Tickets and Booking
There is no conventional box office or reliable walk-up inventory. Experiences are reserved in advance for a selected date, party size and transfer arrangement. Booking early is particularly sensible for sunset sessions, private dinners, proposals, weekends and the cooler October-to-April season. Availability is deliberately limited because the camp is designed around small groups rather than mass tourism.
Recent published prices provide a useful planning range: a camp dinner starts around AED 300 per person; a self-drive buggy for two is roughly AED 1,200–1,500 depending on transfers; a buggy-and-dinner evening is around AED 2,200 for two; private buggy dining starts near AED 3,400 per couple; and glamping starts around AED 800 per tent. Prices, menus and inclusions can change by season.
The current cancellation terms provide a full refund when cancellation is confirmed at least 24 hours before the experience, with no refund inside 24 hours. Partially used services are generally not refundable. Guests should inspect the inclusions carefully because pickup, dinner, entertainment and private convoy arrangements differ between packages.
Layout, Capacity and Production
Zerzura is an open-air camp rather than a purpose-built theatre. No verified dimensions, architectural floor plan or fixed seat count have been published. The current stated operating cap is approximately 50 guests, with private tables for couples or groups. Private dining can be separated from the principal camp, while overnight guests use individual tents around the low-density desert setting.
There are no “best seats” in the theatrical sense. Dining positions are chosen for privacy, service and views of the dunes rather than stage sightlines. The most atmospheric experience is generally around sunset, when the landscape changes colour and the temperature falls. Guests seeking a traditional posture can request Majlis-style seating; those wanting easier access to a conventional chair and table should choose the raised dining arrangement.
The camp operates entirely on solar power and uses ambient solar lighting, lanterns, candles and campfires as major design elements. No public technical rider identifies a permanent concert sound system, stage, lighting grid, projection equipment, rigging points or backstage facilities. Any amplified music, fire act or cultural entertainment should be regarded as event-specific production arranged for the booking.
The most detailed technical specifications concern the buggies. Explorer Tours has described its Desert Fox machines as automatic, 2,000cc vehicles with wide chassis, roll cages, bucket seats and four-point harnesses. Helmets and goggles are supplied, and routes use guide-led convoys with professional desert support; certain experiences employ both lead and sweep vehicles.
Getting There and Parking
The visitor destination is Zerzura Camp in Mleiha National Park, Al Ruwaida, Sharjah—not the Explorer Tours office in Dubai. Driving time is normally 45–60 minutes from Downtown Dubai, depending on traffic and pickup location. Mleiha is about 49 minutes from Dubai International Airport and is approached by road through Sharjah’s Central Region, with the E102 serving the wider area.
Shared Dubai hotel collection is included in selected packages, and a private transfer can usually be added. This is the easiest option for visitors without a hire car because there is no direct Dubai Metro or practical scheduled bus service to the camp. A taxi or rideshare may make the outward journey, but a pre-arranged return is essential because passing vehicles are not dependable in this remote area.
Current dining information says that the camp is accessible by a regular car over a normal paved route; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is not required. On-site parking charges and the number of marked spaces are not published, and no separate parking fee is listed. Follow the arrival instructions supplied with the reservation rather than navigating only to Fossil Rock or the archaeological centre.
The administrative office is in Office 2102, Regal Tower, Al Mustaqbal Street, Business Bay. Business Bay Metro Station is the nearest Metro connection, but the walk can take more than 20 minutes; local bus stops are closer. Most leisure visitors have no reason to visit the office because check-in takes place through the arranged transfer or at the Mleiha meeting point.
Inside the Camp
Arrival usually begins with refreshments, identification checks, registration and a safety briefing. Buggy participants are fitted with helmets and goggles before being shown the controls and convoy signals. Original identification is required: tourists should carry a passport, while UAE residents need a valid Emirates ID or passport. Closed shoes are compulsory for desert activities.
The camp provides toilets, showers and changing facilities, particularly for overnight and activity guests. Dining packages offer welcome drinks, juices, Arabic coffee and multi-course food, with dietary requirements catered for when declared in advance. Alcohol is not served: the camp is in Sharjah, an alcohol-free emirate, and arriving under the influence can result in removal without a refund.
No coat check, permanent merchandise shop, public Wi-Fi service or guest charging guarantee is advertised. Bring as little as possible and secure phones or action cameras against sand and vibration. Photography is encouraged, but equipment must not interfere with vehicle control. Staff frequently help guests take photographs at scenic stops, a feature praised in recent reviews.
Nearby Amenities
This is not a walkable nightlife district. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre has exhibitions, guided heritage tours and a café, but it should be treated as a separate attraction with its own operating hours. Restaurants in the wider Mleiha area are dispersed, so a pre-booked camp meal is the most convenient choice for evening visitors. There are no nearby bars because alcohol is prohibited in Sharjah.
Nearby overnight alternatives include the five-room Al Faya Retreat and the dome-and-tent accommodation at Moon Retreat. Both provide a desert stay rather than city-style access to shops and restaurants. Travellers wanting extensive dining, shopping and late-night transport will usually return to Dubai or central Sharjah, while those prioritising stargazing can stay at Zerzura itself.
What Makes This Experience Special
Explorer Tours’ most important contribution has been to connect adventure tourism with Mleiha’s archaeological story. Instead of treating the desert solely as a motorsports playground, guides introduce fossils, ancient human migration, native plants and the vulnerability of protected terrain. The experience became even more culturally significant after the Faya Palaeolandscape received World Heritage status in July 2025.
Zerzura says it supports indigenous planting, invasive-species removal, recycling, water conservation, low-impact routes and locally sourced UAE food. These policies potentially direct visitor spending towards local farms and specialist guides while increasing awareness of Sharjah’s heritage. No audited figures for jobs, visitor expenditure or wider economic impact are publicly available, so its precise financial contribution should not be overstated.
Visitor Tips, Accessibility and Reviews
Recent visitors consistently praise the organisation, hotel pickup, attentive guides, scenery and the way driving speed is adjusted to experience level. A smaller number report communication problems when activities changed, including a 2026 complaint about missed fossil, camel and nature-walk elements around Friday prayer scheduling. Confirm the exact sequence, private-versus-shared format and included stops before departure.
No verified accessibility guide confirms step-free routes, wheelchair-accessible toilets, adapted buggies, hearing loops or designated accessible parking at the desert camp. American ADA standards do not apply in the UAE, and loose sand presents obvious mobility barriers. Guests requiring assistance should disclose transfer, seating and toilet needs before paying and should not assume that a general wheelchair-accessible office listing reflects conditions in Mleiha.
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, closed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Bring a warmer layer for winter evenings. Pregnant guests cannot participate in buggy rides, and people with back, neck, heart or other conditions aggravated by jolting terrain should obtain medical advice. Littering, reckless driving, ignoring guides and leaving designated routes are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Explorer Tours still open under that name?
The experiences continue, but the business is transitioning from Explorer Tours to Zerzura Experiences. Former Explorer Tours material now directs customers to the newer brand. Use “Zerzura Experiences” when identifying the Mleiha camp, while recognising that older reservations, reviews and directory listings may still display Explorer Tours.
Is Explorer Tours Camp actually in Dubai?
No. The administrative office is in Business Bay, Dubai, but the desert camp and buggy routes are in Mleiha National Park, Al Ruwaida, Sharjah. Allow approximately 45–60 minutes from Downtown Dubai. This location difference is important when arranging taxis, hire cars, hotel pickups and evening return transport.
When does Zerzura open in 2026?
As of 14 August 2026, current booking pages showed availability from October 2026 following the summer closure. Different pages have occasionally referred more generally to a September or autumn return, so the selectable dates for the specific buggy, dinner or glamping package are more reliable than general opening-hour listings.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes. This is a small-capacity, experience-based operation rather than an attraction with continuous admission. Reserve a date, session, party size and transfer type in advance. Sunset drives, private dinners, proposals and cooler-season weekends have the greatest availability pressure, while walk-up places and a physical camp box office are not advertised.
How much should I budget?
Allow approximately AED 300 per person for dinner, AED 1,200–1,500 for a two-person buggy package, AED 2,200 for buggy driving with camp dinner, AED 3,400 or more for a private dining combination, and around AED 800 for a two-person glamping tent. Seasonal inclusions can alter the final amount.
Can I drive to the camp in a normal car?
Yes. Current visitor information states that the camp can be reached on a normal paved route in a regular car, without a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle. Use the directions provided with the reservation, as searching only for Mleiha National Park or Fossil Rock may take you to a different access point.
Is there parking, and does it cost anything?
Self-arrival packages allow guests to drive to the camp, so parking is available as part of the arrival arrangement. No separate parking price, capacity figure or advance parking reservation system is published. Arrive early enough to follow staff directions and avoid leaving vehicles on unmarked sand or protected terrain.
Can I take the Dubai Metro or a public bus?
Public transport is useful only for reaching the Business Bay office, not the Mleiha camp. There is no direct Metro or practical scheduled bus connection to Zerzura. Visitors without a car should choose a package with Dubai hotel pickup or organise a private round-trip vehicle rather than depending on a return taxi from the desert.
How early should I arrive?
Follow the confirmed pickup or check-in time and allow a buffer for Dubai and Sharjah traffic. Self-drivers should aim to reach the meeting point around 20–30 minutes before the stated activity time for registration, identification checks, refreshments, equipment fitting and the safety briefing. Late arrival could shorten or disrupt a convoy-based excursion.
How old must I be to drive a buggy?
Drivers must generally be at least 16. Participants aged 16–17 may drive with parental consent, while adults can drive after completing the safety briefing. Current general information says no driving licence is required, but original identification is mandatory and individual products may impose additional conditions. Confirm the requirement attached to the selected booking.
Can children ride as passengers?
Children may join selected buggies as passengers when they meet the booking’s minimum age, height and restraint requirements. Recent product information has used a minimum of ten years and 100 centimetres for some experiences, while older Explorer Tours material stated nine years. Use the stricter requirement shown during booking rather than relying on an old review or advertisement.
Can pregnant guests join the buggy ride?
No. Pregnant guests are not permitted to drive or ride in the buggies because of the jolting, uneven terrain. They may be able to attend a dining-only experience, subject to safe transport and camp access. Anyone with back, neck, cardiac or mobility concerns should discuss suitability before reserving an activity package.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear closed shoes, comfortable outdoor clothing and securely fitted accessories. Bring original identification, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat; add a jacket for cooler evenings. Avoid long loose scarves, flowing garments and dangling jewellery around the buggy. Helmets, goggles, drinking water and other essential safety equipment are normally supplied.
Is alcohol available at the camp?
No. Zerzura is in Sharjah and operates as an alcohol-free camp. Dinner includes non-alcoholic welcome drinks, juices, water and Arabic coffee. Alcohol consumption before desert activities can lead to refusal or immediate termination without a refund, particularly where staff consider a guest unsafe, abusive or incapable of following instructions.
Is the camp wheelchair accessible?
No detailed accessibility specification has been published for the desert camp. Loose sand, outdoor paths and vehicle entry may be challenging, and accessible toilets or adapted buggies are not confirmed. Guests requiring step-free transfers, firm pathways, raised seating or personal assistance should establish what can be provided before booking rather than relying on the accessibility of the Dubai office.
Are toilets, showers and changing rooms available?
Yes. Camp information identifies clean toilets, showers and changing facilities, especially for glamping and activity guests. However, their number, dimensions and wheelchair adaptations have not been published. Day visitors should confirm whether every facility is available during their session, particularly outside the main October-to-April operating season.
Can I bring a camera or action camera?
Yes. Phones, cameras and securely mounted action cameras are encouraged for dune and fossil stops. Equipment must be firmly attached and must not obstruct steering, harnesses or safety gear. Drone use is subject to UAE aviation, protected-area and local operating restrictions, so do not launch a drone merely because the landscape appears open.
What happens if weather affects the experience?
Extreme heat, wind, reduced visibility or other unsafe desert conditions can alter routes, timing and outdoor elements. The camp operates seasonally to reduce summer risk. Guests cancelling at least 24 hours ahead qualify under the published refund policy; operator-led weather changes should be handled according to the specific reservation terms communicated for that date.
