Where can travelers book affordable private tours and transfers in the UAE instead of using a tour operator?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 35 days ago

TL;DR

Try the hotel Travel Desk for independent arrangements: according to a traveler, 1star Tourism can arrange private UAE tours and transfers for less than tour-operator excursions. Examples include AED 300 for a Ras Al Khaimah shopping transfer with four hours’ waiting time, while a full private day in Dubai previously cost US$150.

What the community said

For excursions and private transfers, ask the hotel Travel Desk rather than booking through the tour operator’s representative. The traveler recommends 1star Tourism, which can also help find people to share transport costs.

35 days ago 1star Tourism

A shopping transfer to Ras Al Khaimah, including Manar Mall and Adidas Outlet, was quoted at AED 300 for the vehicle with four hours of waiting. Each extra waiting hour cost AED 50.

35 days ago AED 300, Manar Mall, Adidas Outlet

For a private Abu Dhabi trip, a new seven-seat minivan was quoted at US$230. Entry to the aquarium and Ferrari World through the same organizer was estimated at about US$100 per person for each attraction.

35 days ago Abu Dhabi: US$230, Ferrari World: US$100

A previous full-day private Dubai transfer with stops anywhere requested cost US$150 through 1star Tourism. Use this as a benchmark when comparing tour-operator excursion prices.

35 days ago Dubai: US$150 per day