Desert Safari & BBQ in Ras Al Khaimah: Dune Bashing & Belly Dance

Ride the dunes, then eat and dance under the stars

A desert safari in Ras Al Khaimah combines dune bashing in a 4X4 with a cultural evening: henna painting, a belly dance performance, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner with traditional Arabic coffee and dates. The experience runs about three hours and includes a camel ride, soft drinks, and the option of hotel transfer.

The experience

You'll start with a pickup from your hotel (if you choose that option) or meet the group at the departure point, then head into the desert in an air-conditioned 4X4 vehicle. The drive takes you straight into dune bashing: the vehicle climbs and descends the sand dunes at speed, which is the main physical demand of the evening. If dune bashing isn't your thing, you can sit this part out, but most travelers come for it.

Once the sun starts to drop, the group settles at the desert camp for the cultural part of the night. You'll get henna painted on your hands while traditional Arabic coffee, tea, dates, and soft drinks are served. A belly dancer performs, and there's also a Tanoura (spinning dervish) show. You can dress in traditional Arabic attire for photos if you want. A camel ride is included, and sandboarding is available if you're interested in trying it.

Dinner is a BBQ spread cooked on-site: grilled meat and vegetables under the open sky. The whole evening is designed around the contrast between the adrenaline of dune bashing and the slower pace of sitting, eating, and watching performances. Three hours total means you're back at your hotel or the meeting point by late evening, which fits easily into a day with other plans.

What’s included

• Dune bashing in a 4X4 vehicle.
• henna painting.
• belly dance and Tanoura performances.
• camel ride.
• sandboarding.
• traditional Arabic coffee, tea, and dates.
• BBQ dinner.
• soft drinks and water.

Options for this experience

3 options

Safari with a shared transfer15:00Pickup by bus is included

Safari without Transfer15:00

Safari with a private transfer15:00Pickup by car is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (11 to 50 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 50

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Travel Talez FZ-LLC

Is this one for you?The dune bashing is the centerpiece and demands a moderate level of fitness and comfort with a bumpy, fast-moving vehicle. If you want the desert thrill without the rough ride, look for a gentler evening safari. Choose the private transfer if your hotel is far from the meeting point and you'd rather not arrange your own ride. The shared transfer works if you're flexible about pickup timing and don't mind meeting other travelers.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly is dune bashing and how rough is the ride?

Dune bashing is driving a 4X4 vehicle up and down sand dunes at speed. It's the main thrill of the safari. The vehicle climbs steep slopes and descends them quickly, so it's bumpy and physically demanding. If you have spinal issues or poor cardiovascular health, this part may not be suitable for you, and you can skip it if needed.

Can I do this safari if I'm pregnant or have a back injury?

The dune bashing portion is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries due to the impact and jolting motion. You should discuss your specific situation with the operator before booking to see what parts of the evening you can safely join.

Is the transfer from my hotel included in the price?

Transfer is optional and depends on which package you choose at checkout. You can book the safari without transfer and meet the group at the departure point, or add a private transfer for your group or a shared transfer with other travelers.

What's included in the BBQ dinner?

The BBQ dinner features grilled meat and vegetables cooked on-site. You also get traditional Arabic coffee, tea, dates, and soft drinks throughout the evening. Water is provided to keep you refreshed during and after the dune bashing.

Will I have time for photos in traditional dress?

Yes. You can wear traditional Arabic attire during the cultural part of the evening and take photos at the camp. The henna painting, camel ride, and performances all make for good photo moments, and the sunset over the dunes is a natural backdrop.