Dubai Desert: 4x4 Dune Bashing & Camel Ride with Dinner

Summary

Ride camels try sandboarding and share a bbq dinner in Dubai’s dunes

You’ll bounce across Dubai’s dunes in a 4x4, ride camels at sunset, try your hand at sandboarding, and relax with a barbecue dinner under desert stars. Expect local guides to share stories, falconry demos, henna painting, and traditional music — all wrapped up with hotel pickup so you can just enjoy every moment out there.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried to balance on a camel?” That’s what our guide, Ahmed, asked as we shuffled up to the line of camels outside Dubai. I just laughed — honestly, I was more worried about falling off than anything else. The air smelled like warm sand and cardamom from the coffee they handed out at the start. We’d barely finished our first sips before piling into the 4x4s for dune bashing. It’s louder than you think — tires crunching over ridges, everyone whooping or grabbing onto the seat backs. My friend shrieked when we hit this one steep drop; even Ahmed grinned in the mirror.

After that wild ride, everything slowed down. The sun was dipping low and there was this weird hush over the dunes except for some distant laughter and the soft plodding of camels. I tried sandboarding (not gracefully), then ended up sitting in the sand just watching a falconer show us his bird — he called her Noor. He let me hold her glove for a second; her feathers were softer than I expected. There was bread baking on hot stones nearby, and that smell mixed with grilled meat drifting from the camp kitchen made my stomach rumble.

I got a henna tattoo from a woman who barely spoke English but smiled so much it didn’t matter. Later there was dancing — swirling skirts and music that sort of vibrated through your chest if you sat close enough to the stage. We ate barbecue under lanterns while people smoked shisha and swapped stories about their first time riding camels (I wasn’t alone in being awkward). I still think about how quiet it felt walking back across the sand after dinner, stars everywhere overhead. Not sure I’ll ever get used to that kind of silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari and Evening Activities

• Dune drive with photo stops
• Camel farm visit
• Sunset viewing
• Camel ride
• Sandboarding
• Henna tattoo
• Barbecue dinner and shisha

Top questions

How long is the Dubai desert safari tour?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert experience?

Yes, hotel lobby pickup is included in your booking.

What activities are part of this Dubai desert tour?

The tour includes 4x4 dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, falconry demonstration (except during Ramadan), traditional dance shows, Arabic sweets and coffee tasting, photography in Arabic dress, and a barbecue dinner.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at the international buffet dinner.

Is this Dubai desert safari suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries; specialized infant seats are available.

Can you use public transportation to reach the meeting point?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel lobby pickup by an English-speaking guide before heading out for 4x4 dune bashing across Dubai’s desert. You’ll visit a camel farm for rides at sunset, try sandboarding on the dunes, watch falconry demonstrations (except during Ramadan), get henna tattoos if you want one, taste Arabic sweets and coffee or tea on arrival at camp, enjoy unlimited mineral water throughout the evening plus an international buffet barbecue dinner with both veg and non-veg options. There’s also live traditional dance performances (Tanoura & belly dance), shisha corners to relax in after dinner, opportunities for sunset photography or dressing up in Arabic clothes for photos before heading back to your hotel.