Dubai Desert: Camel Safari, Falcon Show & Emirati Dinner

Summary

Ride camels in Dubai’s dunes, try henna, taste Emirati food under stars

You’ll ride camels into Dubai’s desert as dusk falls, watch a falcon show while the sky glows orange, try henna or Arabic coffee at a torch-lit Bedouin camp, then share an Emirati dinner under stars with new friends. It’s not just about photos—it’s how quiet feels out there.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Dubai when the city just vanished behind us—suddenly it was all sand and this weird, soft silence. Our driver handed out these checkered scarves (I think mine was upside down half the time), and then we met the camels. I’d never been that close to one before—they smell a bit like hay and patience, if that makes sense. The camel safari wasn’t as bumpy as I expected; mostly it was slow, with the sun sliding down and the air cooling off in a way that made me wish I’d brought a thicker jacket. Our guide, Ahmed, kept pointing out tracks in the sand—he could tell which animal had passed just by looking. I tried to spot them too but honestly, everything looked like lines to me.

The falcon show happened right as the sky started turning orange. There was this hush over everyone while the bird circled above us; you could hear its wings cutting through the air. One of the kids asked if it ever flies away for good—Ahmed just smiled and said something about trust between bird and handler. I liked that answer. Afterward we reached the Bedouin camp, torches flickering everywhere and this smell of cardamom coffee drifting around. A woman painted a henna design on my hand—I smudged it almost immediately but she just laughed and fixed it up.

Dinner was a blur of flavors—fresh bread still warm from the fire, spiced lamb, something sweet with rosewater for dessert (I forgot what it’s called). People drifted between tables sharing stories or trying shisha pipes; there was drumming at one point and some kind of stick dance—I tried to join but nearly tripped over my own feet. The desert felt colder by then but somehow cozy too, with everyone gathered near the lanterns. On the drive back to Dubai I watched headlights flicker across empty sand. There’s something about leaving all that quiet behind that sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and entertainment

• Pick-up from Dubai hotels
• Arrive at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Receive Adventure Pack and wear traditional headscarf
• Ride camel through desert dunes
• Watch sunset falcon show
• Arrive at torch-lit Bedouin camp
• Enjoy henna tattoos and live bread making
• Experience Arabic coffee making and camel rides
• Relax with aromatic shisha pipes
• Dine on 4-course Emirati banquet
• Watch cultural drumming and Yola performances
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the camel ride on this Dubai desert safari?

The camel ride lasts about 45 to 60 minutes through the dunes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai camel safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What kind of dinner is served at the Bedouin camp?

A four-course Emirati dinner is served with soup, salad, appetizers, main courses, dessert, water and juice.

Are there cultural activities besides camel riding?

Yes—falconry demonstration at sunset, live bread making, Arabic coffee making, henna tattoos, drumming and Yola performances are included.

Can children join this desert safari tour?

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old.

How many people ride each camel?

It’s two guests per camel during the safari.

Is there English spoken during activities?

The camel ride is conducted in English; other staff may speak limited English but gestures go a long way!

Should I bring anything special for this Dubai desert trip?

A light jacket and closed shoes are recommended—it can get chilly after sunset in winter.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle from Dubai hotels; a 45–60 minute camel caravan through the dunes; sunset falconry demonstration; traditional activities like live bread- and coffee-making plus henna tattoos; Emirati entertainment performances; and a four-course dinner with water and juice before heading back to your hotel late evening.