Dubai Desert: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ with Local Guide

Summary

Dubai desert safari adventure with camel ride & BBQ dinner

You’ll feel every bump of dune bashing through Dubai’s desert before pausing for sunset tea on golden sands. Ride camels, try henna art, taste smoky shisha, then settle in for a BBQ dinner with live music and dance shows under desert stars. It’s lively but there are quiet moments too — ones that stick with you longer than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence to hit so hard after we left the city — just this low hum from the 4x4 as we rolled out past Dubai’s edges. Our guide, Sameer, grinned in the rearview and asked if we were ready for “rollercoaster dunes.” I laughed but honestly, my stomach was already bracing. The sand looked almost too perfect — like someone had ironed it flat — until we started climbing those first big hills. Sand sprayed up against the windows and everyone in our car let out these half-nervous, half-excited yelps. I still think about that feeling of weightlessness at the top before dropping down again.

We stopped for a minute on one of the higher dunes. The sun was just starting to dip and everything turned this weird gold-pink color — not sure I’ve ever seen light like that anywhere else. Sameer pointed out some tracks in the sand (fox? or maybe he was joking) and handed around little cups of sweet tea from a thermos. It tasted smoky and sugary at once. There was this faint smell of spice in the air — maybe cardamom? Or maybe it was just my brain filling things in because I wanted it to feel extra “desert-y.”

The camp itself felt busy but not rushed. Some people went straight for the camels (I did too — they’re taller than you think), others tried on those long white robes for photos. There was a woman painting henna designs; she smiled when I flinched at how cool the paste felt on my wrist. Later, someone handed me a plate piled with grilled chicken and rice while music started up somewhere behind us — drums and something that sounded almost like singing but not quite words I recognized.

I tried shisha for the first time (minty, way smoother than expected) and watched as dancers spun in these wild circles under strings of lights. The fire show got everyone quiet for a second — you could hear people’s phones clicking but also just… real awe? Hard to explain unless you’re there. We drove back toward Dubai full and sandy and tired in that good way where you know you’ll sleep well.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and cultural evening

• Drive across desert dunes in 4x4
• Enjoy thrilling dune bashing
• Try optional quad biking
• Sandboard on golden dunes
• Watch sunset over desert
• Ride camels at camp
• Dress in traditional Arabic attire
• Get henna tattoos
• Relax with Arabic shisha
• Explore souvenir shop
• Watch belly dance performance
• Enjoy Tanoura dance show
• See fire show finale
• Feast on BBQ dinner under stars
• Return to drop-off point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with an English-speaking safari guide.

What activities are part of the Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, shisha tasting, live shows (belly dance, Tanoura dance, fire show), and a BBQ buffet dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

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

Is this tour suitable for young children or pregnant travelers?

Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant women or children under 3 years old due to safety reasons.

Will there be belly dancing during Ramadan or public holidays?

No, belly dance performances and alcohol are not offered during Ramadan or official dry days as per government guidelines.

How long is the camel ride during the safari?

The camel ride is short but can be repeated if you wish.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, free water and soft drinks are included throughout your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by an English-speaking guide on a shared basis; short camel rides (repeatable); dune bashing; sandboarding; sunset photo stops when possible; Tanura dance show, belly dance show (except during Ramadan/dry days), fire show; unlimited water and soft drinks; buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian options; photos in local costume; shisha tasting; henna painting; plus welcome snacks with Arabic tea, coffee, and dates before heading back to your hotel in Dubai.