Dubai Desert: Dune Buggy Safari, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.83 (169 reviews) 92% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/8

Duration3h–5h

GroupUp to 9

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Dubai desert adventure with dune buggy rides, camel trek and sunset bbq

You’ll feel the thrill of driving a 1000cc dune buggy across Dubai’s red sands before slowing down for a camel ride and sunset tea. Try sandboarding if you’re brave (or just laugh along), then unwind with BBQ dinner and music under desert stars. It’s an evening full of moments that linger long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

3h–5h

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert adventure and cultural experience

Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
Camel ride in desert
Sandboarding down dunes
Watch desert sunset
Enjoy BBQ dinner under stars
Watch traditional music and dance
Get henna painting
See falconry display

The Experience

I’ll admit it — I wasn’t sure if I’d actually like bouncing around the Dubai desert in a dune buggy. But there’s something about seeing that endless stretch of red sand, especially when you’re out there with the wind whipping past your ears and the engine humming under you. Our guide, Kareem, was grinning like he knew exactly what was coming. He pointed out how the light hit the dunes differently as we drove — almost pink at first, then deep orange. I kept getting little bursts of warm air mixed with that dry, dusty scent. It sticks to your skin in a weirdly satisfying way.

After all that adrenaline from dune bashing (my arms were still shaking), we stopped for camel rides. I’d never actually been on a camel before — they’re taller than you think and make these low grumbling noises when you climb up. The handler handed me the reins and said something in Arabic I couldn’t catch; he laughed when I tried to repeat it back. There was this moment where everything went kind of quiet except for our group’s awkward laughter and the sound of hooves pressing into sand.

The sun started dropping fast after that. We watched it melt behind the dunes while Kareem passed around tiny cups of sweet tea. Someone tried sandboarding — not me, my balance is terrible — but it looked fun (and sandy). Later, under this big open sky full of stars, we had a BBQ dinner with grilled lamb and fresh flatbread that tasted smoky and soft at once. There was music too — drums and some kind of flute — plus henna painting if you wanted it. A falconer brought out his bird for a quick show; honestly, I didn’t expect to be so fascinated by how calm that falcon looked perched on his glove.

I still think about how different everything felt out there compared to city life — quieter somehow, but also more alive? Hard to explain unless you’ve sat on cool sand after sunset with strangers who suddenly feel like friends.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or meeting point in Dubai. You’ll get to drive a new model 1000cc dune buggy across red sands, try camel riding and sandboarding, watch a falconry display, enjoy henna painting by skilled artists, and end with a BBQ dinner accompanied by traditional Arabic music before heading back in comfort.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yalla Tours & Travel