Dubai Desert: Evening Quad Bike, Dune Bash & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert adventure with quad bikes dune bashing camel rides and BBQ

You’ll feel Dubai’s desert come alive: racing quad bikes across red dunes, bouncing through dune bashing runs with your guide, tasting smoky BBQ under stars at camp, then watching dancers spin firelight into night air. Every moment feels real — dusty hands, laughter in your throat — and you’ll carry those desert colors home.

What’s the experience like?

I always thought the desert would be quiet — like, just sand and wind. But Lahbab’s red dunes outside Dubai are alive in their own way. When our guide Yasin handed me the quad bike helmet, I could smell the dust before I even started. The engine was louder than I expected, but honestly, it felt good to just let go and follow the tracks he pointed out. My hands were sweaty on the grips. There was this kid from Sharjah in our group who kept grinning every time someone hit a bump.

After that first rush (and a few awkward stops — sorry again, Yasin), we piled into a 4x4 for dune bashing. That’s not just a phrase; it’s exactly what it sounds like. The car tilted so far I grabbed my seatbelt and laughed out loud — partly nerves, partly just disbelief at how wild it felt. Sand boarding came next. I wiped out twice before figuring out how to balance on the board. The sand is softer than you’d think when you fall, but it gets everywhere. Still picking grains out of my shoes back at the hotel.

The sun dropped fast behind the dunes as we reached camp. There was this smoky smell from the BBQ mixing with sweet shisha in the air — and music drifting over from where dancers were warming up by the stage lights. I tried riding a camel (short ride, but still counts) and got my photo taken with a falcon that looked way more patient than me. Henna painting was happening nearby; one of the artists laughed when she saw how ticklish I am.

We ate dinner sitting on low cushions while people wandered between food stalls and performances — belly dance, tanoura spinning, fire show (the fire part made everyone go quiet for a second). It wasn’t fancy but it felt honest, you know? Sometimes I still remember how warm the sand stayed even after dark.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and evening entertainment

• Ride quad bike in desert
• Experience 4x4 dune bashing
• Try sand boarding
• Second round of dune bashing
• Arrive at traditional bedouin camp
• Enjoy camel ride
• Interact with falcon and take photos
• Watch Arabic welcome and cultural dances
• Smoke sheesha
• Get henna painting
• Dine on BBQ buffet with drinks
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the evening quad bike tour in Dubai?

The quad biking lasts around 25-30 minutes as part of an evening tour that includes several other activities over several hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop off from your hotel or location within Dubai city limits is included.

What activities are included besides quad biking?

The tour also features 4x4 dune bashing, sand boarding, camel rides, falcon interaction for photos, live shows like belly dance and fire dance, henna painting for ladies, sheesha smoking, and a BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

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

Is this desert safari suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical activities like dune bashing and quad biking.

Where does this Dubai desert tour take place?

The main activities happen in the Lahbab Desert outside Dubai city.

Can children join this evening desert safari?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but may not be appropriate for young children due to some intense activities; check with operator if unsure.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Dubai city limits, about 30 minutes of quad biking inside a large fenced area of Lahbab Desert’s red dunes, two rounds of 4x4 dune bashing plus sand boarding time, short repeatable camel rides and falcon photo ops at camp. At sunset you’ll enjoy a buffet-style BBQ dinner (with both veg and non-veg options), unlimited soft drinks, live shows like tanoura dance and fire performance, henna painting for ladies — then return to your hotel after dark.