Dubai Desert: Open Dune 4x4, ATV Quad, Camel Ride & BBQ

Dubai desert safari with ATV quad ride camel show dinner

You’ll feel pure adrenaline dune bashing in an open 4x4 across Dubai’s wild red sands before taking off on your own ATV quad ride. Slow things down with a gentle camel trek and taste smoky BBQ under desert stars as live dancers spin by firelight. This isn’t just another tourist stop—it’s a night you’ll remember every time you see sand in your shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with cultural evening

• Ride 30-minute ATV quadbike
• Experience 4x4 dune bashing
• Visit traditional Bedouin Majilis camp
• Enjoy sand boarding and camel ride
• Get lady henna service
• Relax with Shesha at the tent
• Have BBQ dinner under the stars
• Watch traditional cultural shows

The Experience

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand on top of a dune with nothing but red sand rolling out in every direction? I didn’t think much about deserts before this Dubai trip—just sand and heat, right? But the first thing I noticed when we left the city was how quiet it got. Our guide, Imran, had this easy laugh that made the drive out feel less like a tour and more like you’re heading out with someone who knows every shortcut in the sand. The air smelled dry and warm, almost sweet somehow. I kept touching the window just to feel how fast the temperature changed as we left the city behind.

The real kick started when Imran let some air out of the tires (I guess that’s a thing for dune bashing?) and then suddenly we were flying up and down these dunes in a 4x4. I actually grabbed the handle so hard my knuckles went white—my friend just laughed at me. There’s this weird moment when you hit the top of a dune and everything goes silent for half a second before you drop again. After that, they handed us helmets and pointed at a row of ATVs lined up on the sand. Thirty minutes riding out into the open desert—no fences or tracks—just us carving lines through soft red sand. I ate so much dust but couldn’t stop grinning.

I tried to say thank you in Arabic to one of the guys helping with the camels—he smiled politely but I’m sure I butchered it. The camel ride itself was slower than I expected; kind of lurching but strangely peaceful once you get used to their rhythm. Later at camp, there were cushions everywhere and this faint smell of charcoal from where they’d started grilling for dinner. Someone painted henna on my hand while music played in bursts—a belly dancer twirled by firelight, then this guy did spins that made me dizzy just watching.

I still think about that sky—how dark it got so quickly after sunset, all those stars showing up above us while people drifted between shisha pipes and plates piled high from the BBQ buffet. It wasn’t perfect (I spilled some mint tea on my jeans), but honestly, that’s what made it stick with me more than any postcard shot could.

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, round-trip transfers from your Dubai hotel are included.

How long do we ride the ATV quad bike?

You’ll have 30 minutes to self-ride an ATV quad bike in the open desert.

Are meals provided during this tour?

A BBQ buffet dinner with soft refreshments is included at camp.

What other activities are part of this Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes 4x4 dune bashing, camel ride, sand boarding, henna service, shesha at the tent, and live shows.

Is this tour suitable for infants or pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for infants, pregnant travelers, or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Do I need prior experience to drive an ATV quad bike?

No previous experience is needed; guides will assist you before your ride begins.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Dubai, a wild 30-minute self-ride ATV quad bike session in open desert (not fenced tracks), plus 4x4WD dune bashing led by licensed guides. At camp there’s a camel ride, sand surfing boards ready for use, lady henna painting service if you want it, shesha at your tent spot, live belly dance and fire shows—and finally a big BBQ buffet dinner with soft drinks before heading back to town.