Dubai Desert: Private 4x4 Safari, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert drive camel rides BBQ dinner live shows Dubai

You’ll bounce across golden dunes by private 4x4 from Dubai, pause for sunset photos, then settle into an evening of camel rides, sandboarding attempts (expect sand everywhere), and a smoky BBQ dinner beneath desert stars. Live shows spark laughter and awe — but it’s those quieter moments under open sky that might stay with you longest.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing in our seats before we even left Dubai — you know that feeling when the city lights fade behind you and it’s just empty sand stretching out? Our driver, Khalid, grinned in the mirror and cranked up some music I didn’t recognize. The 4x4 rumbled over the first dune and my stomach did this weird flip; I actually laughed out loud (nervous? excited? both). Sand everywhere, gold in every direction, and then suddenly we stopped for sunset. There was this hush — just wind in my ears and the smell of warm sand. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t look like what I saw.

At camp, someone handed me a tiny cup of sweet Arabic coffee and a date. The cushions were so low I nearly toppled over sitting down (my friend still teases me about it). There was a henna artist painting delicate swirls on hands nearby — she smiled at my attempt to say thank you in Arabic. We took turns on the camels (they’re taller than you think) and then tried sandboarding, which is way harder than snowboarding if you ask me. My shoes filled with sand instantly. Later, the air smelled like grilled meat from the BBQ dinner — smoky and rich — while people drifted between tables or lounged with shisha pipes under these colored lanterns.

I think what surprised me most was how lively it all felt after dark: music from somewhere behind us, laughter carrying across the camp, a dancer spinning so fast her skirt blurred into colors. When the fire show started everyone went quiet for a second — just firelight flickering on faces, no one talking. It’s funny what sticks with you; for me it’s that mix of heat from the flames and cool night air on my arms. On the drive back to Dubai I kept brushing sand off my jeans and thinking about that silence out there — not empty at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert adventure and dinner

• Depart from Dubai city hotel
• Drive through golden sand dunes
• Watch desert sunset
• Optional quad bike or dune buggy ride
• Arrive at desert camp
• Receive traditional Arabian welcome
• Settle in Arabian camp ambiance
• Take camel ride or sandboarding
• Get traditional Henna hand painting
• Enjoy aromatic sheesha pipe
• Have snacks and unlimited drinks
• Feast on BBQ buffet dinner
• Watch belly dancing and fire show

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup & drop-off by private 4x4 vehicle is included.

What activities are part of this private desert safari?

You’ll enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, live shows, and a BBQ dinner.

Are food & drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, unlimited water, tea, coffee & soft drinks plus snacks and an international BBQ buffet dinner are included.

How long does the dune bashing last?

The adventurous dune drive lasts about 30 minutes during your day trip from Dubai.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap but infant seats are available.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian & non-vegetarian options are offered at the buffet dinner.

Do I need to bring anything special for this safari?

No special gear needed—just comfortable clothes and maybe sandals since your shoes will get sandy!

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private 4x4 vehicle from Dubai city hotels; a thrilling 30-minute dune bashing session; sunset photo stop in the desert; traditional welcome at camp with Arabic tea or coffee; unlimited water and soft drinks; snacks before an international BBQ buffet dinner with both veg and non-veg options; camel ride experience; sand skiing (sandboarding); henna hand painting; plus live belly dance show, tanoura performance, fire show—and time to relax under desert stars before heading back to town.