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

Summary

Red dunes, camel rides, BBQ flavors and desert rhythms in Dubai

You’ll cross Dubai’s red dunes by 4x4 with a local guide, try a short camel ride at sunset, then unwind at a desert camp with live shows and smoky BBQ dinner. Expect laughter during dune bashing, sweet tea under lanterns, and small moments of quiet between all the color and music.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous when our driver pulled up outside the hotel in that shiny 4x4. There’s something about leaving the city behind and heading straight for those deep red dunes outside Dubai that makes you feel both tiny and oddly bold. The sand looked almost unreal under the late sun, like someone had dusted it with paprika. Our guide, Kareem, grinned as he let some air out of the tires (apparently that’s important), then we bounced off into the emptiness. I don’t know if it’s normal to laugh and grip the seat at the same time but… yeah, dune bashing is wild.

We stopped somewhere that felt like nowhere — just wind and sand and this weird quiet you don’t get back home. The camel ride was shorter than I expected (honestly, I was fine with that; camels are taller than they look), but there was this moment where everything went still except for the soft clinking of their harnesses. Kareem pointed out how people used to cross these deserts for days — can’t imagine doing that without air conditioning or Spotify. There were other travelers around but it didn’t feel crowded; everyone sort of drifted off into their own little worlds for a bit.

The camp after sunset had this glow from lanterns strung between low tents. Someone handed me sweet tea with cardamom — I burned my tongue because I got impatient (worth it). There were dancers swirling in colored skirts, fire performers who made everyone gasp, even henna artists painting quiet designs on hands. Dinner was smoky lamb kebabs and salads; not fancy but so good after all that sand and laughing. At one point I tried on an Arabic headscarf for a photo — Kareem showed me how to tie it properly but mine kept slipping off. He just shook his head and laughed.

I still think about how the sky looked driving back to Dubai — city lights ahead, desert behind, sand in my shoes. It wasn’t perfect or polished but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari

• Pickup from your doorstep
• Drive to premium red dunes
• Experience quad biking and dune buggy
• Enjoy camel ride
• Go dune bashing in desert
• Visit authentic desert camp
• Explore camp amenities
• Watch belly dance and Tanaoura show
• See fire show
• Try henna painting and sheesha
• Have dinner at camp

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included.

How long is the camel ride during the tour?

The camel ride is short—just enough for a taste of traditional travel across the dunes.

What kind of food is served at the desert camp?

A buffet dinner with live BBQ is served, including Arabic dishes like lamb kebabs and salads.

Are there live performances at the desert camp?

Yes, you’ll see belly dancing shows, Tanoura dance with colorful lights, fire show performances, and more entertainment.

Can I try sandboarding or quad biking on this safari?

Sandboarding is included; quad biking may be available as an extra activity at the site.

Is this tour suitable for young children or pregnant travelers?

This tour isn’t recommended for infants sitting alone, pregnant travelers, or those with spinal or heart issues.

Do guides speak English during the tour?

The guides are professionally trained and communicate in English throughout your experience.

What should I wear for a Dubai desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy; bring something warm if evenings are cool.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup in a luxury 4x4 vehicle straight from your door in Dubai, guided dune drive over high red sands with stops for photos and sandboarding if you want to try it out. You’ll have a short camel ride at sunset before heading to a five-star style desert camp where you can watch live belly dance shows (twice!), Tanoura dance under colorful lights, fire performances, get henna tattoos painted on your hand if you’re curious (I was), enjoy shisha in a dedicated area if you like smoke-flavored hookah, dress up for Arabic costume photos if you’re feeling playful—and finally settle down to a buffet dinner with live BBQ before being dropped back at your hotel late evening.