Dubai Desert Safari: 4WD Dune Drive, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Golden dunes, camel rides, sunset views and smoky barbecue in Dubai’s desert

You’ll ride over Dubai’s golden dunes in a 4WD with a local guide who knows every turn, watch sunset from the highest ridge, try camel rides or henna painting at a desert camp, then relax with shisha and a smoky barbecue dinner beneath lanterns and stars. It’s lively but there’s space to breathe — you might end up thinking about that desert silence long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver, Khalid, grinning as he handed out bottles of water before we even left Dubai. “You’ll need this,” he said — which I thought was just a joke until we hit those dunes. The city faded fast behind us and suddenly it was all gold sand and sky. The 4WD part? Honestly, I had to grab the seat more than once — my friend shrieked when we slid sideways down one of the bigger dunes. Khalid just laughed and turned up the radio. Sand everywhere, even in my shoes.

We stopped at this high ridge right as the sun started dropping — not that Instagram orange you see in photos but something softer. There was a breeze that smelled like dust and something sweet I couldn’t place. A few other groups were there too; everyone seemed quiet for a second, just watching. I tried sandboarding (fell twice), then got distracted by a camel chewing on some dry grass nearby. The guide told me its name was Sabah. He let me try saying hello in Arabic — pretty sure I butchered it because he cracked up.

The camp felt busy but not rushed — lanterns swinging a little in the wind, kids getting henna painted on their hands (I got talked into it too). Someone handed me sweet tea while music started up near the stage. The belly dancer’s costume flashed with tiny mirrors; people clapped along without really knowing the rhythm (me included). Later I tried shisha for the first time — apple flavor, surprisingly smooth — and piled my plate with grilled chicken and bread still warm from the fire. Sitting there eating under all that open sky… I don’t know, it felt good to be nowhere for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and BBQ dinner

• Begin 6-hour 4WD desert tour
• Drive over golden sand dunes
• Stop at highest dune for sunset
• Refresh with complimentary mineral water
• Continue to Bedouin desert campsite
• Enjoy henna paintings and local costumes
• Drink soft drinks, tea, or coffee
• Ride a camel in the desert
• Puff on flavored shisha pipe
• Watch belly dancer perform
• Eat BBQ buffet dinner under stars

Top questions

How long does the Dubai afternoon desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can children join this safari tour?

Children under 4 need a private car booking; otherwise suitable for most ages.

What activities are included at the Bedouin camp?

Camel rides, henna painting, shisha pipes, photo ops in traditional dress, dance shows, and buffet dinner are included.

Are food and drinks provided during the safari?

Yes—full buffet dinner plus unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee; shawerma and Arabic bread stations too.

Is sandboarding available on this tour?

Yes—sandboarding is offered during one of the stops in the dunes.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiac issues.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai, an adventurous dune drive by 4WD with stops for sandboarding and sunset photos; then at camp you’ll find camel rides waiting (and yes—henna painting if you want), unlimited soft drinks plus tea or coffee, shawerma wraps hot off the grill alongside a full barbecue buffet dinner under lanterns. There’s also shisha pipes to try and dance performances before heading back to town.