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

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with camel rides BBQ and live shows

You’ll feel your heart race during 4x4 dune bashing across golden sands outside Dubai before slowing down atop a gentle camel ride at sunset. Savor sweet tea and barbecue dinner under desert stars with live Tanoura shows and henna painting included. It’s less about checking boxes and more about those small moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the light — that golden haze over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as we rolled up in the 4x4. The city felt far behind already, just a memory in the rearview. Our guide, Kareem, grinned and handed me a scarf to keep the sand out. I’d never done dune bashing before. Honestly? I thought it’d be like a bumpy drive. It’s not. There’s this wild swooping feeling every time the jeep crests a dune, like your stomach drops for a second then you’re laughing because everyone else is too — even Kareem, who must do this every day.

We stopped at what looked like the tallest dune for photos. The sand was warm under my shoes and somehow softer than I expected — almost powdery. Some people tried sandboarding (I chickened out), but I did climb up for a better view. You could see forever out there; it’s quiet except for voices carrying on the wind and that faint smell of spice from someone’s thermos of chai nearby. A couple of us tried on these bright Arabic outfits — mine was way too big but made for good photos (and some laughs). Then off to the camp for the evening part of the Dubai desert safari.

I didn’t expect camel riding to feel so…wobbly? The handler just clicked his tongue and up we went, swaying gently as the sun dropped lower. Back at camp, there was sweet tea waiting and trays of sticky dates. Henna artists sat cross-legged on carpets; my friend got her hand painted while I tried to say “thank you” in Arabic (didn’t go well — got a smile though). As night came on, everyone gathered around low tables for barbecue dinner — smoky chicken, grilled veggies, flatbread warm from the fire. The air smelled like charcoal and cardamom.

The Tanoura dancer spun so fast his skirt blurred into colors — honestly hypnotic after all that food. There were other shows too (belly dancing, fire), but by then I was just sort of soaking it all in: soft laughter, distant music, stars overhead you don’t see in the city. On the drive back to Dubai I kept replaying that moment at sunset on top of the dunes — still can’t quite believe how quiet it felt out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari with dinner and show

• Pick up from hotel in Dubai
• Drive 40-45 minutes to Arabian desert
• Arrive at desert meeting point
• Try quad bike or Arabic outfit
• Dune bashing for 20-25 minutes
• Photo stop at high dune
• Try sand-boarding over dunes
• Depart to desert camp
• Welcome with Arabic sweets and tea
• Camel riding and henna painting
• Dinner buffet with BBQ options
• Enjoy live shows: belly dance, tanoora, fire
• Return to hotel in Dubai

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, shared hotel pickup is included within central Dubai areas.

What activities are included in this Dubai desert safari?

Dune bashing by 4x4, camel riding, sandboarding photo stop, henna painting, BBQ dinner with live entertainment shows.

Can vegetarians eat at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at dinner.

Are children allowed on this Dubai desert safari tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or people with heart conditions?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Are quad bikes or ATVs included?

No, quad bikes/ATVs are available to rent at extra cost during one stop.

Will there be live entertainment during Ramadan?

No, during Ramadan there are no live entertainment shows or alcohol served at camp.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup from central Dubai locations before heading out to the desert for guided 4x4 dune bashing and a stop for sandboarding photos or trying Arabic dress. At camp you'll have camel rides, henna painting if you want it, unlimited soft drinks and water plus a barbecue buffet dinner (vegetarian options too) while watching live Tanoura and belly dance performances before returning to your hotel in the evening.