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

Summary

Red dunes adventure with 4x4s camel rides fire shows and buffet dinner

You’ll ride deep into Dubai’s red dunes by 4x4 for dune bashing thrills before trying sandboarding and a short camel ride at sunset. At camp you’ll taste local food, get henna tattoos if you want (I did), and watch live belly dancing and fire shows under desert stars. It’s loud sometimes, messy sometimes — but you’ll remember how it feels.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the pickup because I was convinced my scarf would fly off in the wind — turns out, that was the least of my worries. The driver (Ali) just grinned and said “hold tight” before we even left Dubai. The city faded fast behind us and suddenly it was all endless sand, this weird quiet except for our group’s nervous laughter and the crunch of tires on the dunes. I didn’t expect my stomach to drop so much during dune bashing — like a rollercoaster but with more sand in your teeth. Ali seemed to know every bump by heart.

We stopped at what looked like nowhere, but then there were camels waiting, their breath steaming in the late afternoon air. I tried climbing up and nearly slid right off (the camel handler just winked and held out a hand). Sandboarding was next — honestly, I fell more than I rode, but it was worth it for that gritty feeling between your fingers when you finally stand up at the bottom. The sun started dropping fast, turning everything gold. Someone handed me sweet tea in a tiny glass; it tasted like cardamom and dust.

The desert camp felt like a movie set: lanterns swinging, smoke from grills curling into the night. There were henna artists painting quick patterns on hands (mine smudged because I’m impatient), hookah pipes bubbling somewhere nearby, kids darting around with sticky fingers. Dinner was a blur of flatbreads and grilled meat — not fancy but somehow perfect after all that wind. Then came the shows: belly dancers shimmering in colored light, acrobats flipping through fire rings, and this wild Kandoora dance that had everyone clapping along without really knowing why. I caught myself smiling for no reason at all.

Driving back to Dubai under a sky full of stars, sand still stuck in my shoes, I kept thinking about how different everything felt out there — quieter somehow, even with all the music and laughter. Not sure if it was the desert or just being so far from anything familiar. Either way… yeah, I still think about that view from the top of the dune.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and entertainment

• Drive 4x4 SUV to desert location
• Enjoy camel riding and sand boarding
• Experience henna tattoo and hookah
• Watch live shows and have dinner
• Enjoy belly dance and dune bashing
• Drive 4x4 SUV back to pick-up

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your location is included before heading to the desert dunes.

How long do we get to ride camels?

Camel rides last about 5–10 minutes per person during the tour.

Can I try sandboarding during this safari?

Yes, sandboarding is available at any time while at the dunes — no time limit mentioned.

Are quad bikes or buggies part of this tour?

You can book quad bikes or quad buggies as optional add-ons for extra dune bashing.

Is dinner provided at the desert camp?

A buffet dinner with refreshments is included during your stay at camp.

What kind of live entertainment is offered?

The evening features belly dance shows, Kandoora dance, acrobatics acts, fire show and music entertainment.

Are henna tattoos available for everyone?

Henna tattoos are free for women and kids; they’re temporary designs done by local artists at camp.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your location in Dubai by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle for dune bashing across red sands; unlimited time to try sandboarding; a short camel ride; optional quad bike or buggy rental; access to a desert camp where you’ll find henna tattoo artists (free for women and kids), Arabic hookah in a smoking area, bottled water and soft drinks; plus live belly dance shows, acrobatics performances including fire acts, traditional Kandoora dancing; buffet dinner with coffee or tea before returning to your original pickup point late in the evening.