Dubai Desert Safari: 4x4 Dune Bashing & 5-Star Buffet Dinner

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with dune bashing camel rides live shows

You’ll feel your heart race on 4x4 dune bashing through Al Lahbab’s red sands before sharing laughter over Arabic coffee and dates. Ride camels at sunset, try henna art, then fill up on a 5-star BBQ buffet as dancers whirl under desert stars. It’s lively, warm, sometimes chaotic — but you’ll remember how it felt long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the way our driver, Ahmed, grinned at me in the rearview mirror just before he floored it over the first dune. I’d barely finished my tiny cup of cardamom coffee when we hit that first sandy drop — my stomach did a flip and everyone burst out laughing, even the couple from Karachi who’d been so quiet until then. The Land Cruiser made these wild, swooping turns through Al Lahbab’s red dunes, and honestly? I was clinging to the seatbelt but also weirdly loving it. Sand everywhere, even in my shoes (still finding it days later), but that’s part of a proper Dubai desert safari, right?

We stopped for photos at sunset — which sounds cliché but wasn’t — because the sky went this dusty pink and orange over endless sand. There was this moment where everything got really quiet except for some distant laughter and one guy calling to his camel. Our guide showed us how to wrap scarves around our heads (“for Instagram,” he joked, but also practical). I tried saying “shukran” for the dates and tea; Li laughed when I butchered it. Camels are taller than you think up close. Their eyelashes are kind of mesmerizing.

The camp smelled like grilled meat and something sweet I couldn’t place. Henna artists waved us over; I got a little flower on my wrist, still faintly there now. The buffet was bigger than I expected — curries, kebabs, salads — and nobody seemed shy about seconds or thirds (I definitely wasn’t). We sat around low tables while dancers spun in bright skirts and someone did a fire show that made my heart thump louder than the drums. At some point I just leaned back and looked up at all those stars above the desert, feeling small but sort of peaceful too. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been out there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with entertainment and dinner

• Arrive at desert safari camp
• Enjoy Arabian coffee and dates
• Experience dune bashing in 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Ride a camel
• Dress in Arabian outfits and take photos
• Get Arabic henna designs
• Watch Tanura and belly dance shows
• Watch fire show performance
• Have unlimited 5-star BBQ buffet dinner
• Relax with comfortable seating at clean camp

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included with sharing transfer by 4x4 Land Cruiser.

How long does the dune bashing last?

Dune bashing lasts about 25–30 minutes during the tour.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served at the international buffet dinner.

Can I try quad biking or dune buggies on this tour?

No, quad biking and dune buggies are not included in this price but can be arranged separately.

Is this desert safari wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; specialized infant seats are available too.

What kind of entertainment is offered at the camp?

The camp features six live shows including Tanura dance, belly dancing, fire show, and more.

Are drinks included during dinner?

Soft drinks and mineral water are included throughout your visit.

How many people share each vehicle?

The maximum capacity per Land Cruiser is six guests per vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by professional drivers in a 4x4 Land Cruiser (sharing basis), thrilling dune bashing across Al Lahbab’s red dunes, sand boarding opportunities, sunset photo stops in the desert, camel riding with plenty of time for photos, unlimited international dinner buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options plus soft drinks and mineral water throughout. You’ll also enjoy Arabic coffee, tea with juicy dates on arrival at camp along with henna painting sessions and six different live entertainment shows before heading back under the stars.