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

Summary

Evening desert adventure with dune bashing camel rides fire shows and barbecue

You’ll ride across Dubai’s golden dunes in a 4x4 with an expert driver before stopping for sunset photos and camel rides. At the Bedouin camp, try cardamom coffee, get henna painted, watch dance shows, and enjoy a barbecue dinner under desert stars. It’s lively one moment and quietly beautiful the next — something about it lingers after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, I’ve been driving these dunes since I was twelve,” our driver Khalid grinned as he floored the Land Cruiser up a steep sandy slope outside Dubai. Not sure if he was joking or not, but the way he handled those dunes during our evening Dubai desert safari made it feel like we were on some wild rollercoaster — sand in my shoes, laughter stuck in my throat. The windows were down just enough to catch that dry, cinnamon-sweet scent of the desert air. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it’s hard to hold a camera when you’re bouncing around like popcorn.

We stopped at the top of a dune right before sunset. It was quieter than I expected — just wind brushing over sand and someone far off calling to their camel. Khalid pointed out how the color of the dunes changes every few minutes. He handed me his phone to show photos from last week when there was a rare rainstorm; said the smell after rain is “like nothing else.” I tried climbing up for a better view and almost lost my sandal (still finding sand in my bag). There was this moment where everyone just went silent watching the sun drop — kind of golden and unreal.

The camp felt busy but relaxed at the same time. We were welcomed with dates and tiny cups of cardamom coffee — I probably looked awkward trying to drink it gracefully. Some people got henna painted on their hands while others lined up for camel rides (the camels are surprisingly patient). The barbecue smoke drifted through everything; grilled lamb, spiced rice, something sweet I couldn’t quite place. Later there were dancers — swirling colored skirts and then this fire show that had everyone holding their breath for a second. Khalid found me later and asked if I’d tried shisha yet; I did, coughed once, and he just laughed.

I still think about that quiet on top of the dunes more than anything else. You know how some places stick with you? It’s not always what you expect — sometimes it’s just sand in your shoes or the sound of laughter around a fire.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari and camp activities

• Stop for desert dune photos
• Stop for falcon photos
• Enjoy 30-40 minute dune drive
• Stop for sunset viewing
• Arrive at Arabic Bedouin camp
• Experience Arabian coffee and dates welcome
• Relax at Bedouin camp
• Watch Tanura dance show
• Watch belly dance show
• Watch fire show
• Enjoy free camel ride
• Get traditional henna painting
• Smoke shisha
• Wear traditional Arabian costumes for photos
• Optional: Take photos with Arabian falcon
• Enjoy gourmet barbecue dinner under stars

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 in this Dubai evening desert safari?

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

Are camel rides part of this Dubai safari experience?

Yes, short camel rides at the camp are included (and can be repeated).

What food is served at the Bedouin camp dinner?

A buffet barbecue dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is provided.

Can you get henna painting during this tour?

Yes, traditional henna painting is available at no extra cost.

Is dune bashing safe for kids or pregnant travelers?

Dune bashing isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Are drinks included during the Dubai desert safari?

Unlimited soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included throughout the tour.

Do you need to bring anything special for this evening safari?

No special gear needed—just comfortable clothes and maybe sandals you don’t mind getting sandy.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned 4WD Land Cruiser, unlimited soft drinks plus tea or coffee at camp, 30-40 minutes of dune bashing with an experienced driver, sandboarding if you want it, repeatable short camel rides, henna painting sessions, shisha smoking area access, live Tanura dance plus belly dance and fire shows—and finally a self-serve barbecue buffet dinner before heading back under city lights.