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

Summary

Red dunes echo with laughter, camels shift in the dusk, barbecue smoke drifts as dancers spin under Dubai stars

You’ll feel every bump and slide as you cross Dubai’s red dunes in a 4x4, then slow down for camel rides and sunset photos in the desert. Taste smoky barbecue under open skies while dancers whirl by firelight. With hotel pickup included, you can just let yourself be swept along for an evening that lingers long after you’re back in your room.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of sand under my shoes when we stepped out of the 4x4 — not soft like a beach, but kind of squeaky and dry. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned and said something about “rollercoaster time” before letting some air out of the tires. The red dunes around Lahbab looked almost painted in that weird late afternoon light. I remember gripping the seat tighter than I’d admit as we bounced over the crests; someone behind me let out a whoop that made us all laugh. Sandboarding was harder than it looks — I wiped out twice and ended up with sand everywhere (still finding it days later).

After the dune bashing, everything slowed down. There were camels waiting near the camp — they have this patient way of blinking at you like they’ve seen it all before. My ride was named Lulu (at least that’s what our guide called her). She snorted when I climbed on, which felt fair. The camp itself smelled like grilled meat and cardamom from the coffee tent. Some kids were getting henna tattoos while others tried to balance a falcon on their arm for photos — I chickened out on that part.

As sunset hit, everyone drifted toward the fire pit without really talking about it. The sky turned this deep orange behind the dunes and suddenly all the phones came out at once. Dinner was a mix of things — flatbread you could tear with your hands, hummus that tasted smoky somehow, lamb chops sizzling next to potatoes on skewers. There was a moment during the tanoura dance where I just sat back and let myself watch; the colors spinning in lamplight felt kind of hypnotic after a day in the sun. I still think about that view sometimes — not sure if it was exhaustion or contentment or both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Drive 60 minutes in 4x4 vehicle
• Relax and freshen up at first stop
• Optional activities available at stop
• Dune bashing on red dunes
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Visit traditional desert safari camp
• Enjoy refreshments and entertainment shows
• Ride a camel
• Get a henna tattoo
• Take photos with Arabian falcon
• Eat barbecue buffet dinner
• Watch belly dancing, tanoura, and fire shows
• Relax around campfire under stars
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour typically lasts around 6-7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your selected Dubai hotel or location is included.

What food is served during the BBQ dinner?

The dinner includes Arabian-style salads with flatbread, marinated chicken, beefburgers, lamb chops, BBQ potatoes, lentil curry with rice, dates and Arabian coffee.

Are there vegetarian options available?

Yes, there are multiple vegetarian options such as salads, hummus, lentil curry with rice and grilled vegetables.

Is sandboarding part of this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, sandboarding along the dunes is included in this experience.

Can children join this tour?

Children can join but infants under 3 years old are not allowed during shared dune bashing for safety reasons.

Are entertainment shows always available?

No, shows like belly dance may not be available on certain Islamic holidays as per UAE law.

Is this suitable for people with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to dune bashing.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle; dune bashing across Lahbab’s red sands; sandboarding; camel rides; sunset photo stops; henna tattoo for ladies; unlimited soft drinks plus tea and coffee at dinner; a wide-ranging buffet BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; live entertainment including belly dance (except on certain religious holidays), tanoura folk dance and fire show; plus chances to take photos with an Arabian falcon before heading back to your hotel at night.