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

Summary

Red sand dunes, camel rides, sunset photos and campfire shows in Dubai’s desert

You’ll feel the thrill of dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before sharing sunset moments and laughter over Arabic coffee at a desert camp. Ride camels, taste local sweets, watch fire dancers spin under starlight — then head back to the city with sand still clinging to your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that ridge? That’s where the sand sings," said Ahmed as he let some of it slip through his fingers. I didn’t really get what he meant until our 4x4 started climbing those red dunes outside Dubai — the way the tires hummed and skidded over the soft ridges was almost musical. The drive from the city took about 45 minutes but honestly, it felt shorter. Maybe because I was busy watching little villages and endless stretches of dry land out the window, trying to spot camels (I saw two). The air smelled faintly sweet — like dust and something floral I couldn’t name.

At the meeting point, we got to try riding a camel. They’re taller than you think up close — I nearly lost my balance getting on and our guide just grinned like he’d seen it a hundred times (he probably has). While Ahmed prepped the car for dune bashing, we snapped some awkward selfies and tried not to look too touristy. Then came the main event: dune bashing. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve done it — part rollercoaster, part sliding down an endless sandy wave. My stomach dropped more than once and I may have yelled louder than anyone else in our group.

Afterwards, there was this quiet moment at sunset when everything turned gold and pink. We stopped for photos but I mostly just stood there, letting the wind sting my face a bit. It was cooler than I expected for late afternoon in Dubai — not cold exactly, but enough that I wished I’d brought a light jacket. Back at camp, they handed us tiny cups of Arabic coffee (bitter but somehow comforting) and these fried sweets called Legemat that stuck to my fingers. There were henna artists, shisha pipes bubbling away in corners, and people laughing around low tables while someone tuned an oud nearby.

The evening show was lively: belly dancing, fire spinning, swirling skirts — all under a sky so clear you could actually see Orion if you looked up between acts. The barbecue dinner was better than I thought it would be; smoky lamb skewers and salads with lots of herbs. On the ride back to Dubai (another 45 minutes or so), Ahmed played old Emirati songs on the radio and everyone sort of drifted into their own thoughts. There’s something about driving through darkness after all that color that sticks with me even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with adventure and dinner

• Drive 45 minutes to desert meeting point
• Experience camel ride and take photos
• Enjoy 90 minutes dune bashing and sand boarding
• Stop for desert sunset photography
• Arrive at traditional desert camp
• Welcome with Arabic coffee and Legemat
• Try henna and take photos in local costumes
• Enjoy barbecue dinner and shisha
• Watch belly dance, fire, and Tanura shows
• Return 45 minutes to hotel with music

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 6 hours including transfers from your hotel in Dubai.

Is pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in Dubai by air-conditioned vehicle.

What activities are part of this Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes 4x4 dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, sunset photography stop, henna design, BBQ buffet dinner with shows.

Are meals provided during this tour?

Yes, a buffet BBQ dinner is included at the desert camp along with Arabic coffee and traditional sweets.

Is this safari suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Can you try shisha during this experience?

Yes, shisha (Arabic water pipe) is available at the desert camp after dinner.

What should I wear on a Dubai desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes and bring something warm for evening as temperatures can drop after sunset.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from anywhere in Dubai, bottled water throughout the journey, an adventurous 4x4 dune bashing session guided by certified locals, camel rides at the meeting point and again at camp if you want another go, plus time for sandboarding and sunset photos before heading to a traditional camp where you’ll enjoy Arabic coffee with Legemat sweets followed by a full buffet BBQ dinner alongside live entertainment before returning back to your hotel in comfort.