Dubai Desert Safari: 4x4 Dune Bashing, Quad Bike & BBQ Show

Summary

Dubai’s wild dunes, quad bikes, sunset sandboarding & smoky BBQ nights

You’ll ride out from Dubai into open desert for dune bashing with a local driver, try your luck at sandboarding at sunset, take a short camel ride, then settle in at camp for henna art, shisha, and an open BBQ dinner under starry skies. It’s loud sometimes but also weirdly peaceful — you’ll remember that hush before night falls.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver, Khalid, grinning as he handed me a tiny paper cup of cardamom coffee at the hotel pickup — “You’ll need this,” he said. He was right. The drive out of Dubai felt like watching the city dissolve behind us, glass towers fading into these endless pale gold dunes. I didn’t expect how quiet it would get; just the hum of the Land Cruiser and Khalid’s playlist (lots of old-school Arabic pop) until we suddenly veered off-road and my stomach dropped — dune bashing is no joke. Sand everywhere. My friend screamed once and then just laughed for five minutes straight.

We stopped on top of a ridge where the sun was low and everything looked washed in orange. There was this weird silence — not even birds — just wind and a few other groups in the distance trying to balance on sandboards. I tried it too (not gracefully), but honestly, sliding down that soft sand felt like being a kid again. After that came a quick camel ride — maybe two minutes? The camel made this grumpy noise when I climbed up; I probably deserved it for how awkward I was.

The camp itself smelled like grilled meat and sweet shisha smoke. Some people were getting henna tattoos or trying on those long robes for photos (I skipped that part). Dinner was an open buffet — lots of salads, smoky kebabs, flatbread still warm from the fire. The belly dancer got everyone clapping along, and during the Tanoura show, one guy spun so fast I got dizzy just watching him. There was even a fire show; sparks flying up into the dark sky while someone nearby tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Arabic (I still can’t get it right). We left with sand in our shoes and hair smelling like barbecue — I keep thinking about that sunset though, how quiet everything felt out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Depart from Dubai
• Drive 4x4 for dune bashing
• Stop for desert sunset photos
• Enjoy sandboarding session
• Try camel riding and henna art
• Drink Arabic coffee at camp
• Have live BBQ dinner under stars
• Watch Tanoura, belly dance, fire shows
• Return to Dubai

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

You can choose between a 4-hour or 7-hour program depending on your preference.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman (except Jebel Ali).

What activities are included in the desert safari?

Dune bashing by 4x4, sandboarding, short camel ride, henna painting, shisha pipe, traditional costumes for photos, BBQ buffet dinner with live shows.

Is vegetarian food available at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are included in the open buffet BBQ dinner.

Are quad bikes included in every package?

No, quad biking is available only with the 7-hour option for an extra cost.

How long is the camel ride during this tour?

The camel ride lasts about 2-3 minutes per person.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to rough terrain and activities.

What should I wear for the Dubai desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy; bring something warm if you’re staying after sunset.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned 4WD from Dubai or nearby cities (except Jebel Ali), all main activities like dune bashing with a trained driver, unlimited sandboarding time at sunset stops, a short camel ride in camp, mineral water and soft drinks throughout the evening plus Arabic coffee on arrival. At camp you can try shisha pipes or get henna painted hands before settling down to an open buffet BBQ dinner with both vegetarian dishes and grilled meats while watching belly dancing shows as well as Tanoura spinning performances and a fire show before heading back to your hotel late evening.