Dubai Desert Safari: 4x4 Dune Ride, BBQ Dinner & Live Shows

Summary

Desert evenings in Dubai bring wild rides, smoky barbecue and laughter under lantern light

You’ll ride out into Dubai’s desert for wild 4x4 dune bashing with a local guide, relax over Arabic coffee and dates at camp, try camel riding or henna painting if you want, then settle into a private area for a smoky BBQ buffet dinner with live belly dance and fire shows as sunset colors the dunes around you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the sand to feel so soft — almost like flour, but warmer. The drive out from Dubai was quiet at first (our driver, Kareem, just let us watch the city slide away), but the silence broke once we hit those dunes. The 4x4 dune bashing part was wilder than I thought — my stomach dropped a few times and we all laughed too loud. The desert air tasted dry and sharp; I kept finding sand in my shoes after every stop. Kareem grinned at us in the rearview mirror and said something about “desert therapy.” He might be right.

When we reached the camp, there was this smell — grilled meat mixing with sweet shisha smoke and coffee. They handed us tiny cups of Arabic coffee and dates (I never liked dates before but these were sticky-sweet and kind of perfect). There were other travelers around but it didn’t feel crowded; maybe because our table was tucked off to one side. We tried on these flowing robes for photos — mine kept slipping off my shoulder. Someone nearby was getting henna painted on her hand, so I joined in. The artist’s hands moved so fast I barely noticed she’d finished until she smiled up at me.

Camel riding looked easy until you actually get on one — they’re taller than they look! I nearly slid off when mine stood up; Li caught it on video and won’t let me forget it. After that came food: plates piled with grilled chicken, flatbread, salads I couldn’t name. There was a fire show that made everyone go quiet for a minute (the heat from those flames felt close even from our seats), then belly dancing started up again. Honestly, by then I’d stopped checking my phone or thinking about time passing at all.

I still think about that last bit — sitting back with tea while the sun slipped behind the dunes. It wasn’t silent exactly (music drifted over from somewhere), but it felt peaceful in a way I didn’t expect from such a busy city trip. If you’re wondering if this Dubai desert safari is worth it… well, I’m still finding sand in my bag days later, so yeah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and entertainment

• Pickup from hotel by VIP Land Cruiser
• Drive to Arab desert
• Experience Land Cruiser dune bashing
• Arrive at Royal Adventure desert camp
• Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates
• Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks
• Try Arabic henna painting
• Dress in Arabic clothes and take photos
• Ride a camel through sand dunes
• Watch Arabic belly and Tanoura dance shows
• Enjoy international buffet and BBQ dinner
• Try authentic Sheesha with drinks and dessert
• Finish with sunset view

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 6 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, complimentary pickup from your hotel in Dubai is included.

What activities are included during the evening?

You get dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, camel rides, henna painting, live shows (belly dance & Tanoura), plus dinner.

Is there vegetarian food at the BBQ buffet?

Yes, vegetarian options are available at the international BBQ buffet.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Complimentary soft drinks, Arabic coffee and tea are included throughout the evening.

Is this suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to dune bashing.

How many people can book together?

A maximum of 5 guests per booking is allowed for this tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by VIP Land Cruiser 4x4 from Dubai with an English-speaking guide, wild dune bashing across golden sands before arriving at camp where you’re welcomed with Arabic sweets, coffee and dates; enjoy short camel rides and try henna painting if you like; settle into your own private area for an international BBQ buffet dinner (with vegetarian options) alongside unlimited soft drinks; watch live Tanoura dance, belly dancing and fire shows before heading back to your hotel after sunset.