Dubai Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Live Shows

Summary

Evening in Dubai’s dunes with BBQ, camel ride & fire show

You’ll ride through Dubai’s desert in a 4x4 with your local guide, try dune bashing and sandboarding on golden sands, then relax lakeside at a Bedouin-style camp with BBQ dinner and live shows. Camels wait nearby for short rides while falcons perch calmly for photos — all wrapped up in warm Arabic hospitality under open sky.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried sandboarding?” our driver Khalid grinned at me in the rearview as we left Dubai behind. I just laughed — honestly, I’d barely even seen real dunes before. The city faded fast in the side mirror, and suddenly it was all gold and silence outside, except for the soft hum of our Land Cruiser’s AC and Khalid humming something under his breath. I remember the air getting drier, a kind of dusty sweetness that stuck to my skin. It felt like we were chasing sunset — maybe we were.

Dune bashing is wilder than it sounds. There’s this weird mix of adrenaline and laughter as you slide sideways down a dune, your stomach floating for a second. My friend shrieked (I did too but quieter), and then we tumbled out into the sand for photos. The light was perfect — not “Instagram perfect,” just… soft, almost sleepy. We tried sandboarding next; I fell twice before figuring out how to balance. My shoes filled with sand that I’m still finding weeks later.

The camp by the lake surprised me — lanterns everywhere, low tables set up around the water. Someone handed us tiny cups of Arabic coffee (bitter but good) and dates so sweet they made my teeth ache. There were camels waiting nearby; I’ll admit I was nervous getting on one but the handler just smiled and clicked his tongue until the camel stood up slow as an elevator. Later there was falcon posing (awkward for me, not for the bird), henna painting if you wanted it, and shisha smoke curling up into the night.

Dinner was this long stretch of grilled meats and salads — smoky lamb kebabs, fresh bread still warm from somewhere unseen. The belly dancer spun so fast her skirt turned into a blur of color; then came a fire show that made everyone gasp when flames leapt way higher than expected. At some point I realized how quiet everything else had gotten: just distant music, laughter from another table, stars starting to show above the dunes. It’s funny how quickly you forget about your phone out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury desert safari with activities

• Pickup from hotel by 4x4
• Travel through desert landscape
• Enjoy dune bashing in 4x4
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Stop for sunset photos
• Arrive at luxury desert camp
• Take short camel ride
• Pose with falcon
• Receive Arabic coffee, dates, sweets
• Relax by lakeside seating
• Enjoy gourmet BBQ dinner
• Watch belly dance, Tanoura, fire shows
• Unwind with flavored shisha
• Return to hotel by 4x4

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman are included.

What activities are part of this evening desert safari?

You’ll get dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, falcon photo ops, henna painting, shisha corner access, BBQ dinner and live entertainment.

Are drinks provided during the safari?

Yes—unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, water and juice are available throughout.

Can infants join this Dubai desert safari tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized seats are available.

Is quad biking included or optional?

Quad biking is optional and can be arranged on site for an extra fee.

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride is a short experience designed as an introduction rather than a full trek.

What type of vehicle is used for pickup?

You’ll travel in a premium 4x4 like a Nissan Patrol or Toyota Land Cruiser driven by an experienced guide.

What’s included

Your evening includes comfortable 4x4 hotel pickup from Dubai or nearby areas with a professional local guide at the wheel; wild dune bashing across golden sands; sunset photo stops; sandboarding; entry to a lakeside Bedouin-style camp where you can enjoy Arabic coffee and dates on arrival; short camel rides; falcon encounters; henna painting; unlimited soft drinks plus tea or coffee; shisha corner access; live belly dance, Tanoura and fire shows; plus a full Arabic BBQ buffet dinner before your return drop-off late evening.