Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Dune Bash & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Ride camels taste barbecue and watch fire shows in Dubai’s dunes

You’ll feel your heart race as you bash across Dubai’s dunes in a 4x4, then slow down with a camel ride and sweet Arabic coffee at a desert camp. Try sandboarding, get henna painted, dress up for photos, and settle in for a barbecue dinner under open skies with live dance shows. It’s an evening full of surprises and small joys you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to laugh so much while holding on for dear life in the backseat of that 4x4. The driver (Ahmed, who grinned every time we hit a big dip) cranked up some Arabic pop and suddenly we were flying over the dunes outside Dubai. Sand everywhere, the sun low enough to make everything gold. My shoes are probably still full of it. There’s this moment when you stop at the top of a dune and it’s just quiet except for the wind — I think I actually forgot about my phone for once.

After that rollercoaster, we stopped at a Bedouin-style camp that smelled like grilled meat and cardamom coffee. I tried sandboarding (let’s just say it looks easier than it is) before sinking into one of those low cushions with sweet tea. There was a woman painting henna next to us — she smiled when I hesitated, then just took my hand and started drawing anyway. And yeah, I got talked into wearing one of those flowing robes for a photo. Not sure if I pulled it off but everyone cheered.

The camel ride was short but kind of magical in its own way — their eyelashes are ridiculous up close. Some people went for shisha or quad bikes (extra cost), but I stuck around camp watching kids try to balance on sandboards. Dinner was this huge barbecue buffet with everything from grilled chicken to veggie stuff; I piled my plate high and ate way too fast. Then came the belly dancing and fire show — at one point the dancer spun so fast her skirt blurred into colors against the night sky. On the drive back to Dubai, I was tired but couldn’t stop replaying those little moments in my head — especially that silence on top of the dunes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Depart from Dubai city
• Drive to desert dunes
• Enjoy dune bashing with driver
• Stop for sunset photos
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Relax at Bedouin camp
• Drink Arabic coffee and eat sweets
• Choose activities: camel ride, henna, shisha, or photos
• Optional dune buggy or quad bike ride
• Eat barbecue buffet dinner
• Watch belly dance and fire shows
• Return to Dubai and end tour

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off by 4x4 vehicle from your hotel or home in Dubai is included.

How long does the evening desert safari last?

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

Can vegetarians find options at the BBQ buffet dinner?

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

Are there extra costs for activities like quad biking?

Yes, renting a dune buggy or quad bike is optional and costs extra.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and all areas can be accessed by wheelchair.

What kind of shows are performed at the camp?

You’ll see belly dancing (except during Ramadan), fire shows, and Tanura (Whirling Dervish) performances.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats provided.

Do I need to bring anything special for sandboarding?

No special equipment needed; boards are supplied at camp for sandboarding on the dunes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or home pickup by 4x4 vehicle, dune bashing with a trained driver outside Dubai, sandboarding equipment, short camel riding sessions, access to a Bedouin-inspired camp with unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks and water, henna tattoos for women and kids, Arabic costumes for photos, self-service shisha in designated area, an international barbecue buffet dinner with vegetarian options, plus two fire shows along with belly dance (except Ramadan) and Tanura dance performances before returning to Dubai in comfort.