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

Summary

Evening in Dubai’s desert with camel rides & live shows

You’ll ride camels across Dubai’s red dunes at sunset, try dune bashing with a local guide, watch live belly dance and fire shows at a Bedouin-style camp, and share a BBQ buffet dinner under desert stars. Expect laughter, smoky shisha scents, and moments of real quiet between all the action.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous about the dune bashing part. Our driver, Khalid, just grinned and told us to hold tight as the 4x4 started climbing those red dunes outside Dubai. I could hear my own laugh bouncing around the car (maybe a little scream too), and sand kept rattling against the windows. The sun was sliding down fast — that kind of orange-pink you only get in the desert — and when we stopped for photos, it was so quiet I could actually hear my own breath. I didn’t expect that.

At the camp, everything smelled like grilled meat and sweet shisha smoke. There were carpets on the sand and lanterns flickering everywhere. A woman named Samira handed me tiny cups of Arabic coffee (I spilled a bit on my shirt — she just smiled) and then showed us where to try henna painting. My camel looked bored but patient; his name was Majnoon, which apparently means “crazy” in Arabic. He wasn’t crazy at all, just slow and gentle as we plodded along under that weirdly huge sky.

The evening got louder after that — drums started up for the belly dance show, then this guy spun around forever in a tanoura skirt until everyone clapped. The fire show was wild; I could feel the heat from where I sat cross-legged with my plate of BBQ rice and bread. At one point I caught myself just staring at the stars above the tents, thinking how far away Dubai felt now even though it’s only an hour or so by car. Funny how quickly you can forget city noise out here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and cultural show

• Dune bashing drive
• Sunset photo opportunity
• Camel ride experience
• Belly dance performance
• Tanoura dance show
• Fire show spectacle
• BBQ buffet dinner

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The evening safari typically lasts several hours from pickup to drop-off, including travel time from Dubai to the desert camp.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle from your hotel or designated location in Dubai.

What activities are included in this Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, camel rides, sand boarding, live entertainment (belly dance, tanoura dance, fire show), shisha, henna painting, and a BBQ buffet dinner.

Is dinner provided during the desert safari?

Yes, a buffet dinner with salads, bread, rice dishes, BBQ meats and curry is included along with water and cold drinks.

Are there vegetarian options at the dinner buffet?

The buffet includes salads and rice dishes suitable for vegetarians alongside other options.

Can children join this evening desert safari?

Specialized infant seats are available but some activities may not be suitable for very young children or those with health concerns.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to dune bashing and other physical activities involved.

How do I book this Dubai evening desert safari?

You can book online; confirmation includes details about pickup time and location plus what to bring along.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup in a 4x4 vehicle from Dubai city limits before heading out for 30 minutes of dune bashing across red sand dunes. At camp you’ll have camel rides, sand boarding opportunities if you want them, three different live shows (belly dance, tanoura dance and fire performance), plus unlimited Arabic coffee or tea with milk. Henna painting is offered too. Dinner is a full buffet with salads, bread, rice dishes and BBQ meats alongside water or cold drinks—and there’s shisha if you’d like to try it before heading back to town later that night.