Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sand Surf & BBQ Dinner

Red dunes, camel rides, sand boarding and a smoky BBQ under desert stars

You’ll feel Dubai’s desert heat on your skin as you ride camels over red dunes, try sand surfing (and maybe wipe out), then relax with Arabic coffee before a smoky BBQ dinner under lantern light—with live shows swirling around you all evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from hotel
• Drive 45 minutes to desert meeting point
• Wait for all company cars
• Option to rent quad bike or dune buggy
• Use washroom facilities
• Drive over Arabian red dunes
• Stop for pictures and sand boarding
• Arrive at Boudin village camp
• Welcome with Arabic dates and coffee
• Serve starters with drinks
• Camel ride
• Watch belly dance, tanura, and fire shows
• Enjoy international BBQ dinner buffet

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the color—those red dunes outside Dubai really do look unreal when you’re standing there, sand in your shoes, sun low and hot on your neck. We’d just tumbled out of the car after that 45-minute drive from the city, still half-asleep and blinking at all the other groups gathering at this meeting point. There was this weird mix of excitement and nerves in the air—some people were already eyeing up the quad bikes, but I just needed a minute to wake up. Our guide Khalid grinned at us as he handed out bottles of water, cracked a joke about “desert hair,” and pointed out where we could find the washrooms (which honestly, I was grateful for after all that coffee).

Then came dune bashing—honestly, it’s wilder than it sounds. The car felt like it was dancing across those red waves; I kept grabbing the seat in front of me and laughing every time we slid sideways. At one point Khalid stopped right on top of a dune so we could try sand boarding—I wiped out almost immediately (sand everywhere), but it was worth it for that view. The wind up there is dry and sharp; you can taste dust on your lips. And then suddenly everything goes quiet except for people shouting in different languages and cameras clicking away.

The camp itself looked straight out of some movie set—lanterns swinging gently, low tables scattered around carpets. We got welcomed with sticky dates and tiny cups of Arabic coffee (I tried to say “shukran” but probably butchered it—Khalid laughed anyway). There were camels waiting for us just outside; riding one felt awkward at first but kind of peaceful once you settle into its rhythm. Later, while we ate shawarma and falafel under string lights, the belly dancers started up—honestly mesmerizing—and someone behind me kept clapping off-beat. The fire show was loud and bright; I still think about how everyone went quiet for those few minutes, just watching sparks fly against that dark sky.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The experience typically lasts several hours including pickup from your hotel, drive to the desert, activities like dune bashing and sand boarding, time at camp with dinner and shows before returning.

Is pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of the tour package.

What activities are included in this Dubai desert safari?

You’ll get dune bashing over red dunes, camel riding, sand boarding, live dance performances (belly dance, Tanura show, fire show), plus dinner at a Bedouin-style camp.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Yes—a buffet dinner with BBQ plus starters like shawarma and falafel are served at camp along with soft drinks.

Can children or infants join this desert safari?

Infants can join using a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available too.

Is quad biking included in the price?

No—the quad bike or dune buggy rentals at the meeting point cost extra if you want to try them.

Are there washrooms available during the tour?

Yes—there are washroom facilities at the first meeting point before heading into the dunes.

What should I wear for a Dubai desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy; closed shoes are best for walking on dunes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Dubai city hotels, a drive to the red dunes where you’ll have time to try optional quad biking or dune buggy rides (for an extra fee), followed by dune bashing with stops for photos and sand boarding. At camp you’re welcomed with Arabic dates and coffee before enjoying starters like shawarma and falafel plus unlimited soft drinks. Camel rides are available along with live belly dance shows, Tanura performance and fire show—all capped off with an international buffet dinner featuring BBQ specialties before heading back to your hotel.