Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Dinner

Red dunes adventure camel rides sandboarding BBQ night

You’ll feel the rush of dune bashing over Dubai’s red sands before trying your luck at sandboarding and meeting camels up close. Taste smoky barbecue under desert stars, watch live dance shows, and share quiet moments with locals at camp. It’s lively but there’s space for small surprises too — like sweet dates or catching your breath after laughter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari with activities

• Dune bashing by 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Sandboarding on desert dunes
• Camel riding experience
• Smoke Arabic sheesha
• Enjoy BBQ dinner buffet
• Watch three live dance shows
• Purchase gift items (optional)

The Experience

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Dubai desert safari — I’d seen the photos, but standing in Lahbab’s red dunes is another thing. The sand felt oddly cool under my shoes as we stepped out of the Landcruiser. Our driver, Imran, grinned and told us to hold tight before he hit the gas for dune bashing. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard and screamed at the same time — it’s like being on a rollercoaster with no tracks (and sand everywhere). At one point, the sun was dipping low and everything turned gold for a few minutes. It’s not something you can really catch in photos.

We stopped for sandboarding — which sounds easy until you’re actually trying to balance on that board. My friend wiped out immediately (she’s still finding sand in her shoes), but honestly, falling was half the fun. Imran showed us how to tie the scarf properly and then pointed out some wild tracks in the sand — apparently foxes come out at night here. There was this faint smell of cardamom from someone making gahwa nearby, kind of mixed with dust and something sweet I couldn’t place.

The camp itself had this relaxed buzz — people queuing for henna or lining up for camel rides. The camels looked unimpressed by all of us city folks trying to climb on (I nearly lost my sandal). There were falcons too; one perched quietly while kids tried to look brave for photos. Dinner was a mix of smoky grilled things and those little honey-soaked sweets they call gaymat — I ate way too many. Three live shows after sunset: first a whirling dancer in bright skirts, then fire spinning that made everyone gasp, and finally belly dancing with music echoing across the camp. At some point I just sat back on one of those low cushions and tried to take it all in — stars starting to show up overhead, laughter everywhere, soft clinks from tea glasses. It felt oddly peaceful for such a busy night.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The evening desert safari typically lasts around 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your selected hotel or location are included.

What activities are part of the Dubai desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, live dance shows, henna painting, shisha pipe (in designated area), falcon interaction and a barbecue dinner are included.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are offered at the barbecue buffet dinner.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; some activities may not be suitable for very young children.

Is there an extra cost for ATV rides?

Yes, ATV rides are optional and available at an additional cost during the tour.

Are there separate toilets for men and women at camp?

Yes, separate restroom facilities are provided for men and women at the camp.

What should I wear on a Dubai desert safari?

Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy; closed shoes are recommended for sandboarding and walking on dunes.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned 4WD Landcruiser with an English-speaking licensed driver guiding you through dune bashing (30–45 minutes), sandboarding attempts (and wipeouts), unlimited cold mineral water & soft drinks along the way plus Arabic coffee (gahwa), dates & sweets when you arrive at camp. You’ll get multiple chances to ride camels or try henna painting (ladies only), dress up in Arabic clothes for photos if you want to be silly about it like we did, enjoy shisha in its own area, meet falcons up close before settling down for a barbecue buffet dinner with both vegetarian & non-vegetarian options while watching three different live performances under the stars—then dropped off back at your hotel when you’re full & tired & probably still sandy somewhere.