Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert adventure with camel rides, sand dunes, BBQ dinner & live entertainment in Dubai’s Al Lahbab sands

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before slowing down for a peaceful sunset camel ride. Try your hand at sandboarding, get henna painted by local artists, then settle into an evening of live music, dance shows, and a generous BBQ dinner under desert stars.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for this Dubai desert safari mostly because I’d never seen real dunes before, and the idea of riding a camel sounded like something you just have to try once. But it started out way more exciting than I expected. Our driver, Khalid, picked us up right from our hotel (he had this easy laugh that made everyone relax) and after about 45 minutes we reached Al Lahbab. The sand was almost red in the late afternoon light — not just yellow like I’d pictured. There were quad bikes buzzing around and kids shrieking somewhere off to the side. We stopped for a bit so people could try those out, but honestly I was just watching the light shift across the dunes.

Then came dune bashing — which is basically careening up and down steep sandy hills in a 4x4 while everyone in the car alternates between nervous giggles and actual yelps. Khalid seemed to love every second; at one point he cranked up some Arabic music and yelled “hold tight!” as we slid sideways down a slope. My palms were sweaty from gripping the seat but it was weirdly fun. We stopped for photos right as the sun started dipping low — there was this hush over everything except for wind moving through the grass. I tried sandboarding too (not gracefully), and got sand everywhere, even inside my shoes.

By dusk we switched gears completely: camels waiting quietly, their handlers chatting softly in Arabic. The ride itself was gentle, almost meditative compared to what came before. You could hear nothing but hooves pressing into soft sand and someone’s phone camera clicking now and then. At camp, there were lanterns lit already and this smell of grilled meat drifting out — my stomach actually growled out loud (embarrassing). A woman painted henna on my hand while her daughter watched; she smiled at my attempt to say “shukran.”

The evening rolled on with music and dancers — I didn’t catch every detail because honestly I was just soaking it all in: smoky air from shisha pipes, kids chasing each other near the fire pit, people laughing over sweet tea or coffee poured from those tall brass pots. The barbecue buffet had both veggie stuff and kebabs; I probably ate too much bread but who cares? Sitting under that huge open sky after all that noise earlier felt kind of perfect. Even now if I close my eyes I can almost feel that warm breeze again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and evening camp

• Arrive at Al Lahbab Meeting Point
• Rent quad bike or dune buggy
• Explore desert landscape
• Enjoy thrilling dune bashing ride
• Stop for desert photo opportunities
• Try optional sandboarding session
• Take gentle camel ride at sunset
• Arrive at desert camp
• Get traditional henna art
• Watch live dance and music
• Enjoy BBQ buffet dinner and drinks
• Gather around campfire under stars

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The evening safari typically lasts around 6 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai or Sharjah.

Is hotel pickup included for the desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai/Sharjah is included.

Can children join the dune bashing part?

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available but some activities may not be suitable for very young children.

What food is served at the BBQ dinner?

The buffet includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with grilled meats plus soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water.

Are there live shows during the desert safari?

Yes, there are four live entertainment shows featuring Arabic music and regional dance performances at the camp.

Is sandboarding included in this tour?

Yes, sandboarding is included along with time for sunset photos on the dunes.

Can you try shisha during this experience?

Yes, apple-flavored shisha (hubbly bubbly) is available at camp for guests who wish to try it.

Are quad bikes or dune buggies included?

No, but you can rent them separately during a stop at Al Lahbab before dune bashing begins.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your Dubai or Sharjah hotel or residence, 30 minutes of dune bashing with time for sunset photos and sandboarding on Al Lahbab’s red dunes. Afterward you’ll enjoy a gentle camel ride at twilight before arriving at camp for unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee or water; apple-flavored shisha; henna tattoos for women and children; four live entertainment shows set to Arabic music; plus an international buffet BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options before heading back under starry skies.