Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Dubai red dunes adventure with camel ride sand surf & desert BBQ

You’ll feel Dubai’s desert come alive on this day trip: bounce over red dunes with a local guide, ride a gentle camel at dusk, and try your luck sandboarding (it’s trickier than it looks). Relax at a lantern-lit camp with henna painting and traditional dress before digging into a smoky BBQ dinner under the open sky.

What’s the experience like?

“If you scream, it’s good luck,” our driver Rashid grinned in the rearview as we buckled up for dune bashing outside Dubai. I didn’t know if he was joking — but by the third wild dip over those Lahbab red dunes, I was laughing too hard to care. The sand here isn’t just sand; it’s this soft, warm powder that gets everywhere (I’m still finding some in my shoes). We stopped at the top for photos and I swear the silence out there is almost heavy — except for someone’s ringtone echoing from another jeep nearby. The light turns everything coppery right before sunset.

After the wild part, Rashid handed us off to a guy with a gentle camel named Noor. Getting on was less graceful than I hoped (my partner still teases me), but Noor just plodded along like he’d seen it all before. There was this faint smell of cardamom in the air from somewhere — maybe the camp kitchen? Sandboarding looked easy until you try it; my landing wasn’t pretty but hey, soft landing. Some kids were better than all of us adults combined.

The camp itself felt like walking into someone’s backyard party — music playing, people chatting under string lights. We tried on those long robes (I think mine was backwards?) and got henna done while waiting for dinner. The BBQ smelled smoky and sweet; there was way too much food but somehow I kept going back for more grilled lamb. A dancer spun so fast her skirt blurred into stripes. On the drive back to Dubai, everyone was quiet — not tired exactly, just full in every sense. I still think about that hush after sunset out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari with Dune Bashing and Dinner

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive 1 hour to Lahbab Desert
• Rest and optional quad bike ride
• Enjoy 30 minutes dune bashing
• Relax and take photos
• Try sand surfing (sandboarding)
• Head to desert campsite
• Dine at 5-star BBQ buffet
• Watch traditional dance shows
• Drive 1 hour back to city

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts around 6 hours including pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included in the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your hotel or accommodation is included.

Can I try sandboarding during this tour?

Yes, sandboarding (sand surfing) is included after dune bashing on the red dunes.

Are meals provided on this desert safari?

A buffet-style BBQ dinner with regional dishes is included at the desert camp.

Is camel riding part of this Dubai safari experience?

Yes, there’s a brief camel ride included at the camp after dune bashing.

What kind of entertainment is offered at the camp?

The evening includes belly dancing, Tanoura dance shows, and sometimes fire performances.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Unlimited soft drinks plus Arabic coffee and tea are available at no extra cost.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai, guided dune bashing across Lahbab’s red dunes with time for photos, a short camel ride at sunset, sandboarding fun (don’t worry if you fall), henna painting and Arabic dress-up at a lantern-lit camp, unlimited soft drinks plus coffee or tea throughout, and finally a generous BBQ buffet dinner before heading back to town in comfort.