Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bash, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Red desert dunes, wild rides, smoky barbecue and laughter under stars

You’ll ride over Dubai’s glowing red dunes in a 4x4 with a local guide, try dune bashing and camel rides, then relax at a desert camp with BBQ dinner and live shows under open sky. Expect laughter, new tastes—and maybe some sand in your shoes on the way home.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the sand looked when we first rolled out of Dubai — not just yellow but this deep, rusty red that seemed to glow in the late afternoon. Our driver, Ahmed, had this easy laugh and kept checking if we were comfortable as we bumped along in the Land Cruiser. The city slipped away fast. I could smell dust and something sweet from his air freshener (jasmine?), and then suddenly it was all dunes and sky. The dune bashing part — I’ll be honest, my stomach did a little flip more than once. Ahmed grinned in the rearview mirror every time we squealed. It’s loud in your ears when the tires hit soft sand, but there’s also this weird silence between hills. You get used to it after a while… or maybe you don’t.

We stopped for sunset photos at the top of one ridge — everyone got out and just stared for a bit. There were other groups around but it didn’t feel crowded; most people were busy trying to catch that perfect orange-pink shot on their phones. I tried sandboarding (not well), wiped out twice, laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. The sand gets everywhere — shoes, hair, even my camera bag. Then came the camel ride; slower than I expected, almost meditative if you ignore how awkwardly you climb on. Our guide told us camels are called “ships of the desert” here because they sway side to side — it makes sense now.

By evening we reached this camp set up with low tables and carpets. The air smelled like grilled meat and cardamom coffee — gahwa, they call it — plus a hint of shisha smoke drifting by. I tried dates dipped in coffee (surprisingly good), then piled my plate at the BBQ buffet (they had veggie stuff too). There was belly dancing and a fire show; honestly I didn’t expect to enjoy those as much as I did. Something about sitting outside with strangers who feel like friends for a night… Anyway, I still think about that view from the dunes sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Desert Safari and Entertainment

• Land Cruiser pickup from doorstep
• Drive through Red Desert Safari Lahbab
• 30-40 minutes dune bashing
• Sunset photography
• Optional quad bike ride
• Camel rides
• Belly dancing performance
• Fire and Tanura shows
• Enjoy Arabic coffee and fresh dates
• Try traditional costumes
• Unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee
• Buffet dinner and BBQ served
• Land Cruiser drop off at doorstep

Top questions

What time does the Dubai desert safari start?

Pickup is between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM from your location in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your location are included.

How long does dune bashing last?

Dune bashing lasts about 30-40 minutes during the tour.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian food is available at the BBQ buffet dinner.

Can I try quad biking on this tour?

Quad biking is available for an additional charge during the safari.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or heart conditions.

What live shows are included at the camp?

The camp features belly dancing, fire show, Tanura show, and other performances.

Are drinks included during dinner?

You get unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, mineral water; alcoholic drinks are extra.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or chosen location in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide leading you through dune bashing and sandboarding sessions before you try camel riding. At camp you'll enjoy four live shows—belly dancing among them—a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options plus unlimited soft drinks, tea or coffee throughout your evening under desert skies.