Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, 7 Live Shows & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert adventure in Dubai with dune bashing, live shows and barbecue

You’ll plunge into Dubai’s desert with heart-thumping dune bashing before settling into a lantern-lit camp for camel rides, henna painting and seven live shows—including fire dancing and Tanoura spins—plus an open barbecue dinner under the stars. Expect laughter, new tastes and that hush only found deep in the dunes.

What’s the experience like?

I still smell the sweet spice of cardamom from the Arabic coffee they handed us right after we tumbled out of the 4x4. We’d only just left Dubai’s city lights behind—one minute it was glass towers, next it was nothing but sand and that weirdly peaceful hush you get in the desert. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned before gunning it up the dunes. The car tilted so far I grabbed my friend’s arm and we both screamed—loud enough to make Ahmed laugh. Dune bashing is wilder than I expected. Sand everywhere. My heart pounding like I’d just run a race.

Afterwards, everything slowed down. The camp was all carpets and low cushions, lanterns flickering as dusk settled in. Some folks went straight for henna painting or lined up for camel rides (I did both—I mean, when in Dubai). There were snacks laid out: dates, strong tea, something sweet I never caught the name of. A local woman painted a flower on my hand while her daughter watched quietly from behind her scarf. It felt oddly intimate—like being let in on something old and familiar.

The main show kicked off just as night fell hard over the sand. Seven acts—belly dancers swirling so close you could hear their ankle bells, a guy spinning in endless circles for the Tanoura dance (how does he not fall over?), then fire performers lighting up the dark with these wild arcs of flame. People clapped along or just sat back with plates piled high from the barbecue buffet—grilled chicken smoky from charcoal, veggie dishes too. I tried everything twice; no regrets.

Honestly? By the end I was sandy and tired and still didn’t want to leave. There’s this moment when you’re lying back on a cushion watching stars blink on above the camp that sticks with me—I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari with Live Shows and Dinner

• Start desert safari in Dubai
• Enjoy adventurous dune bashing
• Watch Tanoura dance performance
• Watch belly dance performance
• Watch fire show performance
• Have delicious buffet BBQ dinner
• Capture memorable moments

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is dune bashing included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, adventurous dune bashing is part of this experience.

What kind of food is served at the BBQ dinner?

A buffet barbecue dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included.

Are there live performances during this desert safari?

Yes, there are 7 live entertainment shows including belly dance, Tanoura dance and fire show.

Is hotel pickup included?

The experience includes pickup service for your convenience.

Can I try sand boarding or camel riding?

Yes, both sand boarding and camel riding are available at the camp.

Are drinks included during the tour?

You’ll have unlimited soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee and tea throughout your visit.

Is there henna painting available?

Henna painting is offered at the camp as part of your experience.

Are there separate toilets for men and women?

The camp provides separate toilet facilities for men and women.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your location in Dubai before heading out for thrilling dune bashing across golden sands. At camp you’ll find sand boarding gear ready to try out; relax on carpets with pillows while sipping Arabic coffee or tea alongside snacks. Enjoy unlimited soft drinks and water as you watch seven different live performances—belly dancing, Tanoura spins, fire shows among them—and take photos in traditional costumes if you want. Camel rides are available too, plus henna painting by local artists. Dinner is a full barbecue buffet with plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options before heading back after dark.