Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, BBQ Buffet & Live Shows

Evening desert adventure with private dining and live shows in Dubai

You’ll race over golden dunes outside Dubai in a 4x4 with your guide before settling into a private area at Royal Adventure Camp for Arabic coffee, henna painting, camel rides, and an open-air BBQ buffet dinner. Watch live Tanoura spinning and belly dancing under desert skies—and maybe catch yourself smiling at sunset with sand still clinging to your shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with VIP dinner and shows

• Travel to desert camp
• Enjoy dune bashing in 4WD Land Cruiser
• Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates
• Try Arabic henna painting
• Take souvenir photos in Arabic dress
• Experience camel ride
• Relax in private VIP dining area
• Enjoy starter and BBQ buffet dinner
• Drink complimentary soft drinks and Arabic coffee
• Try authentic Sheesha
• Watch live belly dance and Tanoura shows
• Finish with sunset view

The Experience

The first thing I noticed as we left Dubai was how quickly the city just… disappeared. One minute it’s glass towers and traffic, the next it’s all gold sand and that weird silence you only get in the desert. Our driver—Sami—laughed when I gripped the door handle a little too tight before the dune bashing started. The Land Cruiser felt like a rollercoaster but somehow smoother? Sand everywhere, even in my shoes. I didn’t expect to laugh so much.

We pulled up to this camp—Royal Adventure Camp, they called it—and right away someone handed me Arabic coffee (tiny cup, strong) and dates. There was this sweet smoky smell from somewhere behind the tents. A woman painted a little henna flower on my wrist while I tried to say “shukran” properly; she smiled but I’m pretty sure I got it wrong. The sun was dropping fast and everything turned orange for a few minutes. That light is hard to describe—you just have to see it.

I wandered off for a camel ride (short but kind of surreal), then sat down at our private table where they kept bringing out food—shawarma, falafel, grilled stuff I still can’t name. The BBQ buffet was way better than I expected for being out in the middle of nowhere. While we ate, this guy spun around in a skirt for what felt like forever (Tanoura dance?), then came the belly dancer who somehow made everyone forget about their phones for a bit. Tried shisha for the first time too—tasted sweet and earthy at once.

On the drive back to Dubai, sand still stuck between my toes, I realized how quiet everything had gotten again. Sami played old Arabic songs on the radio and nobody really talked much—we were all just looking out at that endless dark desert. I still think about that view sometimes.

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off by 4x4 Land Cruiser are included on a sharing basis.

What kind of food is served at the BBQ buffet?

The buffet includes starters like shawarma and falafel plus vegetarian and non-vegetarian BBQ options.

Are there live shows during the evening?

Yes, you can watch Tanoura dance performances and belly dancing live at the camp.

Can you try camel riding during this tour?

Yes, there is a short camel ride experience included at the camp.

Is there a private area or VIP service?

Yes, food is served onto your private table in a private area with complimentary drinks and dessert.

Are drinks included during dinner?

Arabic tea, coffee, soft drinks, and shisha (hubbly bubbly) are complimentary throughout your stay at camp.

Is henna painting available?

A local artist offers complimentary Arabic henna painting during your time at camp.

How many people can book together?

A maximum of 12 people per booking is allowed for this tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel in Dubai by 4x4 Land Cruiser, an adrenaline-filled dune bashing drive through the Arabian desert, arrival refreshments with Arabic coffee and dates, snacks and soft drinks throughout your stay at Royal Adventure Camp, complimentary henna painting by local artists, souvenir photos in Arabic dress if you want them, a short camel ride experience, sandboarding opportunities if you’re feeling brave, VIP table service with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian BBQ buffet dinner options plus dessert—and all while enjoying live Tanoura dance shows and belly dancing before returning to Dubai after sunset.