Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Camp Show

Desert adventure from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai with BBQ and live shows

You’ll ride across golden dunes outside Dubai with a local guide before sharing Arabic coffee at a Bedouin-style camp. Try camel riding or sandboarding if you’re feeling brave, then settle in for a BBQ dinner under desert stars with live dance performances. It’s not always comfortable—but it’s real adventure you’ll remember long after you’ve brushed off all that sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and evening entertainment

• Hotel pickup and drive to desert
• Relax and refresh at desert stop
• Optional quad biking on dunes
• Dune bashing and sandboarding adventure
• Short camel ride at desert camp
• Enjoy Arabic coffee and fresh dates
• BBQ buffet dinner with live shows
• Relax with shisha and dress in Arabic attire
• Return transfer to hotel

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the color—the sand outside Ras Al Khaimah was almost pinkish in the late afternoon, kind of glowing behind our 4x4 as we left the city. Our driver, Khalid, had this easy laugh and pointed out how quickly everything changes once you leave the highways behind. I kept trying to spot camels but mostly just saw endless dunes and the occasional truck bouncing along. The drive took about an hour and a half—long enough for me to realize how far you actually are from all that glass-and-steel Dubai stuff.

We stopped at this sort of outpost where everyone stretched their legs and checked out the quad bikes. I didn’t try them (honestly, I chickened out), but the sound of engines tearing across sand was wild—kids yelling, sand flying everywhere. Khalid let some air out of the tires while we watched people get their scarves tied on properly (I never got mine to look right). Then came dune bashing—if you’ve never done it, imagine a rollercoaster with no tracks. My stomach dropped more than once; someone screamed in delight or maybe terror every time we hit a steep slope. At one point, everything went quiet except for the crunch of tires on sand and that dry desert wind sneaking in through the cracked window.

The sun was low when we reached the camp—a cluster of tents lit by strings of little bulbs. There were camels waiting (they looked tired but patient), so I climbed up for a short ride and instantly regretted wearing shorts because those saddles are rougher than they look. Inside the camp, it smelled like grilled meat and sweet shisha smoke. A woman painted a henna flower on my wrist while her daughter practiced English with us—she giggled when I tried to say “shukran.” We drank tiny cups of Arabic coffee that tasted earthy and strong, nibbled dates that stuck to my teeth.

Dinner was this huge BBQ spread—chicken skewers, rice dishes, salads—and everyone piled plates high before finding a spot on low cushions under open sky. The fire show started just as it got dark; sparks flying everywhere, dancers spinning so fast their skirts blurred into circles of color. By then I’d lost track of time completely. On the drive back to Ras Al Khaimah I leaned against the window watching headlights bounce across empty roads—my hair still gritty with sand and smelling faintly like smoke. Even now, if I close my eyes, I can almost hear those drums echoing somewhere out past the dunes.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari take from Ras Al Khaimah?

The tour lasts about 7 hours including pickup and drop-off; travel from Ras Al Khaimah takes around 90 minutes each way.

Is quad biking included in the Dubai desert safari?

Quad biking is available at an extra charge unless your package includes it; you can book it on site.

What food is served during the BBQ dinner at the desert camp?

The buffet includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options such as grilled meats, rice dishes, salads, and desserts.

Are hotel pickups available from Sharjah or Ajman?

Yes, hotel pickup is available from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.

What live entertainment is included at the camp?

The evening features belly dance shows, Tanura dance performances, and a fire show under the stars.

Can children join this desert safari tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; dune bashing isn’t recommended for infants.

Is there vegetarian food at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available at the buffet dinner during your Dubai desert safari experience.

Do I need to book quad biking in advance?

No; if not included in your package you can book quad biking on arrival for an extra fee.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup from Ras Al Khaimah or nearby cities by licensed safari guide in a 4x4 vehicle; dune bashing over golden dunes; optional quad biking or buggy rides; short camel ride; henna painting; Arabic coffee with fresh dates; unlimited water and soft drinks; access to shisha lounge; photo opportunities in traditional attire; buffet BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices; plus live entertainment featuring belly dance, Tanura dance show, and fire performance before drop-off back at your hotel.