Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Dance Shows

Summary

Red dunes, desert camp laughter and smoky barbecue in Dubai

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before slowing down for sunset photos on high dunes. Ride camels or try quad biking if you’re up for it, then relax at a lantern-lit camp with henna painting and shisha while dancers light up the night. The smoky barbecue dinner is just icing on top.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sand — not just yellow or beige, but this deep, rusty red that clung to my shoes as soon as we stepped out near Lahbab Desert. Our driver, Khalid, grinned at us in the rearview mirror before gunning the Land Cruiser up a dune that looked way steeper from inside than it did from the road. I’ll admit I squealed (quietly? maybe not) when we hit the first drop. The dune bashing part lasted about half an hour — honestly felt longer — with sand spraying up against the windows and everyone laughing or holding their breath. At one point Khalid pointed out a group of camels off to our right and joked they were probably judging our driving.

I tried quad biking for the first time here — totally optional, but I couldn’t resist after seeing how much fun other people were having. The engine buzzed through my hands and there was this weird mix of freedom and “oh wow don’t tip over” as I zipped around. After that, we stopped at one of the highest dunes for photos. The sunset light made everything look softer somehow; even my hair felt different with all that desert wind in it. There was this quiet moment where nobody said much — just phones clicking and some kid chasing his hat down a slope.

The camp itself felt like something out of a movie set but real — lanterns everywhere, low tables with patterned cushions, someone handing me tiny cups of cardamom coffee and sticky dates right away. I got a henna tattoo on my wrist (the artist smiled when she saw me trying to copy her design). Dinner was smoky barbecue chicken and lamb with salads and these little flatbreads you could dip into everything. Later there were dance shows: swirling Tanura skirts that made me dizzy just watching, then a fire performer who got so close to us you could feel the heat on your face. Somewhere between bites and clapping along, I caught myself thinking how strange it is to feel so far from home but also sort of comfortable in all this noise and color.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari and Evening Entertainment

• Hotel pick-up in air-conditioned 4x4
• Drive to Lahbab Desert red dunes
• Enjoy 30-45 minutes dune bashing
• Try optional quad biking ride
• Experience camel ride through dunes
• Try sandboarding and henna painting
• Take photos with falcon at camp
• Relax with Arabic coffee and dates
• Enjoy shisha under the stars
• Watch belly dance and Tanura shows
• See fire dance performance
• Savor BBQ buffet dinner and drinks
• Return to hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The evening safari typically lasts 6-7 hours including pickup and drop-off from Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal in Dubai is included in the tour.

What activities are included in the desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, photo stops on high dunes, live dance shows, BBQ dinner.

Is quad biking included in the price?

No, quad biking is optional and available at an extra cost during the tour.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are offered at the BBQ buffet dinner.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join free if seated on an adult’s lap; baby seats are available for an extra fee.

Is this desert safari suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy dune driving.

Where does dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing takes place in Lahbab Desert’s famous red dunes outside Dubai.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal by air-conditioned 4x4 Land Cruiser straight into Lahbab Desert’s red dunes for 30–40 minutes of dune bashing with expert drivers. You’ll have access to complimentary camel rides, sandboarding sessions on golden slopes, henna painting at camp plus sunset photo stops atop high dunes. At camp enjoy unlimited tea or coffee alongside a full BBQ buffet dinner (with vegetarian options), live belly dance and Tanura performances under lanterns—and if you want more adrenaline there’s optional quad biking too—before being dropped back at your location in Dubai.