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

Summary

Evening desert adventure with dune bashing sandboarding camel rides and BBQ

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing in Dubai’s red desert before slowing down at sunset with sandboarding and camel rides. Share laughs with your guide and new friends at a Bedouin camp over BBQ dinner, live music, shisha, and henna tattoos — all with easy pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Dubai desert safari. The city is all glass and air conditioning, but then suddenly you’re out there, just endless red dunes rolling under a sky that feels way too big. Our driver, Khalid, grinned as he let some air out of the tires before we hit the sand — apparently that’s how you survive the dune bashing part. My stomach dropped (in a good way) as we slid down the first slope. Sand everywhere, even in my shoes. I didn’t expect to laugh so much.

The light changed fast — one minute it was harsh and white, then suddenly everything turned gold. We stopped for photos right as the sun dipped behind the dunes. It got quiet except for some distant laughter and someone trying (badly) to balance on a sandboard. I gave it a go and fell almost instantly; Khalid just shook his head and handed me a bottle of water. There’s something about that dry air that makes every sip taste cold and sweet.

Afterward, we rode camels over to the Bedouin-style camp where the smell of grilling meat hit us before anything else. I tried shisha for the first time (not sure I did it right), and an older woman painted a tiny henna flower on my hand while her granddaughter watched. The evening blurred into music — belly dancing, spinning lights from the Tanoura show, fire dancers — plus plates of food I still think about sometimes when I’m hungry late at night. On the ride back to Dubai, everyone was kind of quiet in that full-bellied, sandy-shoes way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and evening activities

• Pick up from your location
• Drive to Lahbab desert
• 20 minutes dune bashing
• Sandboarding on red dunes
• Sunset photo stop
• Arrive at Bedouin desert camp
• Enjoy Arabic coffee and snacks
• Henna tattoo and shisha smoking
• Camel ride experience
• BBQ dinner with unlimited drinks
• Watch live entertainment shows
• Drive back to your location

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts around 7 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, hotel or location pickup in Dubai by 4x4 vehicle is included.

What activities are part of this Dubai desert safari?

You’ll experience dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, live shows (belly dance, Tanoura dance, fire show), shisha smoking, henna tattooing, and a BBQ dinner.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Unlimited water and soft drinks are included throughout the evening.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Where does the dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens in Dubai’s Lahbab red dunes area.

Is vegetarian food available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at the BBQ dinner.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or chosen location in Dubai by 4x4 vehicle. You’ll get about 20 minutes of dune bashing in Lahbab’s red dunes before sunset photos and sandboarding. At camp there’s camel riding, unlimited soft drinks and water, shisha smoking if you want to try it, henna tattoos, a BBQ dinner with veg/non-veg options plus live entertainment — belly dance, Tanoura dance and fire show — before drop-off back at your place in Dubai.