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

Summary

Red dunes adventure with dune bashing sandboarding camel rides & evening shows

You’ll ride across Dubai’s red dunes with a local guide, try sandboarding (wipeouts likely), and watch sunset before sharing a BBQ dinner under desert stars. Live shows fill the night with music and color — it’s not just about adrenaline, but those little pauses you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the desert to smell like anything — but when we stepped out near Al Lahbab, there was this warm, dusty sweetness in the air. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned as he let some air out of the tires and told us to “hold tight.” The land cruiser felt like a boat on waves as we started dune bashing. My stomach did that rollercoaster flip at least twice (maybe three times — I lost count). There was sand everywhere, even in my socks. Someone in our group shrieked and then laughed so hard she nearly cried.

We stopped on top of a high ridge just as the sun started dropping — all orange and pink across those endless red dunes. Ahmed pointed out a couple of camels wandering far off; I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared. Sandboarding was next. I wiped out immediately (no shame), but sliding down felt oddly freeing. The keyword “desert safari tour” doesn’t really cover how strange and peaceful it is out there — quiet except for wind and our voices echoing off nothing.

Later, at camp, someone handed me sweet tea while another guest got henna painted on her hand. There were lanterns glowing everywhere and the smell of grilled kebabs drifting over from the buffet. We sat cross-legged on carpets watching the tanoura dancer spin — honestly mesmerizing — and then a fire show that made everyone gasp. I tried shisha for the first time (coughing fit included). The whole thing felt both loud and calm at once, if that makes sense. I still think about that silence between dances.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and show

• Pick up from hotel in Dubai
• Travel to Red dunes desert
• Rest and refresh at desert stop
• Optional quad biking
• Dune bashing for over one hour
• Drive through desert dunes
• Stop for photos and sunset
• Try sand boarding
• See camels in desert
• Enjoy Arabian coffee and tea
• Watch belly dance and tanoura shows
• See fire show performance
• Have BBQ dinner under stars

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

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

How long does dune bashing last during the safari?

The dune bashing session lasts for more than one hour through the red dunes.

Are meals provided during the desert safari tour?

Yes, an open buffet BBQ dinner is included along with tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks.

Can I try sandboarding on this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, sandboarding is available during your stop in the middle of the desert.

What live entertainment is included at camp?

The evening includes belly dance shows, tanoura dance performances, and fire shows.

Is quad biking included or extra?

Quad biking is optional and available at an extra charge during your first stop.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Can children join this desert safari tour?

Children can join; infant seats are available for an extra charge if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Dubai by air-conditioned vehicle, over an hour of dune bashing through Al Lahbab’s red dunes with a local guide at the wheel, plus time to try sandboarding or camel riding if you want. At camp you’ll get traditional tea or coffee on arrival, enjoy an open buffet BBQ dinner with salads and kebabs under lantern light, watch live belly dance and fire shows into the evening—and then get dropped back at your hotel after all that dust has settled.