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

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with dune rides, live shows and BBQ

You’ll feel your heart race during wild dune bashing outside Dubai before pausing for sunset over endless sand. Taste smoky BBQ under lanterns as dancers swirl by your table. Try camel rides or henna painting if you want — or just watch stars appear as night falls. This is a desert safari that lingers long after you’re back in your hotel room.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for the Dubai desert safari mostly because I’d seen those photos online. But standing out there, sand in my shoes and the wind whipping my hair, it felt different. Our guide, Yousuf, laughed when we clung to the seats during dune bashing (I might’ve yelled louder than I meant to). The car slid over those red-gold hills like a boat on waves. It was loud and bumpy and somehow peaceful at the same time — you know that feeling when your heart’s racing but you’re grinning anyway?

We stopped for sunset and everyone got quiet for a second. The air smelled like dust and sweet tea from the camp nearby. Some folks tried sandboarding (I mostly just fell), and then we wandered over to see camels chewing lazily by the fence. There was this old man with a falcon — he let me hold it, which was both terrifying and kind of magical. I still think about that bird’s eyes.

At camp, they handed us little cups of Arabic coffee and dates before we found our spot on low cushions. The BBQ dinner was smoky and messy in the best way — grilled chicken, lamb, salads I couldn’t name but kept eating. Henna artists painted hands while kids ran around chasing each other through lantern light. And then came the shows: swirling dancers in bright skirts, a fire juggler who made everyone gasp, and belly dancing that had half the crowd clapping off-beat (me included). I tried shisha for the first time — not sure it’s my thing but hey, when in Dubai.

The drive back was quiet; everyone sort of sunk into their seats watching stars blink through the window. It all feels a bit dreamlike now — maybe it was just the desert air or maybe it’s one of those nights that sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with dinner and shows

• Enjoy thrilling dune bashing ride
• Try quad bike or dune buggy
• Experience camel riding options
• Watch live dance shows
• See fireworks display
• Savor buffet BBQ dinner

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai is included.

How long does the dune bashing last?

The dune bashing experience lasts about 45 to 50 minutes.

Are there vegetarian options at the BBQ dinner?

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

Can I try quad biking during this tour?

Yes, quad biking is available if you select that option when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; however, travelers should have at least moderate fitness.

What kind of live performances are there?

The evening features belly dance shows, Tanoura dancing, and fire performances.

Do women have separate washroom facilities at camp?

Yes, there are separate washroom facilities for men and women at the camp.

Is camel riding included?

A short camel ride is included and can be repeated if you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel or residence (shared or private), unlimited soft drinks plus water, tea and coffee throughout. You’ll get a thrilling 4x4 dune bashing ride (about 45–50 minutes), sandboarding adventure, a short camel ride (repeatable), small henna design for ladies, sunset photo stop in the desert with self-service Arabic costume photography at camp. Enjoy traditional Arabic coffee with dates and sweets on arrival before sitting down to a buffet BBQ dinner (vegetarian/non-vegetarian options). The night features live belly dance shows, Tanoura dancing and fire performances; quad biking is available if selected. Separate washrooms are provided for men and women so you can relax after a sandy day out.