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

Summary

Desert adventure in Dubai with dune bashing, camel ride, sand boarding and BBQ dinner

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing across Dubai’s desert before slowing down with camel rides and sand boarding. Taste smoky BBQ as live shows light up the night, try henna or sip sweet tea under lanterns—and maybe forget about your phone for a while.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous about the dune bashing part of this Dubai desert safari. Our guide, Sameer, grinned when he saw me clutching the seat—he said “hold tight!” and then we were off, tires sliding over golden sand that looked soft but felt wild under the wheels. The windows rattled with every drop and climb. My friend shrieked once (I might have too), but after a few minutes it just felt like laughing at a rollercoaster you can’t see the end of. There was this smell—sand and something metallic from the car—and outside, only wind and sun.

We stopped for a quick break at the quad biking area. Some people jumped straight on; I watched for a bit because honestly, after those dunes I needed to catch my breath. Then came sand boarding—harder than it looks! The board kept slipping out from under me but one of the camp guys showed me how to angle my feet better. He laughed when I faceplanted (twice) but in a friendly way. After that, camel riding was almost peaceful by comparison—the camels move slow and their eyes are so calm it makes you slow down too.

The camp itself was a surprise: lanterns flickering as dusk settled in, smells of grilled meat and sweet shisha smoke curling around us. We tried henna tattoos (mine smudged almost immediately), sipped mint tea while someone did fire tricks that made everyone gasp. The belly dancers were mesmerizing—I still think about how they moved so easily in that heat. At some point I realized I’d stopped checking my phone completely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with activities and dinner

• Option to drive quad bike
• Dune bashing with guide
• Arrive at desert camp
• Enjoy camel riding and sand boarding
• Dinner and live shows at camp

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence are included.

What activities are part of the Dubai desert safari tour?

The tour includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, BBQ dinner, live shows like belly dance and fire show, henna tattoo for ladies and kids, unlimited drinks and more.

Can I try quad biking during this desert safari?

Yes, quad biking is available at an extra cost; you can buy tickets directly at the site.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

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

Is this tour suitable for infants or pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for infants sitting alone or pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

How long is the camel ride on this safari?

The camel ride is short—just enough to experience it safely before heading to other activities.

Are there live performances at the desert camp?

Yes, there are two belly dance shows, a Tanura show and a fire performance included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai by 4x4 vehicle, all dune bashing sessions with an experienced guide, sand boarding equipment at camp side, unlimited water plus soft drinks or tea and coffee throughout the evening; you’ll also enjoy a buffet BBQ dinner with both veg and non-veg choices while watching live fire shows and belly dancing. There’s also short camel riding and henna tattoo art available for ladies and kids before returning home after dark.