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

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with dune bashing, camel rides and evening shows

You’ll feel the adrenaline of dune bashing across Dubai’s sands, try your luck at sandboarding or camel riding, then relax at a lively Bedouin camp with henna art, shisha, live dance shows and a BBQ dinner under the stars. Pickup is included so you can just enjoy every moment — even if you leave with sand in your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

Sand gets everywhere — I noticed that first, brushing it off my jeans as our 4x4 bounced over the dunes outside Dubai. The driver (Ahmed? I think so) grinned in the rearview mirror before gunning it up another slope. My stomach dropped in that way that makes you laugh and grip the door at the same time. It’s louder than I expected out here: tires crunching, someone in the back yelping, wind whistling through open windows. The desert looked endless, just ripples of gold and pink light as the sun started to dip. I tried sandboarding — fell twice, definitely ate some sand — but honestly, it was funnier than embarrassing.

At some point we stopped for camel rides. The camels seemed unimpressed by us city folks; one snorted when I tried to take a selfie. There was this quiet moment after, standing on top of a dune with everyone else scattered below — just warm air and that soft hush you only get far from traffic or phones. Our guide pointed out how the sky changes color right before sunset; he was right, it went from orange to this weird lavender shade I’d never seen before. That stuck with me.

The camp was already buzzing by the time we got there. Henna artists waved us over (my attempt smudged almost immediately), and someone handed me sweet mint tea while music drifted from the stage. Dinner was a blur of kebabs and smoky BBQ chicken — I probably ate too much but who cares? There were dancers spinning so fast their skirts turned into colored blurs, and people trying on those long white robes for photos (I looked ridiculous but hey, when in Dubai). Someone passed around shisha pipes; I’m not sure I did it right but Li laughed at my coughing fit anyway.

I left with sand still clinging to my shoes and that odd mix of tiredness and contentment you get after a good day out. There’s something about watching strangers dance under desert stars that makes you feel both small and lucky at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and cultural experience

• Pickup from hotel or home
• Wear traditional Arabic dresses
• Get henna tattoo for ladies
• Enjoy sandboarding activity
• Take a camel ride
• Explore souvenir shops
• Watch sunset drive through dunes
• Arrive at Bedouin-style camp
• Watch live dance performances
• Enjoy fire show and appetizers
• Have BBQ buffet dinner
• Return to hotel or home

Top questions

What activities are included in the Dubai Desert Safari?

Dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting for women and kids, Arabic costume photos, shisha smoking area, live dance shows including belly dance (except during Ramadan), Tanura show, fire show twice in the evening, plus souvenir shopping opportunities.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai Desert Safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or home is included by 4x4 vehicle.

What kind of food is served at the desert safari camp?

An international buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is served. This includes BBQ dishes like chicken, lamb, fish and kebabs along with appetizers and unlimited tea, coffee or soft drinks.

Are there activities for children on this tour?

Yes—children can enjoy short camel rides, henna tattoos (for girls), sandboarding and cultural performances suitable for families.

Is this safari suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; infants can use prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

How long does the Dubai Desert Safari last?

The activity typically lasts an afternoon into evening—exact times depend on pickup location but expect several hours including travel time from central Dubai.

Are live performances available during Ramadan?

Belly dance shows are not available during Ramadan but other entertainment such as Tanura dance and fire shows may still be offered.

Can I try traditional Arabic costumes on this tour?

Yes—there are dressing rooms where men can wear Qandura and women can try Abbaya for photos at the campsite.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel or home pickup by 4x4 vehicle from anywhere in Dubai plus drop-off afterwards. You’ll get dune bashing with an experienced driver, short camel rides, sandboarding sessions at sunset viewpoints, access to henna artists (for women & kids), Arabic costumes for photoshoots, unlimited soft drinks plus tea or coffee throughout the evening. At camp enjoy self-service shisha pipes in designated areas along with five different live performances—belly dancing (except during Ramadan), Tanura spinning show, fire acts—and finish up with an international buffet dinner featuring vegetarian options as well as BBQ meats like chicken kebab or lamb skewers before heading back to your hotel late evening.