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

Summary

Red dunes, laughter over Arabic coffee, sunset sandboarding & fire shows in Dubai

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before pausing for sunset photos and Arabic coffee at camp. Taste smoky BBQ under desert stars, try sandboarding or camel riding if you’re brave enough, then relax with live belly dance and fire shows before heading back—still sandy but smiling.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened — our driver called to say he’d be late by ten minutes because “the camels are blocking the road.” I thought he was joking. He wasn’t. So we started our Dubai desert safari a bit behind schedule, but honestly, waiting outside and watching city life blur into sand was kind of its own intro. The air had this dry warmth, like opening an oven for bread. When the 4x4 finally pulled up, our guide Khalid grinned and apologized (“It’s always the camels,” he shrugged), and off we went.

I’d heard about dune bashing but didn’t expect my heart to end up somewhere near my throat for half an hour straight. The red dunes really do look endless — like someone spilled cinnamon everywhere. At one point I caught myself laughing out loud just from the sheer weirdness of sliding sideways in a car while Khalid played Arabic pop on low volume. We stopped for photos right as the sun started dipping; everyone got quiet for a minute, except for some kids shrieking nearby who kept rolling down the sand (I kind of wanted to join them). My shoes are still full of grit.

At the camp there was this smell — charcoal smoke mixed with something sweet I couldn’t place until one of the cooks handed me a sticky date next to my cup of gahwa. I tried saying thank you in Arabic; Li laughed at my accent and tried to teach me again (I’m hopeless). There were henna artists painting delicate patterns on hands, people lining up for camel rides (the camels looked unimpressed), and a guy showing us how to tie those checkered scarves properly — mine kept slipping off. Sandboarding was harder than it looks on Instagram, but at least nobody saw me fall.

Later came the food — big platters of grilled chicken and smoky eggplant, plus more salads than I could name. The belly dancing started just as we finished eating; everyone shuffled closer without really meaning to. The fire show made me flinch once (the heat is real when you’re close). On the drive back to Dubai city lights felt almost too bright after all that open space. I still think about that quiet moment on top of the dune with orange sky everywhere. If you go, bring extra water and don’t wear white shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and cultural activities

• Pickup from your place
• Drive 70 km to desert
• Enjoy 4x4 dune bashing
• Sunset photography stop
• Arrive at desert camp
• Try camel riding and sandboarding
• Henna painting for ladies
• Arabic costume photography
• Drink Arabic coffee and desserts
• Enjoy BBQ buffet dinner
• Watch belly dance and live shows

Top questions

How far is the desert from central Dubai?

The main desert area for safaris is around 70 km from Dubai city center.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your location is included in the tour.

What time does the safari usually start?

Pickup is usually between 3:00 and 3:30 pm.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

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

Can you try sandboarding during this tour?

Yes, sandboarding is one of the included activities at camp.

Is henna painting available for everyone?

Henna painting is mainly offered for ladies during the tour.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near pickup points in Dubai.

Is this safari suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to dune bashing activity.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or location in Dubai, a guided drive out to the red dunes about 70 km away, all activities like dune bashing with a local driver-guide, sandboarding sessions, camel riding with photo stops, henna painting (mainly for ladies), photos in traditional dress if you want them, unlimited water and soft drinks throughout the evening plus Arabic tea and coffee served with dates at camp. Dinner features a full BBQ buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes before live belly dance, Tanoura spinning and fire shows round out your night under desert stars—then it’s back to town by car when you’re ready.