Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Red dunes adventure with camel rides and evening camp shows

You’ll race over Dubai’s red dunes in a 4x4 with a local guide, try sandboarding and a short camel ride, then unwind at an evening camp with live shows and optional BBQ dinner. Expect laughter, desert sunsets, and small moments you’ll remember long after you brush the sand off your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared of rollercoasters?” our driver grinned, right before the Land Cruiser dropped down another dune in Al Badayer. I’d thought I was ready for the desert safari from Dubai — but nothing really preps you for that first lurch. Sand everywhere, sunlight bouncing off the red dunes (they actually look more orange than I expected), and everyone in the backseat laughing or shrieking. Our guide, Hassan, kept glancing at us in the mirror, making sure we were still having fun — or maybe just checking if anyone was about to lose their lunch.

We stopped at the highest point for photos. The wind was dry but not harsh, and there was this weird quiet between gusts — just us, some other jeeps in the distance, and a sky that felt way too big. I tried sandboarding (not gracefully) while Hassan handed out water bottles and gave tips on how not to fall flat on your face. He told us stories about growing up nearby; his uncle apparently still keeps camels out here. I could smell grilled meat drifting from somewhere — probably another group’s camp getting ready for dinner.

The camel ride was short but honestly kind of magical — their eyelashes are ridiculous up close. Back at camp, there were lanterns flickering as dusk settled in. We got henna tattoos (mine smudged almost immediately), watched a dancer spin so fast it made me dizzy just looking at her, and ate way too much BBQ under a sky that finally cooled off after sunset. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed out there after all that adrenaline earlier. Still think about that silence on top of the dunes sometimes — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and cultural experience

• Meet and greet with desert guide
• Freshen up before departure
• Drive 4x4 land cruiser to dunes
• Enjoy 30 minutes dune bashing
• Stop 10 minutes at highest dune
• Take photos and drink water
• Drive to desert camp
• Experience Bedouin lifestyle
• Ride camel
• Enjoy continental BBQ dinner
• Watch live entertainment shows

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts around 6 to 7 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup is included within Dubai city limits.

What activities are part of the Dubai desert safari?

Dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, sandboarding, a short camel ride, live entertainment shows at camp, and an optional BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you select the dinner option.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, children under 6 years old are not allowed due to safety regulations.

Can pregnant women join the dune bashing activity?

No, dune bashing is not suitable for pregnant women.

Where does the dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens at Al Badayer in Dubai’s red desert dunes.

Do I need to bring anything special?

No special equipment needed; just comfortable clothes and closed shoes recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Dubai city by 4x4 Land Cruiser with a licensed driver-guide; thrilling dune bashing at Al Badayer’s highest dunes; a stop for sandboarding; bottled water; a short camel ride; entry to an evening desert camp with live entertainment shows; henna tattoo if selected; unlimited soft drinks if selected; plus an optional continental Arabic BBQ dinner with vegetarian choices before returning to your hotel.