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

Summary

Evening desert safari in Dubai with camel ride and shows

You’ll feel Dubai slip away as you head into golden dunes for an evening desert safari with dune bashing thrills, a camel ride at Al Khayma camp, live shows under open sky, and a smoky barbecue dinner with local flavors. Expect laughter, new tastes, maybe some sand in your shoes — plus hotel pickup so you can just enjoy every moment.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee when our driver, Ahmed, showed up right on time at the hotel — big smile, already joking about the sand. The drive out of Dubai only took about an hour but it felt like we were leaving one world for another. You start seeing the city fade in the rearview mirror and then it’s just endless sand and that weirdly comforting silence you only get in deserts. At the first stop, Ahmed let some air out of the tires (apparently that’s important for dune bashing — I’d never thought about tire pressure so much). There was this faint smell of engine oil and cardamom from someone’s thermos. I tried to look cool but honestly I was a bit nervous about what was coming next.

Dune bashing is... well, wild. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve done it — half rollercoaster, half “should I be worried?” but totally fun. Sand gets everywhere (I’m still finding it in my shoes), and you can’t help but laugh or scream a little as the 4WD slides sideways down these massive dunes. Afterward we stopped for sandboarding which I absolutely failed at — Ahmed gave me a thumbs up anyway. Then we headed to Al Khayma camp, where they greeted us with dates and gahwa coffee. There were carpets everywhere and low tables; people just chatting or watching the sun dip behind a dune. I tried saying thank you in Arabic — didn’t go great but one of the staff grinned and helped me out.

The camel ride was shorter than I expected but somehow still memorable — their eyelashes are ridiculous up close, you know? We watched a falconer show off his bird (the falcon looked totally unimpressed by us), and there was this moment where everything got quiet except for some distant laughter and the crackle from a shisha pipe nearby. Henna painting was happening under one tent; kids running around in borrowed kanduras; someone started clapping along to music that drifted over from the stage area where dancers were warming up. The food smelled smoky-sweet — grilled meat, spices, something sugary I couldn’t name. By then it felt like everyone had relaxed into the evening together.

Later came the Tanoura spinning dance (how do they not get dizzy?) and fire show — sparks flying into that dark sky that seemed impossibly big compared to city lights back home. We left late, tired but kind of giddy. I still think about that sunset light on the dunes when things get too noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with cultural activities

• Pickup from hotel or location
• Drive one hour to desert
• Restroom break and vehicle setup
• Optional quad bike ride
• Dune bashing for 30-40 minutes
• Try sandboarding
• Arrive at Al Khayma desert camp
• Welcome with dates, sweets, and Arabic coffee
• Sit in Bedouin-style Majlis
• Camel caravan ride near camp
• Watch sunset from dune (if possible)
• Enjoy shisha and henna painting
• Arab costume makeover and photos with falcon
• Watch Tanoura dance performance
• Dinner buffet with grilled food and desserts
• Watch Ladies Khaliji dance
• Return to hotel or pickup location

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts several hours including pickup; exact timing depends on traffic and sunset season.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your selected hotel or location are included.

What activities are part of this evening desert safari?

Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, falcon experience, henna painting (for ladies), shisha pipe area, live dance shows, BBQ dinner.

Is dinner included on this Dubai desert tour?

Yes, an open buffet barbecue dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included.

Can children join the dune bashing part?

No, infants under 3 years old cannot join dune bashing due to safety rules.

Are there vegetarian options at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are available at dinner.

What should I wear for this Dubai desert safari?

Loose-fitting clothes are best; bring a jacket for winter evenings and wear sports shoes.

Is quad biking included in this tour?

No, quad biking is optional and not covered by tour insurance; extra cost applies if chosen on site.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or chosen location in Dubai by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle; guided dune bashing through the sands; time to try sandboarding; entry to Al Khayma desert camp with Arabic coffee (gahwa), dates and sweets on arrival; short camel rides (repeatable); falcon photo opportunity; shisha pipe access; henna painting for ladies; traditional attire for photos; live performances like Tanoura dance and fire show; unlimited soft drinks; plus an open buffet barbecue dinner before heading back late in the evening.