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

Summary

Evening desert adventure in Dubai with dune bashing, camel ride, shows and BBQ dinner

You’ll swap city noise for shifting red sands outside Dubai, riding over dunes with a local driver before tasting sweet tea at sunset. Try a camel ride or get henna painted while dancers spin under lanterns. A barbecue dinner rounds out this desert safari — you might even find yourself laughing at your own attempts to say “shukran.”

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to just drop away so suddenly — one minute we were weaving through Dubai traffic, the next it was just endless red sand. Our driver, Khalid, laughed when I gripped the seat as we hit the first dune. He said something about “the real rollercoaster,” and honestly? He wasn’t kidding. The sand felt soft but somehow rough at the same time, and I could taste dust on my lips every time I grinned (which was a lot). It’s hard to explain how quiet it gets out there except for the engine and everyone’s laughter bouncing off the dunes.

After all that bouncing around, we stopped so people could try sand boarding. I mostly watched — some kids wiped out spectacularly and their parents pretended not to panic. There were camels waiting nearby too, looking sort of bored but patient. I climbed on for a short ride; their fur is coarser than I imagined. The guide leading mine told me his name was Ahmed and joked that his camel liked selfies more than walking (I still have that photo somewhere).

Later we reached this camp set up with low tables and carpets — lanterns everywhere as the sun dropped behind the dunes. The smell of grilled meat drifted over while women painted henna designs on hands (mine’s already faded but I remember how cool it felt drying). Two dancers spun in wild circles, skirts flaring out under colored lights, and then there was fire — literally — during the last show. My friend tried on an abaya for photos; Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Arabic — probably butchered it. The whole evening felt both chaotic and peaceful at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with cultural entertainment

• Pickup from hotel by 4x4
• Dune bashing in desert
• Enjoy henna tattoos
• Watch live entertainment shows
• See belly dance and Tanura dance
• Watch fire show
• Have dinner with drinks
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

What time does the Dubai desert safari start?

The pickup window is between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm from your hotel or home.

Is dune bashing included in this tour?

Yes, about 20+ minutes of dune bashing in Dubai’s red sand desert is included.

Are meals provided during the safari?

A BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included, along with snacks and drinks.

Can children join this desert safari?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off by luxury 4x4 vehicles are included if you select that option when booking.

What entertainment is provided at camp?

The evening includes two belly dance performances, a Tanoura dance show, a fire show, plus henna painting.

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The total experience lasts about six hours, ending around 9:30 pm.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off by luxury 4x4 vehicle if selected, guided dune bashing across Dubai’s Arabian red sands for over twenty minutes, sand boarding opportunities, a short camel ride led by local handlers, Arabic costumes for photos, henna painting for ladies and kids, soft drinks plus tea or coffee throughout the evening, live entertainment with two belly dance shows plus Tanoura dance and fire performance—and finally a barbecue dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices before heading back to your hotel or home.