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

Summary

Dune bashing thrills camel rides sunset bbq and live shows in dubai

You’ll race across golden dunes outside Dubai with an expert guide before pausing for sunset photos and a slow camel ride. At Fort Lisaili camp, try henna art or archery, then dig into a regional BBQ buffet while dancers light up the night. It’s lively but there are pockets of calm too — perfect if you want both excitement and space to breathe.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ve never really heard silence until you stop on a high dune outside Dubai,” our guide Khalid said, grinning as we tumbled out of the Land Cruiser. He was right — it’s this weird hush, only broken by wind scraping across the sand. I still had sand in my teeth from laughing during the dune bashing part (honestly, I clung to the seatbelt like my life depended on it). The sun dipped lower and everything turned gold. Khalid offered to take our photo — he insisted we stand awkwardly so the dunes looked even bigger behind us. It worked.

I didn’t expect to like the camel ride as much as I did. The camels have these gentle eyes and move slower than you think — kind of swaying, almost hypnotic? There was a moment where all you could hear was the soft padding of their feet and someone’s scarf flapping in the breeze. At Fort Lisaili camp, there were henna artists painting delicate patterns (I smudged mine within minutes), and a few people tried archery but mostly missed the target. The air smelled faintly sweet from shisha pipes and grilled meat drifting over from dinner prep.

Night fell fast. Suddenly there were dancers swirling in bright skirts — Tanoura first, then belly dancing (the fire show got everyone cheering). I didn’t even realize how hungry I was until plates started filling up with lamb kebabs and salads from the BBQ buffet. Sitting under strings of lanterns with strangers who felt like friends after a few hours in the desert… well, it’s hard not to feel lucky for moments like that. On the drive back to Dubai, I kept thinking about that quiet just before sunset — how it made everything else feel bigger somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and entertainment

• Hotel pick-up in Dubai
• Dune bashing across golden sands
• Camel ride at Fort Lisaili
• Watch sunset and take photos
• Enjoy henna art and archery
• Watch Tanoura, belly dance, fire show
• Dine on BBQ buffet under stars
• Drink soft drinks and water
• Relax at Aperol Spritz lounge
• Enjoy shisha and browse souvenirs
• Professional photos before drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The experience usually takes around 6-7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included in your booking.

What activities are included at Fort Lisaili camp?

You can try henna hand painting, archery, watch dance performances, relax with shisha, or browse souvenir stalls.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options and kids meals are available if requested at booking.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, children can join but special seating is required for younger kids; check age/height requirements when booking.

Is dune bashing safe for everyone?

Dune bashing isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What should I wear on a Dubai desert safari?

Modest dress with comfortable closed shoes is recommended due to sand and sun exposure.

Are drinks included during the tour?

You’ll get two soft drinks plus unlimited water throughout the evening; premium beverages are also available at camp.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by Land Cruiser, guided dune bashing through golden sands near Dubai, a slow-paced camel ride at Fort Lisaili camp, traditional henna hand painting and archery sessions, plus vibrant dance performances (Tanoura dance, belly dancing except during Ramadan), an energetic fire show after dark, unlimited water with two soft drinks per person (and premium beverages available), and a full regional BBQ buffet dinner served under lanterns before heading back to your hotel late evening.