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

Evening desert adventure from Dubai with camel rides sandboarding live shows and BBQ

You’ll ride camels across Dubai’s red sands, feel your heart race during dune bashing in Lehbab, and settle into a lively desert camp for dinner under the stars. Enjoy live belly dance and fire shows while tasting fresh BBQ dishes. It’s an evening full of new tastes, laughter, and little moments you’ll probably remember longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and live show

• Pick up from hotel in Dubai or Sharjah
• Drive to desert with guide stories
• Stop for dune bashing preparation
• Enjoy dune bashing in red sands
• Sunset photo opportunity in dunes
• Arrive at deluxe desert camp
• Experience camel ride and sandboarding
• Try henna painting and horse riding
• Welcome drinks and dates served
• Enjoy live music and dance shows
• Dine at open buffet with BBQ
• Unlimited drinks served
• Drop off at hotel or home

The Experience

We’d barely left the city when our guide, Ahmed, started telling us stories about how his grandfather used to cross these same deserts by camel. He had this way of pausing for effect, letting the silence hang as we watched glass towers fade into red sand. When we stopped to let air out of the tires before dune bashing, he handed me a date and joked that I’d need the sugar. The wind was dry but not harsh, and you could smell something sweet — maybe those wild desert shrubs? I’m still not sure.

The dune bashing in Lehbab was… well, my stomach didn’t love it, but everyone was laughing so hard I forgot to be nervous. We all spilled out for sunset photos — there’s this weird hush out there except for distant engines and people calling to each other in Arabic or English. Sand got everywhere (I mean everywhere), but it didn’t matter. After that, we rolled into the desert camp where they greeted us with tiny cups of tea and more dates. Someone helped me tie on an Arabic headscarf for photos — I probably looked ridiculous but nobody cared.

I tried sandboarding (fell twice), then sat with henna drying on my hand while kids ran around chasing each other between the tents. The live music started up just as the sky went deep blue. There were two belly dancers, a tanoura dancer spinning until his skirt blurred, and a fire show that made everyone gasp at least once. The food came out fast — smoky grilled chicken, rice, salads — and it tasted better than anything I’ve had at home lately. I kept thinking how strange it felt to be so far from Dubai’s lights but surrounded by so much noise and color out here.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah is included.

What activities are included in the Dubai desert safari?

The safari includes dune bashing in Lehbab’s red sands, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, photo opportunities in Arabic dress, live shows (belly dance, tanoura dance, fire show), and a BBQ dinner.

Is food provided during the desert safari?

Yes, there is an open buffet with live BBQ stations plus unlimited drinks like water, soda, tea or coffee.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; some activities may not be suitable for them.

Is this safari suitable for pregnant travelers?

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

Can I try horse riding at the camp?

Horse riding is available upon request at the desert camp.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle. You’ll experience dune bashing in Lehbab’s red sands before arriving at a deluxe camp for camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, photo sessions in Arabic dress (for pictures only), shisha in the lounge area if you want it, plus live entertainment shows — belly dancing, tanoura spinning and fire performance — along with unlimited drinks and a buffet dinner with freshly grilled BBQ dishes before heading back at night.