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

Summary

Dubai red dunes adventure with sand boarding camel ride & fire show

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before slowing down for a sunset camel ride and sand boarding lesson. Try on local dress at camp, snap photos with a falcon, then share BBQ dinner under desert stars while dancers light up the night. It’s lively but also quietly moving — you might not want to leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much in the back seat of a Land Cruiser — but there we were, clutching the seats and yelling as our driver Kareem took us up and down the Dubai red dunes. Sand everywhere (I’m still finding it in my shoes), but that first drop? My stomach did a full somersault. The desert air smelled like warm stone and something sweet I couldn’t place. Kareem grinned in the mirror and told us this was his favorite part of the day trip — I could see why.

After all that bouncing around, standing on top of a dune felt weirdly peaceful. It was quiet except for wind and someone far off trying to sand board (not as easy as it looks). The sun started dipping lower, turning everything gold-orange. We tried on those long robes — abayas and kanduras — at the camp. Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” right; probably butchered it. There was this old guy with a falcon who let me hold it for a photo, its claws surprisingly gentle on my glove.

The camel ride was slower than I thought — lurchy at first, then kind of hypnotic. The camp filled up with chatter and smoke from the BBQ grills. I still think about that grilled chicken, smoky and spicy, eaten cross-legged while dancers spun by firelight. Someone handed out sweet tea just before the belly dance started. By then I’d stopped checking my phone for signal. Not sure if it was the desert or just being away from everything for a few hours, but it felt good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari with Activities and Dinner

• Arrive at Dubai desert camp
• Experience 40-45 minutes dune bashing
• Try sand boarding on red dunes
• Wear local Arab dress
• Ride Arabian camel
• Hold and photograph falcon
• Watch live belly, tanura, fire dances
• Enjoy optional quad bike or dune buggy
• Taste lavish BBQ buffet dinner

Top questions

How long is the Dubai Desert Safari tour?

The experience lasts about 6-7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

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

What activities are part of the Dubai Desert Safari?

Dune bashing by 4x4 Land Cruiser, sand boarding, camel riding, dressing in local attire, falcon photos, live dance shows, and BBQ dinner are included.

Are food and drinks provided during the safari?

Yes, you’ll get snacks, bottled water, unlimited soft drinks, coffee or tea, plus a buffet BBQ dinner at camp.

Can children join this desert safari?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available.

Is entertainment available during Ramadan?

No entertainment shows are provided during Ramadan periods.

Are quad bikes or dune buggies included?

No, quad bike or dune buggy rides are optional extras you can book separately at camp.

Will there be a guide with us during the safari?

A driver/guide accompanies you throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai by 4x4 Land Cruiser with an experienced driver-guide; bottled water; snacks; unlimited soft drinks; coffee or tea; live entertainment (except during Ramadan); all main activities like dune bashing, sand boarding on red dunes, camel riding; traditional dress-up opportunities; falcon photo session; plus a full buffet BBQ dinner before heading back to your hotel after dark.