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

Red dunes, 4WD thrills, and a Bedouin camp at sunset

A Dubai desert safari combines dune bashing by 4x4, camel riding, and sandboarding in the Lahbab desert, followed by an evening at a traditional Bedouin-inspired camp with barbecue dinner and live entertainment. The tour includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide in multiple languages, and refreshments throughout. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the full experience runs about 5 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Travel to Lahbab desert
• Enjoy 4WD dune bashing
• Ride a camel
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Relax at Bedouin-inspired camp
• Have barbecue-buffet dinner
• Watch live shows

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned 4x4. Once in the Lahbab desert, the vehicle tackles the red dunes at speed. This is dune bashing, the signature rush of the tour. You'll feel the vehicle climb and drop across the sand while the driver handles the terrain. It's thrilling without requiring anything from you except to hold on and watch the landscape tilt. Between runs, you dismount for a camel ride across the dunes and a turn at sandboarding down the slopes.

As the sun drops, the tour moves to the Bedouin camp, a traditional-style settlement where the pace shifts entirely. A barbecue buffet with vegetarian and meat options waits, along with Arabic coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water. The camp hosts live entertainment (a fire show, Tanura dance, and belly dance) performed while you eat. You can also dress in traditional Arabic costume for photographs, a moment most travelers take advantage of before the evening winds down.

The guide speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi, or Arabic, so language is not a barrier. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and children from age 2 onward participate in the activities. Specialized infant seats are available if needed. The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and the pace suits all fitness levels. You're not hiking or climbing, just riding and watching.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned 4x4.
• dune bashing on red dunes.
• camel ride.
• sandboarding.
• traditional Arabic costume photography.
• barbecue dinner with vegetarian and meat options.
• live entertainment including fire show, Tanura dance, and belly dance.
• Arabic coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteAED 1,570

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Haven Holidays Tours

Is this one for you?If you want to add quad bike or buggy rides to the desert experience, those are available as optional upgrades at checkout. Choose the 2-seater or 4-seater buggy depending on whether you're riding solo or with a companion. The base tour covers the essentials: 4WD dune bashing, camel, sandboard, and the Bedouin camp evening, so you get the full arc of a desert day without extras unless you want them.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

124 verified traveler reviews

5 ★120

4 ★4

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Arabic and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is dune bashing in the Dubai desert?

Dune bashing is a high-speed drive across the red sand dunes of the Lahbab desert in a 4x4 vehicle. The driver navigates steep slopes and valleys, creating a roller-coaster effect as the vehicle climbs and descends the dunes. You sit inside the air-conditioned cabin while the vehicle does the work.

Can I ride a camel and sandboard on the same tour?

Yes. The tour includes both a camel ride across the dunes and sandboarding down the slopes. Both happen during the afternoon portion, before the group moves to the Bedouin camp for dinner and shows.

What's included in the barbecue dinner at the camp?

The barbecue buffet offers both vegetarian and meat options. The meal also includes Arabic coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water. Live entertainment (a fire show, Tanura dance, and belly dance) happens while you dine.

How long does the entire tour take?

The tour runs about 5 hours from pickup to drop-off, including dune bashing, the camel ride, sandboarding, dinner, and live shows at the camp.