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

Summary

Evening desert adventure from Dubai with dune bashing, camel ride and live shows plus BBQ dinner under the stars

You’ll leave Dubai behind for an afternoon of dune bashing in red sand, try camel riding at sunset, relax with sweet tea as live shows light up the camp, and share a barbecue dinner under open sky. Pickup and drop-off are included so you can just let go for a while — there’s something about that desert silence you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like when the city just drops away and you’re suddenly in the middle of all that sand? That’s how our Dubai desert safari started — one minute we were dodging traffic, next thing I knew, the buildings faded and it was just us, the wind, and these wild red dunes. Our driver (Mohammed, who’s apparently been doing this forever) laughed at my nervous grip on the seat before we took off dune bashing. It’s loud in a way that gets into your chest — tires crunching, everyone shouting half-laughing, half-panicked. Sand gets everywhere. I mean everywhere. There was this moment at the top of a dune where everything went quiet except for the wind and I could smell something sharp and dry in the air — not sure if that makes sense but it stuck with me.

After that rush we landed at a camp tucked behind some dunes. Camels were waiting (they look so unimpressed by humans), and I tried riding one — definitely more awkward than it looks in photos but kind of fun once you get used to their slow sway. The sun started dropping fast; colors went sort of gold then purple. Someone handed out sweet tea while kids got henna tattoos and a few people dressed up for photos (I skipped that part — didn’t trust myself not to spill tea on white robes). Our guide told us about how his family used to camp here when he was young, which made me look at the place differently for a second.

The evening picked up again with music and live shows — belly dancing first (the dancer winked at a guy near us who turned bright red), then this fire show that actually made me flinch when they spun flames close by. Food came out right after: smoky grilled chicken, salads, flatbread still warm from somewhere behind the tents. Sitting cross-legged on those carpets under all that open sky felt weirdly peaceful even with all the noise around. I kept thinking how far we’d come from downtown Dubai just a few hours earlier.

By the time we piled back into the 4x4s for drop-off (sand still in my shoes), I realized I’d barely checked my phone all night. Not sure if it was the desert or just being busy trying not to fall off camels or miss dinner, but yeah — I still think about that view from the top of those dunes sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Arrive at desert stop
• Take break and use restroom
• Rent quad bike (optional)
• Enjoy dune bashing adventure
• Capture sunset photos on dunes
• Go to desert camp area
• Take short camel ride
• Try sand boarding
• Get henna tattoo
• Take photos in Arabic costumes
• Watch live entertainment shows
• Enjoy BBQ and buffet dinner
• Return to pickup location

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour starts in the afternoon and returns guests to their location after dinner and live shows; expect around 6-7 hours total including transfers.

Is pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off in Dubai are included by 4x4 sharing car.

What activities are included during the safari?

The tour includes dune bashing in red sand dunes, camel ride, sandboarding, henna tattoo for ladies and kids, live entertainment shows (belly dance, tanoura show, fire show), and BBQ buffet dinner.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are available at camp.

Can kids join this Dubai desert safari?

Yes; children up to 3 years old are free but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is quad biking included?

No; quad biking is available to rent at an extra cost at the first stop before dune bashing begins.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes; both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are served at the BBQ buffet dinner.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back injuries?

No; it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries due to dune bashing activity.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by 4x4 sharing car from anywhere in Dubai, all dune bashing drives across red sand dunes with your licensed guide-driver, a short camel ride at camp plus sandboarding if you’re feeling brave. There’s unlimited water, soft drinks and tea or coffee waiting at camp along with henna tattoos for ladies and kids. You’ll enjoy live entertainment—belly dance, tanoura show and fire performance—before sitting down to a full BBQ buffet dinner (vegetarian options too), then return transport back to your hotel or apartment late evening.