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

Summary

Red dunes adventure quad biking camel rides fire shows BBQ

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing across Dubai’s Lehbab Red Desert before slowing down with camel rides and mint tea at camp. Try quad biking, taste smoky BBQ under the stars, and watch live Arabian performances surrounded by red sands. Expect laughter, new flavors, and small surprises you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always seen those photos of the Dubai desert — all orange and endless — but actually being out there is something else. Our driver, Ahmed, picked us up right from our hotel in Dubai (he had the AC blasting, thank goodness). The city faded so fast behind us. Suddenly it was just sand everywhere and the sky felt bigger than usual. I could smell dust and something sweet, maybe from the tea Ahmed kept sipping. We stopped at Lehbab for quad biking first — my hands were shaking a bit when I took the handlebars (I’m not exactly a daredevil), but after a few bumps I started grinning like an idiot. The sand feels almost soft under the tires, which surprised me.

Dune bashing came next. It’s hard to explain that feeling — like a rollercoaster but quieter, except for everyone laughing or squealing every time we slid sideways down a dune. Ahmed seemed to love showing off his driving skills; he’d glance back with this mischievous look whenever someone shrieked. Afterward, we tried sandboarding (I wiped out immediately), and then just stood there for a second watching the light change on the dunes. It was quieter than I expected, except for some distant voices and wind — kind of peaceful in its own way.

The camp was busy but somehow relaxed too. Camels were parked in a line looking bored; one snorted at me when I tried to pet it (fair enough). There was henna painting going on under a tent, and kids running around in borrowed kanduras and abayas for photos. I sat down with mint tea and watched as people tried shisha or lined up for food. The BBQ buffet smelled smoky and spicy — I went back twice for grilled chicken and some sort of eggplant thing that was way better than it looked.

As night fell, there were five different performances: belly dancing, fire spinning (which made everyone gasp), Tanoura swirling… it all blurred together in a good way after awhile. At one point during the folk dance show, someone pulled me up to join — I probably embarrassed myself but honestly didn’t care by then. On the drive back to Dubai, my shoes were full of sand and my head felt weirdly clear. Still think about that quiet moment on top of the dune sometimes — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and evening entertainment

• Start quad biking in Lehbab Desert
• Enjoy dune bashing ride
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Ride camel at desert camp
• Get henna tattoos
• Refresh with drinks
• Watch live dance performances
• Have BBQ buffet dinner

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Dubai (and Sharjah or Ajman) is included.

What activities are part of the desert safari tour?

The tour includes quad biking (30 minutes), dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, shisha (in designated area), live shows and a BBQ buffet dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served at the buffet dinner.

Is this safari suitable for young children or infants?

Children under 3 must sit on an adult’s lap; they can’t join dune bashing but can enjoy other activities with supervision.

Is alcohol served during this desert safari?

No alcohol is served; only soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are available.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible including transportation options; however some activities may be challenging depending on mobility needs.

What should I wear for this experience?

Light comfortable clothes are best; bring sunglasses and maybe a scarf for sand protection.

How long does the whole desert safari experience last?

The experience typically takes an afternoon into evening — around 6-7 hours including transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes direct pickup from your hotel in Dubai (or Sharjah/Ajman), shared transfer in an air-conditioned Land Cruiser with your guide behind the wheel, 30 minutes of quad biking in Lehbab Red Desert followed by dune bashing and sandboarding sessions. At camp you’ll have camel rides, henna tattoos if you want them, unlimited tea/coffee/soft drinks plus access to shisha at the bar area before settling down to enjoy a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian choices while watching five different live performances under desert stars—then drop-off back at your door late evening.