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

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with dune bashing camel rides and sunset bbq

You’ll cross golden dunes in a 4x4 with your guide from Dubai, try sandboarding and camel riding (don’t worry if you’re new), then settle into a desert camp for barbecue dinner as lanterns flicker on. Expect laughter during dune bashing and quiet moments under open sky — it’s not just about photos; it’s about feeling far from city noise for a night.

What’s the experience like?

We were bouncing along in the back of a Land Cruiser before I’d even finished my coffee — not exactly how I pictured my first morning outside the city. The driver, Khalid, grinned at us in the mirror and cranked up some local music. Out the window, Dubai’s skyline faded into nothing but sand and sky. It’s weird how quickly you forget about skyscrapers when you’re watching sunlight spill over endless dunes. My friend tried to film the view but mostly caught her own laughter as we hit the first big dip — honestly, it felt like a rollercoaster built by nature.

Khalid pulled over at this meeting spot where camels lounged around like they owned the place. I’d never been that close to one before — their eyelashes are wild. We got to try riding them (awkward at first, not gonna lie), and there was this faint smell of cardamom from someone pouring Arabic coffee nearby. After that came dune bashing for real: thirty-something minutes of sliding sideways down sandy hills while Khalid whooped like he was born doing it. Sandboarding was next; I wiped out twice but didn’t care because the sunset made everything look gold and soft-edged. The quiet out there is different — just wind and our voices echoing.

By dusk we reached the camp, where smoke from grills drifted past strings of lanterns. Dinner was laid out on low tables — grilled meats, salads, dates so sweet they stuck to my fingers. There was belly dancing too; a little girl from another group tried to copy the moves while her dad filmed her with his phone. Someone handed me sweet tea and I just sat back for a second thinking: this is nothing like downtown Dubai — slower somehow, warmer in a way I didn’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

• Pickup by 4x4 land cruiser
• Free camel ride at meeting point
• 35-minute dune bashing drive
• Stop for sunset photo shoot
• Sandboarding experience in desert
• Belly dance show at desert camp
• Enjoy BBQ dinner in desert camp

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup anywhere in Dubai is included with private transportation.

How long does dune bashing last on this tour?

The dune bashing experience lasts around 35 minutes with an expert driver-guide.

Are meals provided during the evening desert safari?

Yes, a barbecue dinner is included at the desert camp along with Arabic coffee, dates, tea, and bottled water.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available.

Is sandboarding included in this tour?

Yes, complimentary sandboarding is part of the experience during your desert adventure.

What activities are offered at the desert camp?

Camel rides, henna for ladies, shisha smoking, belly dancing show, and traditional refreshments are offered at camp.

What’s included

Your evening includes private pickup from anywhere in Dubai by 4x4 Land Cruiser with an experienced guide; complimentary sandboarding; camel riding at the meeting point; bottled water throughout; Arabic coffee with dates and tea on arrival; time for sunset photos; then BBQ dinner at a desert camp with shisha (hookah), henna painting for ladies, belly dance performance—and finally return drop-off after dark.