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

Summary

Evening desert adventure from Dubai with sand, camels, shows and barbecue

You’ll feel the rush of dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before sunset, try sandboarding (and maybe wipe out), ride camels around a lantern-lit camp and taste smoky barbecue under desert stars. Local guides share stories and laughter along the way — it’s not perfect but that’s what makes it memorable.

What’s the experience like?

You know that weird moment when you wake up and can’t quite believe where you are? That’s how it felt stepping out of the 4x4 into the Lahbab desert — just red dunes everywhere, heat shimmering in the air. Our driver, Khalid, grinned and handed us cold water before we even asked. The engine cooled as we stood there, sand already sneaking into my shoes. A couple of quad bikes buzzed past and I thought about trying one but chickened out (next time maybe). The main event was dune bashing — honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much. Khalid played Arabic pop on low volume while we bounced over the crests; my friend shrieked every time we slid sideways. Sand got everywhere but I didn’t care.

We stopped for photos at the top of a dune — sunset was coming on fast and the light made everything look gold. Tried sandboarding (I fell twice, laughed harder), then back in the car for a short drive to the camp. You could smell charcoal smoke before you saw anything else. Inside, lanterns flickered and people lounged on carpets drinking sweet tea or getting henna painted on their hands. There was this falcon guy who let me hold his bird for a photo — heavier than I thought! The camel ride was short but kind of magical with the sky turning purple overhead. One of the handlers joked about how clumsy I looked getting off (he wasn’t wrong).

Dinner came just as my stomach started to growl — grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, salads I couldn’t name but tasted fresh and spicy. Sitting cross-legged under string lights, watching dancers spin in those wild skirts and a fire juggler who made everyone gasp… it felt both touristy and real at once. People around us were from everywhere: families with little kids running in circles, couples sharing shisha quietly in corners. It got chilly after dark so someone handed out extra scarves — small kindnesses like that stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and cultural experience

• Pick up from your location
• Drive to Lahbab red dunes
• Break for water and restroom
• Optional quad bike or ATV ride
• Enjoy dune bashing safari ride
• Stop for sand-boarding and photos
• Refreshment break at starting point
• Proceed to desert camp
• Try henna tattoo and shisha
• Dress in Arabian attire
• Meet falcon expert and bird
• Short camel ride around camp
• Enjoy barbecue dinner buffet
• Watch Tanoura, fire, belly dance
• Relax and meditate at camp
• Return to city

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour usually takes around 6–7 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel or location in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your selected hotel or location in Dubai is included.

What activities are included in this Dubai desert safari?

Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides (can repeat), henna painting for ladies, shisha smoking in common area, live shows like belly dance and fire show, plus BBQ dinner.

Is vegetarian food available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at dinner.

Can children or infants join this desert safari?

Yes—infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats; strollers/prams are also allowed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—transportation options are wheelchair accessible for guests who need it.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Unlimited cold mineral water, soft drinks, tea/coffee and snacks are provided throughout the experience.

Do I need to pay extra for sandboarding or camel rides?

No—sandboarding and camel rides are included in your tour price.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dubai by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide; all dune bashing sessions; unlimited water, soft drinks and snacks; sandboarding; photo stops at sunset; entrance to a Bedouin-style shared camp; henna painting for ladies; shisha smoking in common areas; camel rides (repeatable) plus feeding; live performances like belly dance, fire show and Tanoura dance; plus a full barbecue dinner buffet offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes before heading back to your hotel late evening.