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

Dune bash at sunset, then settle into camp for fire shows and dinner under the stars

An evening desert safari in Dubai combines dune bashing by 4x4, a traditional camel ride, sandboarding and sunset photography in the red dunes, followed by entertainment and a BBQ buffet at a desert camp. The tour runs 6.5 hours with hotel pickup and return included. Henna painting, belly dance, fire and Tanoura shows, and unlimited water are part of the package. Quad bike and buggy rides are optional extras available at the camp.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert Safari with Activities and Dinner

• Pickup from Dubai or Sharjah
• Drive to red sand dunes
• Experience dune bashing in 4x4
• Enjoy traditional camel ride
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Take sunset photos
• Visit desert camp entrance
• Get henna painting and tattoos
• Watch belly dance and fire shows
• Watch Tanoura dance show
• Enjoy BBQ dinner with veg and non-veg options
• Refresh with traditional Qahwa, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water
• Return transfer to pickup location

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your Dubai or Sharjah hotel and heads straight into the dunes. A 4x4 takes you across the red sand with dune bashing (the vehicle climbs and descends steep slopes while you sit inside), then stops for a traditional camel ride and sandboarding on the dunes. The driver pauses for sunset photography and Arabic costume photos before the group moves on to the desert camp, arriving as light fades. The vehicle drops you at the camp entrance. From there it's a short walk to the main gathering area.

At camp, the evening unfolds with live entertainment: belly dance, fire eating and the Tanoura (spinning skirt) show happen on a stage while you're seated. Between performances, staff offer henna painting on your hands or arms. A buffet dinner includes Arabic salad with flatbread, hummus and fresh vegetables, then grilled meat and fish, biryani, and vegetarian options. Unlimited drinking water comes with the meal. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are also available. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately and paid for at the camp.

Children under 8 cannot do dune bashing but can join the camel ride and camp activities. Seats for small children are available on request. Contact the operator before booking to confirm a size that fits your child. Guests who prefer to skip dune bashing (seniors or those with mobility concerns) should let the operator know in advance. The camel ride and camp portion remain available. Secure footwear is essential because the dunes are sandy and uneven, and the walk from parking to the camp entrance is only a few steps. Keep your seatbelt fastened during the 4x4 ride and follow the driver's safety instructions before any activity starts.

What’s included

• Dune bashing in a 4x4.
• a traditional camel ride.
• sandboarding on the dunes.
• sunset and Arabic costume photography.
• henna painting.
• live belly dance, fire and Tanoura shows.
• a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Arabic salad, flatbread and hummus.
• unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
• hotel pickup and return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 700

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Holiday Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Dubai or Sharjah without a car: pickup from your hotel means you don't need to arrange transport to the desert, and the fixed schedule gets you back by evening. The 6.5-hour run fits a single night without cutting into the next day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 happens during the dune bashing part of the tour?

Dune bashing is the 4x4 drive across the red sand dunes: the vehicle climbs and descends steep slopes while you're inside. It's the main thrill of the early evening before the group moves to the camel ride and sandboarding.

What food and drinks are included in the BBQ dinner?

The BBQ dinner includes Arabic salad with flatbread, hummus, fresh vegetables, grilled meat and fish, biryani, and vegetarian options. Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee and soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased at the camp and paid for on the day.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup and return to your hotel in Dubai or Sharjah is included. The tour runs 6.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Are quad bikes and buggy rides part of the package?

No, quad bike and buggy rides are optional extras available at the desert camp. Confirm the price and duration with the camp before deciding to add them.

What entertainment happens at the desert camp?

The camp offers live shows including belly dance, fire eating and the Tanoura show (a traditional spinning skirt performance). Henna painting is also available, and you can watch the shows while seated before or after the BBQ dinner.