Desert Safari Dubai: Dune Bashing, Dinner & Dance Shows

Ride the dunes at sunset, then sit down to dinner and three live shows in the desert.

A desert safari from Dubai with dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, henna painting and a full BBQ dinner at a Bedouin camp, followed by belly dance, tanoura and fire shows. Hotel pickup runs between 3pm and 4pm. Return is between 9pm and 9:30pm. The guide speaks English and the tour runs about five hours total. Belly dance does not run during Ramadan.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick up from hotel between 3pm and 4pm
• Drive thrilling dune bashing in desert
• Enjoy camel riding and sand boarding
• Get henna tattoo painting
• Relax at Bedouin campsite with shisha
• Have BBQ dinner with soft drinks
• Watch belly dance, tanoura, and fire shows
• Photo opportunities in traditional Arabic costumes
• Drop off at hotel between 9pm and 9:30pm

The experience

The pickup arrives at your hotel or residence between 3pm and 4pm, then heads into the Arabian Desert for the dune bashing: the vehicle hits the sand dunes hard enough that the ride itself is the thrill. Once the camp comes into view, a traditional Arabian welcome meets you: low tables, cushions and carpets spread across a Bedouin campsite. From there, the afternoon splits into choices. Camel riding, sand boarding, henna tattoo painting or shisha smoking. You pick what appeals and move between them at your own pace while refreshments and snacks arrive.

As the sun drops, a photographer sets you up in traditional Arabic dress (Abaya or Kandura) for photos, then everyone gathers for the barbecue dinner. The buffet runs to both meat eaters and vegetarians, with soft drinks, mineral water, tea and coffee flowing throughout. Three live shows follow back-to-back: belly dance first, then tanoura (the spinning skirt performance), capped by a fire show. The return to your hotel or residence happens between 9pm and 9:30pm.

What’s included

• Hotel or residence pickup and drop-off between 3pm and 4pm (pickup) and 9pm to 9:30pm (return).
• dune bashing in a four-wheel vehicle.
• camel riding.
• sand boarding.
• henna tattoo painting.
• a starter course, snacks and refreshments throughout the afternoon.
• a full BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and meat options.
• soft drinks, mineral water, tea and coffee.
• belly dance, tanoura and fire shows in the evening.
• photo opportunity in traditional Arabic dress.
• English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:30

AgesAdult (11 to 75 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 300

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sky Land Tourism LLC

Is this one for you?The five-hour window (pickup at 3pm, return by 9:30pm) leaves your morning free for the city and your night open after the shows end. If you want the full desert experience without building the day yourself, the fixed schedule and included transport, meals and entertainment mean nothing needs arranging once you step into the vehicle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly is dune bashing in a desert safari?

Dune bashing is the high-speed drive across the Arabian Desert's sand dunes in a four-wheel vehicle: the driver navigates steep slopes and valleys so the ride itself becomes the main event, with the vehicle climbing and dropping across the landscape.

Can I choose which activities to do, or do I have to do all of them?

You choose from camel riding, sand boarding, henna painting and shisha smoking at the camp. You are not locked into a single itinerary and can move between activities at your own pace while snacks and refreshments are available.

What time does the safari end and how do I get back?

The return to your hotel or residence happens between 9pm and 9:30pm, included in the tour price. The same driver who picked you up takes you back.

Is the belly dance show always part of the evening?

Belly dance, tanoura and fire shows run every evening except during the holy month of Ramadan, when the belly dance performance does not take place.

What is included in the BBQ dinner?

The buffet dinner includes meat and vegetarian options, soft drinks, mineral water, tea and coffee. A starter course comes earlier at the camp along with snacks and refreshments throughout the afternoon.

Can I buy souvenirs or add extra activities like quad biking?

Souvenir photos, quad bikes, dune buggies and falcon photography are available to purchase or hire on the day at extra charge. Ask the guide about pricing and availability when you arrive at the camp.