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

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with dune bashing camel rides and sunset BBQ

You’ll feel the thrill of dune bashing outside Dubai before unwinding at a desert camp with camel rides, henna tattoos, and sandboarding. Enjoy tea under open skies and a barbecue dinner as dancers light up the night. It’s not just about adrenaline — there’s space for laughter, quiet moments, and good food with new friends.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the seat a little tighter than I’d like to admit — that’s how our Dubai desert safari started. The driver (Ali, who joked he’s “part Bedouin, part Formula 1”) glanced back with a grin before launching us over the dunes. Sand everywhere, sun slipping lower. You could smell the warm spice in the air — or maybe that was just my nerves. We stopped on a ridge for photos; I still think about that view, all gold and nothing else for miles.

At the camp, someone handed me sweet tea before I even sat down. Cushions on carpets, low tables—felt like stepping into another world but not in a touristy way. My friend tried sandboarding (she fell, laughed so hard she cried), while I got a henna tattoo from an older woman who didn’t speak much English but smiled every time I flinched at the cold paste. There were camels too; their breath smelled grassy and their eyes looked bored but kind. The guide explained how these safaris help support local families — something I didn’t expect to hear about here.

By sunset, smoke from the barbecue drifted over everything. There were veggie kebabs next to lamb skewers (I went back for seconds) and soft bread you tear with your hands. After dark came the shows: swirling tanoura dancer first — his skirt spun so fast it blurred — then belly dancing and finally this wild fire show that made everyone go quiet for a minute. On the drive back to Dubai, sand still in my shoes, I realized I’d barely checked my phone all night. That almost never happens anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick up from hotel between 3pm and 4pm
• Drive thrilling dune bashing in desert
• Enjoy sand boarding and camel riding
• 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

Top questions

What time does the Dubai desert safari start?

You’ll be picked up between 3pm and 4pm from your hotel or residence in Dubai.

Is dinner included in the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, a buffet BBQ dinner is included with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Soft drinks, mineral water, tea & coffee are included throughout your time at camp.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari?

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

What activities are included besides dune bashing?

You’ll get camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, plus live dance shows at camp.

Is hotel pickup & drop-off included?

Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel or residence in Dubai are part of the experience.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Is there entertainment during dinner?

You’ll see tanoura dancing, belly dance (except during Ramadan), and a fire show after dinner.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup from your Dubai hotel or residence before heading into the desert for dune bashing with an experienced driver. At camp you’ll have camel rides, try sandboarding or henna painting if you want — plus unlimited soft drinks and tea. A full buffet BBQ dinner is served (with both vegetarian and non-veg options), followed by live tanoura dance, belly dancing (except Ramadan), and a fire show before you’re dropped back at your door later that evening.