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

Summary

Red sand dunes, laughter on camelback and smoky barbecue in the desert air

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red sand dunes in a 4x4 for some wild dune bashing before trying sandboarding and a gentle camel ride at sunset. At camp you’ll taste smoky BBQ dishes and sip spiced tea while watching live belly dance and fire shows under desert stars. It’s lively but there are these small moments of calm too — somehow both thrilling and peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when our guide pulled up outside our hotel in Dubai — I’d seen photos of desert safaris but somehow it all felt more real as we left the city behind. The air changed; it smelled drier, almost sweet, and the light got softer as we reached the red dunes. Our driver grinned at us before hitting the gas for dune bashing — honestly, I was half-laughing, half-holding my breath. Sand everywhere, bouncing around in that 4x4, someone’s playlist playing quietly under all the whooping. I kept thinking: how is this only an hour from skyscrapers?

Afterwards we tried sandboarding — which looked easier than it was (my landing was not graceful). There were camels waiting nearby and I’m not sure if it was the slow swaying or just being up there with nothing but open sky ahead, but it made me feel oddly calm. The camel handler — Ahmed — taught us a few words in Arabic. Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly; probably butchered it. Sunset hit fast out there. The colors on those dunes are something I still think about.

The camp was already buzzing when we arrived — low sofas, henna artists painting delicate patterns on hands, the smell of barbecue mixing with cardamom coffee. People drifted between food stalls and little photo corners with traditional costumes (I tried one on; no regrets). The shows started after dark: swirling skirts from the Tanura dancer, fire twirling so close you could feel the heat for a second. I remember just sitting back with sweet tea and watching everyone around me — families, couples, some solo travelers like me — all kind of glowing in that weird desert quiet mixed with music and laughter. It’s not something you can really photograph right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick up from your doorstep
• Drive 4x4 to red sand dunes
• Enjoy thrilling dune bashing
• Take sunset photography on dunes
• Ride traditional camel
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Relax on camp sofas
• Get henna painting and tattoo
• Enjoy unlimited refreshments
• Watch belly dance and tanura shows
• See fire show performance
• Eat BBQ buffet dinner with veg and non-veg

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, 4x4 pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai or Sharjah is included.

What activities are part of this desert safari tour?

Dune bashing on red sand dunes, camel ride, sandboarding, live entertainment shows (belly dance, Tanura dance, fire show), henna painting and a BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served at dinner.

How long does the whole experience last?

The tour typically lasts from afternoon until evening after dinner and shows.

Is this suitable for young children or people with health issues?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

Do I need to bring anything special for sandboarding?

No special equipment needed; everything is provided at the site.

What’s included

Your day includes 4x4 hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai or Sharjah, dune bashing on red sand dunes with an experienced driver, a camel ride at sunset plus time to try sandboarding. At camp you’ll have unlimited refreshments like coffee, tea and soft drinks along with a full BBQ buffet dinner (veg & non-veg), live entertainment shows including belly dance and fire performance, henna painting opportunities and even a chance to dress up in Arabic traditional costume for photos before heading back after dark.