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

Summary

Dubai’s wild dunes, camel rides at dusk and smoky barbecue under stars

You’ll feel Dubai’s desert come alive with dune bashing over Big Red, camel rides at sunset, sweet Arabic coffee by lantern light, and a smoky BBQ dinner under open sky. Local guides make it easy with pickup included — just bring your curiosity (and maybe an extra scarf for all that sand).

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the pickup because I’d mixed up hotel entrances (classic me). The driver just grinned when I finally found him, sand already clinging to his shoes. We left Dubai’s glass towers behind so fast it felt like stepping through a door; suddenly there was nothing but gold dust and heat haze. Our guide, Ahmed, played old Egyptian pop on the radio while we bounced over the dunes — and I mean bounced. My stomach dropped more than once. He laughed and called it “desert massage.”

We stopped at this high ridge — Big Red, Ahmed said — where the wind whipped my scarf loose and everything smelled dry and sun-baked. There was this weird silence, except for the crunch of sand under our boots and someone’s nervous giggle (not mine… okay maybe). Camel riding came next; their eyelashes are way longer than I expected. The handler showed me how to hold on but my first try was all wobbly legs and laughter. Li tried to say thank you in Arabic — “shukran!” — but got it a bit wrong. Everyone cracked up, including the camels.

The camp appeared out of nowhere as dusk settled in. Lanterns flickered in the wind and someone handed me sweet Arabic coffee that tasted like cardamom and smoke. Henna artists waved us over; I let them draw a flower on my hand while kids darted around in borrowed kanduras. Dinner was smoky lamb kebabs and sticky dates eaten cross-legged on rugs that smelled faintly of spice. The belly dancer twirled so fast her bracelets flashed red in the firelight. There was this moment during the tanoura show when everything went quiet except for drums — I still think about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and shows

• Dune bashing in red dunes
• Camel riding experience
• Sand boarding activity
• Henna painting for women
• Photographs in traditional clothes
• Enjoy BBQ dinner
• Watch belly dance and tanura shows
• Relax at shisha corner

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included with your booking.

What activities are part of the desert safari tour?

Dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, henna painting, shisha corner, BBQ dinner, and live shows.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Yes, snacks and a full BBQ dinner are included along with coffee or tea.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available.

Are there any health restrictions for this safari?

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

How long does dune bashing last on this trip?

The dune bashing segment typically lasts around 30–45 minutes.

Can women get henna done during the tour?

Yes, creative henna designers are available especially for women at camp.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Dubai, all taxes and fees covered upfront, bottled water to keep you cool in the heat, tasty snacks along the way plus a full BBQ dinner at camp with coffee or tea served by local hosts before heading back after dark.