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

Summary

Dubai’s wild dunes, smoky grills, laughter at sunset and swirling dance

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing outside Dubai before unwinding at a Bedouin camp with Arabic coffee, henna painting, camel rides, live belly dance and Tanura shows. Savor smoky BBQ flavors under sunset skies — it’s less about perfection than sharing laughter and sand with new friends.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of sand under my shoes when we stepped out of the 4x4 — it’s finer than beach sand, almost like flour. Our driver, Khalid, grinned as he let some air out of the tires (something about better grip for dune bashing). Then suddenly we were flying over those golden waves — I mean really bouncing. My stomach did a flip or two and I might’ve squeaked once. The wind whipped in through the window and you could smell hot engine and something sweet — maybe dates from someone’s pocket? I didn’t expect to laugh so much in the back seat with strangers.

After all that adrenaline, the quiet at the Bedouin camp felt almost soft. There was this warm spice in the air — cinnamon? Cardamom? — from Arabic coffee (“gahwa,” Khalid said, handing me a tiny cup). A woman painted a little henna flower on my hand while her daughter watched. I tried to say thank you in Arabic; she smiled but I probably got it wrong. The camels looked bored but patient as people lined up for photos. You could hear music drifting from somewhere behind the tents.

By dusk, everything glowed orange and pink. We sat on low cushions around a table piled with shish kabobs and grilled veggies (the chicken was smoky and juicy — I still think about that). The Tanura dancer spun so fast his skirt turned into a blur of color; later, a belly dancer winked at our table and everyone cheered. It felt like being inside someone else’s family party for an evening. At some point I realized my shoes were full of sand and just gave up trying to shake them out.

I don’t know if it was the food or just being out there under that huge sky with people from all over — but by the time we drove back toward Dubai’s lights, everything felt quieter inside me too. If you’re thinking about a desert safari Dubai style, don’t wear your best socks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert adventure and cultural experience

• Pickup from your place at 2:30pm
• Drive 70 km to Dubai desert
• Enjoy dune bashing and desert photos
• Arrive at desert Bedouin camp
• Welcome with Arabic tea, coffee, and sweets
• Experience unlimited soft drinks and water
• Try sheesha and henna painting
• Take photos in traditional Arab costume
• Enjoy camel ride in the desert
• Watch belly dancing, fire, and Tanura shows
• Savor BBQ and international dinner buffet

Top questions

How far is the desert safari camp from Dubai city?

The camp is about 70 km from Dubai city center; pickup is included.

Is food included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, there’s a BBQ dinner buffet with international options plus unlimited soft drinks and water.

What activities are offered on this tour?

Dune bashing, camel rides, henna painting, shisha smoking, belly dancing show, Tanura show, fire show, photos in traditional dress.

Are transfers wheelchair accessible?

Yes; vehicles and camp areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join this desert adventure?

Yes; infants can use prams or specialized seats provided on request.

What time does pickup start for this tour?

Pickup usually starts around 2:30pm from your location in Dubai.

Is there vegetarian food at dinner?

The dinner buffet includes vegetarian options alongside grilled meats.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle for the drive out to Dubai’s best desert dunes (about 70 km away), all entry fees for activities like dune bashing and camel riding, unlimited water and soft drinks throughout your stay at the Bedouin camp, Arabic tea and coffee on arrival with dates or sweets to snack on, access to henna painting stations and shisha pipes if you want to try them out (I did), plus a full BBQ dinner buffet before heading back after dark.