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

Summary

Evening desert adventure in Dubai with live shows and BBQ

You’ll feel every bump and laugh through Dubai’s red dunes on this evening safari—dune bashing with an expert guide, a peaceful camel ride at sunset, sweet tea in an Arabian camp, live shows lighting up the night, and a BBQ dinner you’ll remember later when your shoes are still full of sand.

What’s the experience like?

We piled into the Land Cruiser just as the city started to cool off — I could still feel the heat on my skin from earlier, but inside the car it was all nervous laughter and questions about sandboarding (I’d never tried it). Our driver, Khalid, grinned in the rearview mirror and told us to buckle up. He wasn’t kidding. The dune bashing part is wild — red sand everywhere, stomach flipping as we slid down these massive slopes. I kept trying to film but mostly ended up with shaky videos and a lot of my own yelling in the background. Sand gets everywhere, by the way. You’ll find it in your shoes for days.

After that rush, everything slowed down for a bit. We got out for sandboarding — I fell twice before I figured out how to stay upright (sort of). Then came the camel ride. It’s not long, maybe ten minutes, but there’s something weirdly peaceful about being up there with nothing but dunes around you. The camels looked unimpressed by our attempts at selfies; one of them actually snorted at me when I tried to pet its nose. Khalid said they’re picky about strangers — fair enough.

The camp felt almost like walking onto a movie set — lanterns swinging gently in the breeze, low tables set out under these big tents. We were handed tiny glasses of sweet tea and falafel that tasted way better than anything I’ve had at home (maybe it’s just being hungry after all that sand). Some people got henna tattoos from local artists; I watched a little girl giggle as her mom tried to keep her still. The sun went down fast out there — suddenly it was dark and everything was lit by fire pits and stage lights.

I lost track of time during the performances — there were so many: swirling skirts from the Tanoura dancer, drums echoing across the sand, fire dancers who made everyone gasp at least once. At some point someone handed me shawarma straight off the grill and honestly? That’s what I remember most clearly: smoky meat, warm bread, eating with my hands while music played somewhere behind me. We left late, tired but happy — sand still stuck between my toes and hair smelling faintly like charcoal smoke. Sometimes when things get too busy back home I think about that quiet moment on the camel or laughing over dinner under those desert stars.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari and cultural experience

• Hotel pickup in Dubai or Sharjah
• Drive into Arabian desert at sunset
• Optional quad bike or dune buggy ride
• Dune bashing and sandboarding
• Short camel ride in desert
• Arrive at Arabian Heritage camp
• Enjoy Arabic tea, coffee, and falafel
• Henna painting by local artists
• Watch live entertainment shows
• Dine on international BBQ buffet
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai evening desert safari last?

The tour lasts for several hours in the evening, starting with hotel pickup before sunset and ending with drop-off after dinner and entertainment.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Dubai or Sharjah in a 4x4 vehicle.

What activities are included on this desert safari?

Dune bashing, optional quad biking (extra cost), sandboarding, camel ride, henna painting, cultural activities at camp, live entertainment shows, and BBQ buffet dinner are included.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are offered at the international BBQ buffet dinner.

Can children join this Dubai evening desert safari?

Specialized infant seats are available; however, it's not recommended for travelers with certain health conditions or pregnant women.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

No special equipment is needed—just comfortable clothes you don't mind getting sandy!

Is quad biking included in the price?

No; quad biking or buggy rides are optional extras available at additional cost during your first stop.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 from Dubai or Sharjah; thrilling dune bashing on red sands with an expert guide; a short camel ride; unlimited soft drinks plus Arabic tea and coffee at camp; henna tattoo painting by local artists; access to an Arabian heritage desert camp; sandboarding; nine live entertainment performances including belly dance and fire shows; plus an international BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options before returning late at night.