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

Summary

Desert thrills, golden hour sandboarding and fireside barbecue

You’ll feel every bump and laugh during dune bashing outside Dubai, try your luck at sandboarding, ride camels through golden light, and share a fireside barbecue dinner under open sky—with live music and dance shows adding to the atmosphere. Expect small surprises: sweet coffee, henna patterns, maybe even sand in your shoes by night’s end.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—the 4x4’s tires letting out this low hiss as we left Dubai behind. Our driver, Rashid, had this quiet confidence (and a playlist of old-school Arabic pop). I didn’t expect to laugh so much during the dune bashing part—my stomach dropped on those steeper slopes and my friend Anna kept shrieking every time we caught air. The sand felt weirdly cool when we stopped for photos; I tried to brush it off my shoes but gave up pretty fast. We watched the sun start dipping behind the dunes and Rashid pointed out some camel tracks—he said you can tell how fresh they are by the way the edges crumble. Never thought about that before.

Sandboarding was harder than it looks in videos. Anna wiped out immediately and just lay there laughing until she got sand in her mouth (she says she can still taste it). The camel ride after that was almost meditative—the animal’s slow sway, this deep silence except for an occasional grunt. The sky went pinkish-orange and for a second I forgot about my phone entirely. When we reached the camp, there was this sweet smell of cardamom from the Arabic coffee they poured into tiny cups. One of the women offered henna—my hand still has a faint pattern if you look close enough.

I didn’t realize how hungry I was until we sat down at our table. There were hot grills going with lamb skewers and bread coming straight from a clay oven—I burned my fingers grabbing one too soon. The live shows started up: fire twirling first (the heat on my face), then a dancer spinning so long I got dizzy watching him. Last was belly dancing—somehow both hypnotic and cheerful at once. On the drive back to Dubai I just stared out at the dark dunes dotted with city lights, feeling oddly peaceful. It’s strange what sticks with you after a day like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and dinner experience

• Meet safari guide at your location
• Travel in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
• Enjoy 30 minutes dune bashing
• Sandboard down the dunes
• Ride a camel to deluxe camp
• Welcome with Arabic coffee and sweets
• Get henna hand painting
• Try local shisha in common area
• Enjoy appetizers, main course, and desserts
• Savor live barbecue and fresh bread
• Watch fire artist performance
• See Tanoura dance show
• Watch belly dancer performance
• Return to city under starry sky

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour typically lasts around 6-7 hours from pickup to drop-off in Dubai city limits.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned 4x4 is included within Dubai city limits.

What activities are included in this desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, henna painting for ladies and children, shisha in common area, photo stop at sunset, live entertainment shows, BBQ dinner with table service, Arabic coffee with sweets upon arrival.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is this desert safari suitable for young children or pregnant travelers?

Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant travelers or children under 3; special arrangements can be made for camp-only experience with extra transfer charges.

Can infants join the tour?

Infant seats are compulsory and can be provided if advised at booking; infants cannot join dune bashing but can participate in camp activities with special arrangements.

What kind of entertainment is provided during dinner?

The evening features seven entertainment shows including fire performance, Tanoura dance, belly dancing and traditional music.

Is shisha included in the package?

Yes, shisha is available in a shared common area at the camp.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from any location within Dubai city limits by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle; all activities like dune bashing on red dunes for 30 minutes; sandboarding; a short camel ride; sunset photo stop; Arabic coffee (gahwa) with sweets (luqaimat) on arrival; henna design for ladies and children; use of shisha in common area; seven live entertainment shows throughout dinner; table service with waiter; appetizers plus buffet dinner featuring live BBQ station with freshly baked bread; soft drinks, tea, coffee and mineral water—all before returning to your hotel after nightfall.