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

Summary

Evening desert adventure with camel ride bbq & live shows

You’ll feel the rush of dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before slowing down for sunset photos and a gentle camel ride. At camp, try sandboarding or henna painting while scents of barbecue drift by. End your evening with live Tanoura and fire shows as you share plates of grilled meats and sweets under desert stars.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the sand looked — not just yellow, but almost red-gold under the late sun, like someone spilled paprika everywhere. Our driver, Ahmed, pulled up in this big 4x4 right to our hotel door and grinned like he’d been waiting all day just to hit those dunes. The car felt like a rollercoaster; we bounced and slid so much I started laughing out loud (and maybe clutched the seat harder than I’d admit). At one point Ahmed pointed out a falcon perched on a post — apparently you can get your photo with it if you want, but I was too busy trying to keep my phone from flying out of my hand.

When we finally stopped, everything went quiet except for the wind. The sunset over Lehbab Red Dunes is something else — not dramatic, just soft and wide. There was this smell of warm sand and someone’s perfume drifting by. I tried sandboarding (let’s say I didn’t nail it) before climbing onto a camel named Rasha who blinked at me like she’d seen it all before. The ride was short but kind of peaceful in a weird way — slow enough that you notice how cool the air gets after dark. Our guide Li showed us how to tie an Arabic scarf; Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly.

The camp felt half party, half chill-out zone. Some people got henna tattoos or dressed up in those bright costumes for photos — I watched for a while before joining in. Dinner was this huge BBQ buffet (I still think about those grilled lamb skewers), plus endless tea and sweet desserts. The Tanoura dancer spun so fast his skirt blurred; then there was fire twirling and belly dancing under strings of lights. It wasn’t perfect — some bits were cheesy — but everyone seemed happy to be there together, even strangers sharing tables.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick up from hotel doorstep
• Drive to Lehbab Red Dunes
• Enjoy dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Stop for desert photography and sunset
• Try sandboarding and short camel rides
• Take falcon photos (extra cost)
• Visit traditional Bedouin-style desert camp
• Get henna tattoos and wear Arabic costume
• Watch Tanoura, belly dance, and fire shows
• Enjoy BBQ buffet dinner with drinks
• Return and drop off at your location

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, shared doorstep pickup and drop-off from your hotel or apartment in Dubai is included.

How long does the dune bashing last?

Dune bashing typically lasts 20-30 minutes at Lehbab Red Dunes; it can be extended for private tours.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at the open buffet BBQ dinner.

Can I try sandboarding during this desert safari?

Yes, sandboarding on the dunes is included as part of the experience.

Is there entertainment at the desert camp?

Yes, live entertainment includes Tanoura dance, fire show, and belly dancing performances.

Are camel rides included or extra?

A short camel ride is included; longer rides are available for an extra cost.

What should I wear for this tour?

Comfortable clothing is best; Arabic costumes are available at camp for photos if you want to dress up.

Is this tour suitable for infants or pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for infants sitting alone, pregnant travelers, or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your evening includes shared pickup and drop-off from your hotel in a 4x4 vehicle, dune bashing at Lehbab Red Dunes, sandboarding, a short camel ride (with optional longer rides), falcon photo opportunities (extra), entry to a Bedouin-style camp with henna painting and Arabic costumes for photos, unlimited water and soft drinks plus tea or coffee, an open buffet BBQ dinner with both veg and non-veg dishes, live Tanoura dance, fire show and belly dancing before heading back to your place in Dubai.