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

Summary

Evening in Dubai’s desert with dune bashing, camels and live shows

You’ll dive straight into Dubai’s desert energy—dune bashing in 4x4s, riding camels at sunset, and trying your luck at sandboarding before relaxing at camp with henna painting and shisha. As night falls, enjoy a BBQ buffet dinner while local performers bring music and color to the sands around you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the edge of Lahbab when I realized how quiet the desert could be—except for our driver Ali’s playlist, which was some kind of old-school Arabic pop. He grinned in the rearview mirror before steering us up a dune that looked way too steep. My stomach dropped (in a good way) and someone behind me let out this half-laugh, half-scream. The sand felt endless and impossibly red. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it never looks quite right on a phone.

After the last wild dip, we stopped for photos just as the light started to soften. There was this weird calm—wind brushing over the dunes and nothing else. Then Ali pointed out some tiny tracks in the sand (he said they were from a desert fox but who knows). At the camp, camels waited looking slightly bored. I climbed on one—awkwardly—and tried not to fall off while my friend filmed me laughing like an idiot. The ride was short but somehow felt timeless, if that makes sense.

I gave sandboarding a go (not gracefully) and ended up with half the desert in my shoes. Inside the camp, women painted henna on hands with such quick little movements—I got a flower that smudged because I forgot and scratched my arm. There were costumes to try on too; Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” in Arabic—probably butchered it.

The BBQ dinner smelled smoky and sweet even before we sat down. Plates piled high with grilled meat, salads, bread—I kept going back for more hummus. Between bites there were these wild performances: belly dancers swirling so fast you’d swear their skirts would fly off; a guy spinning with colored lights; fire dancers who made everyone gasp at least once. By then it was properly dark and stars were starting to show up overhead. I remember thinking it’s strange how close all this is to Dubai city but it feels like another world entirely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Evening Desert Safari Experience

• Pickup from hotel or residence
• Drive to Lahbab and Red Dunes
• Enjoy dune bashing safari
• Arrive at Unique Desert Tourism camp
• Take camel ride and try sandboarding
• Experience henna tattooing and dress in traditional costumes
• Explore desert market and shisha area
• Watch six live cultural performances
• Enjoy BBQ dinner buffet with drinks
• Return to pickup location

Top questions

How long does the Dubai evening desert safari last?

The tour starts in the afternoon with pickup and ends after dinner and live shows in the evening, including return drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels or residences in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman.

What activities are included in the Dubai desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting for women and children, shisha area access, cultural performances and BBQ dinner are all included.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

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

Can children join this evening desert safari?

Yes, children can join; infants may need to sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How many live shows are performed during the evening?

There are six scheduled live performances including Belly Dance, Tanoura Show, Fire Show, Saeedi Dance, Debka Dance and Sofi Dance.

Is sandboarding suitable for beginners?

Yes, sandboarding is easy to try even if you’ve never done it before—the slopes are gentle enough for all skill levels.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

No special equipment is needed; just wear comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather and bring your camera or phone for photos.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai (or Sharjah/Ajman), all transfers by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle with a professional driver for dune bashing across Lahbab’s red dunes. You’ll get unlimited water and soft drinks plus tea or coffee at camp; try henna painting (especially popular with women and kids), dress up in traditional costumes for photos if you want to be silly like we did; enjoy camel rides that can be repeated; give sandboarding a shot; relax in a dedicated shisha area; watch six different live shows before and after your open buffet BBQ dinner—with plenty of vegetarian choices alongside grilled meats—and finish under starry skies before heading back into town.