Desert Safari Dubai: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Bedouin Camp

Ride dunes, eat under the stars, watch fire dancers at a desert camp

A 7–8 hour desert safari from Dubai includes round-trip 4x4 transport, dune bashing with an expert driver, camel rides, sandboarding, and a full evening at a Bedouin camp with henna painting, shisha, live belly dancing and Tanoura performances, plus a gourmet buffet dinner. You can book privately or join a shared group. A professional English-speaking guide leads the whole day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Quad bike ride on desert sands
• Dune bashing adventure
• Visit Arabic-style Bedouin camp
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Camel riding experience
• Watch belly dancing and Tanoura shows
• Enjoy full buffet dinner with refreshments

The experience

The tour runs 7–8 hours and starts with pickup from your hotel. A 4x4 takes you out into the desert, where the driver tackles the dunes at speed. The dune bashing is the centerpiece, a series of climbs and descents across the golden sand that feels more like a ride than a drive. After that comes a camel ride across the quieter desert, then sandboarding down the dunes if you want it. The pace is set by the group and the light. You're moving between activities, not sitting still.

By late afternoon you arrive at the Bedouin camp, a traditional-style settlement where the rest of the evening unfolds. You can get henna painted on your hands, smoke shisha, and wear traditional Emirati dress for photos. The camp fills with live entertainment: belly dancing, Tanoura (a spinning skirt dance), and fire shows, while you eat. Dinner is a full buffet with vegetarian and meat options, plus tea and coffee. The whole setup is designed to show you how Bedouin life worked, though it's staged for visitors. It's not a working camp, but the activities and the food are real.

You can book this privately (just your group in one vehicle) or on a shared basis (multiple groups, one guide). Either way, the 4x4 is air-conditioned, the guide speaks English, and the driver knows the dunes. Quad biking is optional and costs extra if you want to add it. Infants can sit on a lap. The experience is not wheelchair accessible, and it's not recommended for people with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or serious heart conditions.

What’s included

• Round-trip air-conditioned 4x4 transport from your hotel.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• dune bashing with an expert driver.
• camel ride.
• sandboarding.
• Bedouin camp entry with henna painting and shisha.
• live entertainment (belly dancing, Tanoura, fire shows).
• full buffet dinner with vegetarian and meat options.
• tea and coffee.
• snacks during the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

AgesAdult (4 to 75 years) · Child (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Friends Guide Travels and Tourism LLC

Is this one for you?The dune bashing is fast and physical (expect speed, sand and noise for the first half of the day), but the pace slows once you reach the camp, where you sit, eat and watch entertainment. Book this if you want the thrill of the desert drive plus a full evening of culture and dinner, not just a quick photo stop.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Hindi and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 4): free.

What exactly is dune bashing in Dubai?

Dune bashing is a high-speed drive across the desert dunes in a 4x4 vehicle, where the driver accelerates up and down the sand slopes. It's the main thrill of the safari: the vehicle climbs steep dunes and descends fast, creating a roller-coaster effect. The driver controls the speed and the route based on the group's comfort.

Can I book this safari privately, or does it have to be a group?

You can choose either. The tour is available as a private safari (your group only, one vehicle and guide) or on a sharing basis (multiple groups, one guide). Both options include the same activities, camp visit, and dinner. The difference is who else is in the vehicle and at the camp.

What's included in the buffet dinner at the Bedouin camp?

The dinner is a full buffet with both vegetarian and meat options, plus tea and coffee. It's served at the camp while live entertainment (belly dancing, Tanoura, and fire shows) happens around you. Snacks are also included during the day.

Is sandboarding difficult, or can anyone do it?

Sandboarding is offered as part of the tour and is suitable for all fitness levels. It's gliding down dunes on a sandboard, similar to snowboarding but on sand. The camp staff can show you how. It's not a lesson, just a chance to try it if you want to.

What time does the safari start and finish?

The tour runs 7–8 hours total and includes hotel pickup. The exact start time depends on your hotel location and whether you book a day or evening departure. Confirm the pickup time when you reserve.

Do I need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

The tour includes transport, guide, meals, entertainment and activities. Wear loose, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes for the dune bashing and sandboarding. Sunscreen and a hat are wise but not provided. If you add the optional quad bike, that's arranged at checkout.