Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Falcon Show & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Dubai’s shifting sands, wild rides and smoky barbecue under stars

You’ll race over golden dunes near Maleha in a 4x4 with an expert local guide, meet camels up close and watch a falcon show as sunset colors sweep across the sand. At camp you’ll try Arabic coffee, taste shawarma or falafel, catch live dance performances—and maybe find yourself staring up at more stars than you’ve ever seen before.

What’s the experience like?

What’s it really like to bounce across the dunes outside Dubai? I kept wondering that as our 4x4 left the city behind—suddenly there was just this endless stretch of sand, all pale gold and quiet. Our driver, Saeed, grinned before he floored it; I swear my stomach did flips during the dune bashing part. Sand sprayed everywhere, the windows rattled, and for a second I forgot about everything except holding on. It’s louder than you’d think out there—wind howling, tires crunching over the ridges. Not sure why I thought it would be silent.

We stopped at a camel farm where the air smelled kind of sweet and dusty at the same time. The camels watched us with those big eyes—one nibbled my sleeve while Saeed called them “ships of the desert.” He told us about their racing traditions (I tried to repeat one of the camel names in Arabic; got it so wrong that even the falconer laughed). Later, we watched a falcon show—the bird swooped right above my head and I could actually feel the rush of its wings. There was this moment after sunset when everything went orange-pink and quiet for a second. I still think about that view sometimes.

The camp felt like another world—lanterns flickering, smoke from grills curling into the night air. Someone handed me gahwa (that cardamom coffee) and dates; honestly, I could’ve just sat there people-watching forever. Tried sandboarding (fell immediately), then got henna on my hand while some kids ran past chasing each other around shisha pipes. Dinner was shawarma and grilled lamb, plus veggie stuff too—ate way too much but couldn’t stop. The tanoura dancer spun so fast his skirt blurred into colors, then came fire tricks and belly dancing under a sky full of stars. The whole thing felt both loud and peaceful somehow… hard to explain unless you’ve been out there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Depart across Arabian desert
• Stop at camel farm
• Watch falcon show and meet falconer
• Enjoy sunset at Arabian campsite
• Drink Arabic coffee and eat dates
• Take brief camel ride
• Try sand boarding
• Get henna tattoo
• Relax with shisha water pipe
• Eat shawarma or falafel sandwich
• Watch tanoura folk dance
• See fire blower show
• Enjoy barbecue dinner
• Watch belly dance under stars

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, transfers in a 4x4 Land Cruiser are included for pickup and drop-off.

Where does the dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens near Maleha, one of Dubai's most exclusive desert locations.

Are vegetarian dinner options available?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are offered at dinner.

What kind of live entertainment is included?

The evening features Tanoura folk dance, fire show, and belly dancing performances.

Can children join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is sandboarding included in the price?

Sandboarding is available on request for an additional charge.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Do we get to ride camels during this experience?

You can try a brief camel ride at the camp as part of your experience.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned 4x4 Land Cruiser, dune bashing near Maleha with photo stops along the way, visits to a camel farm and falcon show with interaction opportunities, sunset photography time at camp with Arabic coffee and dates served on arrival. You’ll have chances to try sandboarding (with extra charge), short camel rides, henna tattoos and shisha pipes before enjoying unlimited refreshments plus a barbecue dinner featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes—all wrapped up with live Tanoura dance, fire show and belly dancing beneath the open desert sky.