Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Quad Bike & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert adventure with quad bikes, camel ride and live shows in Dubai’s Lahbab dunes

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing in Dubai’s Red Desert before slowing down with a gentle camel ride and fresh Arabic coffee at camp. Try quad biking across soft sands, taste smoky BBQ under lantern light, and watch live dance shows as evening falls. The mix of adrenaline and quiet moments will stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sand to feel cool under my fingers when we stopped for photos — I always pictured deserts as just heat. Our driver, Kareem, picked us up right from the hotel in this big white SUV (my friend joked it looked like we were in a movie). The city faded out fast and suddenly there was just this endless red sand, like someone had turned down the volume on life. Dune bashing was wilder than I thought — Kareem grinned at us in the rearview mirror every time we shrieked. I think I laughed more out of nerves than anything else. Sand got everywhere, but honestly? Worth it.

The camel ride after that felt almost comically slow — maybe because my legs were still buzzing from the quad bike. There was this moment where a little kid waved at me from another camel and I nearly lost my balance waving back (don’t do that). The air smelled faintly sweet from someone brewing Arabic coffee nearby, and our guide handed us tiny cups that burned my fingers a bit but tasted earthy and comforting. We tried on these flowing robes for photos; Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly — probably butchered it.

By sunset, everything turned gold and quiet except for the distant thump of drums from camp. Dinner was a blur of smoky grilled meat and cold sodas — I still think about those spicy potatoes they served. The dancers came out as night fell; the fire dancer’s spinning made everyone gasp at once. It all felt both touristy and weirdly intimate at the same time, you know? On the drive back to Dubai, sand still stuck between my toes, I caught myself staring out at nothing and thinking how strange it is to feel so far away yet oddly at home. Can’t really explain it better than that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and activities

• Pick up from hotel by Land Cruiser
• Dune bashing in Dubai Red Desert
• Camel riding and sand boarding
• 25 minutes quad biking experience
• Henna painting and sheesha smoking
• Photos with Arabic dress and falcon
• Enjoy buffet dinner with drinks
• Watch belly, fire, and tanura dance

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour typically lasts around 6-7 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai.

Is quad biking included in the desert safari?

Yes, each person gets about 30 minutes of quad biking on the dunes as part of the experience.

Are meals provided during the safari?

A buffet dinner with international dishes is included along with unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee.

Can infants join the desert safari?

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

What activities are included besides dune bashing?

The tour includes camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, Arabic dress photography, falcon photos, shisha smoking (at camp), live Tanura & belly dance shows (except during Ramadan).

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes, luxury SUV pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel are included.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes luxury SUV pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel, 35–40 minutes of dune bashing in Lahbab Desert with a professional driver, a short camel ride plus sandboarding session, 30 minutes of quad biking per person (one bike each), welcome Arabic tea and coffee at camp along with henna painting and shisha smoking opportunities. You’ll get free photos in Arabic dress or with a falcon before enjoying a BBQ buffet dinner featuring international cuisine and unlimited drinks. Live Tanura dance and belly dance performances round out your evening before heading back to the city.