Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Sandboarding & BBQ Night

Summary

Evening in Dubai’s desert with dune bashing sandboarding camel rides and a fire-lit feast

You’ll ride over Dubai’s high red dunes in a 4x4, try your luck at sandboarding (wiping out is half the fun), meet camels up close, and end up sharing BBQ dinner while dancers light up the desert night. Expect laughter, new friends, and those little moments that stick with you long after you’re back in your hotel room.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — tires letting out this soft hiss as our 4x4 left the city behind and rolled onto the Lahbab Desert’s red sand. Our driver, Kareem, grinned like he’d been waiting all day for this part. The dunes looked almost too perfect, but then you feel them under you — the car tilting at angles that made me laugh (and maybe grab the seat a little too hard). My friend tried to film it but mostly caught us shouting “woah!” over each other. There’s something about seeing Dubai’s skyline fade into nothing but sand that makes you realize how wild this place really is.

We stopped at the top of one dune just as the light started shifting — not quite sunset yet, but you could smell the heat coming off the sand. Kareem handed us these battered boards for sandboarding (I wiped out instantly, which apparently is tradition). Some kids from another group cheered when I finally made it down standing up. It felt good to just laugh at myself — nobody cared how clumsy I was. The camel ride after that was slower than I expected; their eyelashes are ridiculous up close, like they’re wearing mascara for a festival or something. I tried to say “shukran” to our handler and he gave me this patient smile — probably hears tourists mangle Arabic all day.

The desert camp was already buzzing when we got there — music drifting out of speakers, people queuing for henna or snapping photos with a falcon perched on someone’s arm. Dinner was this smoky BBQ spread (the chicken skewers were my favorite), with endless sweet tea and soft drinks. There was a moment during the fire dance show where everyone just went quiet together, watching sparks fly into the dark sky. It hit me then how far away we were from malls and highways — just heat, laughter, and strangers sharing food under strings of lights. I still think about that view sometimes when city life gets loud again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari with activities

• Start 4x4 dune bashing
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Photo break at sunset
• Camel ride at desert camp
• Falcon interaction and photos
• Enjoy belly, tanoura, fire dances
• Sheesha smoking and henna painting
• VIP BBQ dinner with drinks
• Return to hotel/accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your selected hotel within Dubai city limits are included.

What activities are part of this evening desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing in Lahbab Desert, sandboarding, camel rides, falcon interaction for photos, live shows (belly dance, Tanoura dance, fire dance), henna painting for ladies, sheesha smoking, and a BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

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

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride is short but can be repeated if you wish during your time at camp.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to dune bashing activity.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but may not be ideal for very young children due to dune bashing.

Are alcoholic beverages served during dinner?

No alcoholic beverages are included; only water and soft drinks are provided.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, an English-speaking licensed guide will accompany you throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel in an air-conditioned 4x4 SUV with an English-speaking guide; dune bashing on high red sands; repeatable sandboarding; short camel rides; falcon photo opportunities; henna painting for ladies; live belly dance, Tanoura dance & fire shows; sheesha smoking; unlimited soft drinks & water; plus a BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices before heading back to your hotel late in the evening.