Dubai Desert Safari: Evening Adventure with BBQ & Shows

Summary

Evening desert safari in Dubai with dinner & live shows

You’ll ride out from Dubai into glowing desert dunes for an evening of dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and sunset photos before settling into camp for a BBQ dinner with live belly dancing and fire shows. Expect laughter, new tastes, and small surprises you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the desert smells like just after the sun drops behind those endless dunes? I didn’t really know either until our evening desert safari from Dubai. The pickup was right on time—4x4, air conditioning humming—and our driver, Ahmed, had this easy laugh that made the city fade away faster than I expected. Out past the last buildings, the sand started to glow orange and gold. I remember gripping the seat as we hit the first dune—my stomach did a little flip (not gonna lie, I might’ve squeaked).

We stopped for sunset photos at this spot Ahmed called “the quiet place.” It actually was—just wind and a few distant voices. The light felt soft on my face, kind of dusty but warm. There was this smell too—like sweet tea and something earthy that clung to my clothes. After that came more dune bashing (I lost count), then we rolled up to camp where music drifted out over lanterns and people were already lining up for camel rides. I tried sandboarding—fell twice, laughed harder than I have in ages.

The henna artist smiled when I hesitated over which design to pick—she chose for me in the end. Dinner was a mix of smoky BBQ and salads; I kept going back for more dates and Arabic coffee (Kahwa? Ghawa? Li laughed when I tried to say it in Arabic). The belly dance show started just as the sky turned deep blue. Fire dancers spun so close you could feel a bit of heat on your cheeks if you sat near the front. There was this moment during the Tanura dance where everything went quiet except for spinning colors—I still think about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Desert Safari Experience

• Desert safari with dune drive and sunset
• Camp activities: camel ride, sandboarding, henna
• BBQ dinner with belly dance, fire, and Tanura shows

Top questions

What time does the evening desert safari in Dubai start?

The safari starts in the afternoon with pickup from your location in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup by 4x4 vehicle is included from any point in Dubai.

What activities are included in the Dubai evening desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting, sunset photography, BBQ dinner, shisha, belly dance show (except during Ramadan), fire show, Tanura dance show.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

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

Is this safari suitable for children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

How long does dune bashing last during the tour?

Dune bashing lasts about 20-30 minutes in the Lahbab area.

Can you try traditional dress or get henna tattoos?

Yes, traditional dresses are available for photos and henna designs can be done on hands or feet.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup by air-conditioned 4x4 from anywhere in Dubai, guided dune bashing through Lahbab’s sands, sunset photo stops, camel rides and sand skiing at camp plus henna painting if you want it. Dinner is a buffet BBQ with both veg and non-veg dishes alongside limitless soft drinks and Arabic coffee with fresh dates. You’ll also catch live belly dancing (except during Ramadan), fire shows and Tanura performances before heading back to your hotel late evening.