Dubai Desert Safari: Evening Dune Adventure & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert safari in Dubai with dune bashing and BBQ

You’ll ride across Dubai’s red dunes with a local guide, try sandboarding (or just laugh at yourself trying), snap sunset photos from a camel’s back, then unwind at a Bedouin camp with live shows and a BBQ dinner under desert stars — all with pickup from Dubai Mall included. It’s an evening you’ll remember long after you’ve shaken out your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the city when our driver, Ahmed, started telling stories about growing up near the Lehbab dunes. He laughed at my surprise when I realized how quickly the skyline faded into this endless red sand — it’s like someone flipped a switch. The van was cool inside, but you could feel the heat pressing against the windows. I kept watching for camels out there, half expecting one to just wander by.

The dune bashing part — honestly, I thought I’d be braver. It’s loud and jolting and you get that weird weightless feeling in your stomach every time we crested a dune. Sand everywhere, even in my shoes somehow. Ahmed grinned the whole time (I think he enjoyed our nervous laughter). We stopped for photos right as the sun started dropping; everything turned gold and quiet for a minute. There was this dry wind that smelled faintly of spice and dust — hard to describe but it stuck with me.

I tried sandboarding (not gracefully), then we had a quick camel ride for photos. The camel made this low grumbling noise — not sure if it liked me much. Afterward, we headed to a Bedouin-style camp where music drifted through the air and people were already lining up for henna or shisha. The fire show was wild — sparks flying everywhere — and I still can’t figure out how those dancers spin so fast during the Tanura dance. Dinner was smoky from the grill; I piled my plate with grilled veggies and lamb kebabs, plus way too much sweet tea.

On the drive back to Dubai Mall, everyone was quiet — tired but happy, I guess. My shoes were full of sand and my phone full of awkward sunset selfies. Sometimes I still think about that moment on top of the dunes when everything went silent except for the wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

• High red dune bashing
• Sand boarding
• Sunset photo opportunity
• Camel ride for photos
• Transfer to Bedouin-style camp
• Enjoy snacks and beverages
• Watch belly dance, fire show, and tanura dance
• Sheesha smoking
• Henna painting (for ladies)
• Photo opportunity with falcon
• Buffet BBQ dinner with unlimited soft drinks
• Return to pickup point

Top questions

How long does the Dubai evening desert safari last?

The tour lasts several hours including pickup from Dubai Mall, activities in the desert, dinner at camp, and return drop-off.

Is pickup from Dubai Mall included in this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Dubai Mall are included in the tour price.

What activities are included in this Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride for photos, live entertainment at camp (belly dance, fire show, Tanura dance), henna painting for ladies, shisha smoking, photo op with falcon, snacks and beverages, plus buffet BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available during the buffet BBQ dinner.

Is this desert safari suitable for children or elderly travelers?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers; moderate physical fitness is advised.

Do I need to bring anything special for sandboarding or dune bashing?

No special equipment is needed; all necessary gear is provided as part of the tour.

Can infants join this desert safari tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request; however, parents should consider activity suitability before booking.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from Dubai Mall in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide leading you through dune bashing on high red dunes in Lehbab region. You’ll try sandboarding and enjoy a short camel ride for photos before heading to a Bedouin-style camp for snacks, unlimited soft drinks and water, live entertainment (belly dance, fire show & Tanura dance), shisha smoking, henna painting (for ladies), photo ops with falcon, and a buffet BBQ dinner featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options before returning to your starting point.