Dubai Desert Safari: Evening Dune Bashing, BBQ & Shows

Summary

Evening desert adventure with dune bashing, camel rides, BBQ and live performances in Dubai

You’ll feel your heart race dune bashing outside Dubai before watching sunset turn the sand gold. Taste sweet legemat pastries at a lively camp, try camel rides or henna if you want, then dig into a barbecue dinner as dancers whirl by firelight. This evening desert safari includes pickup from your Dubai hotel—just bring your sense of adventure.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the sand to look so red—almost glowing as we bumped along in the 4x4 just outside Dubai. Our driver, Khalid, grinned in the rearview mirror and told us to “hold tight,” which made me laugh a little nervously. The drive out took about an hour from our hotel but somehow felt shorter—maybe because I was too busy watching the city fade into endless dunes. There’s this moment when you realize you can’t see any buildings anymore, just sand and sky. It’s oddly peaceful.

Dune bashing is… well, it’s wild. The car slides sideways sometimes and everyone yells or laughs (I did both). When we stopped for photos, my shoes filled instantly with warm sand—I still find grains in my bag. The air smelled dry and clean; I tried sandboarding but mostly just fell over. Sunset hit while we were still out there—everything went gold for a few minutes and everyone got quiet, even Khalid. I think that’s when it really hit me where I was.

The camp was busy but friendly—Arabic coffee right away (I spilled mine), sweet legemat pastries that stuck to my fingers, camels snorting nearby. Some people lined up for henna or tried on those bright local outfits for photos; I just sat for a bit watching smoke curl from the shisha tent. Dinner was a big buffet—lots of grilled stuff, salads, spicy things I couldn’t name—and then the shows started: spinning dancers in neon skirts, fire twirling dangerously close to the crowd, belly dancing under stars that looked almost fake they were so bright. Li from our group laughed at my attempt to say thank you in Arabic—definitely butchered it.

By the time we piled back into the car (everyone a bit sandy and tired), traditional music played low on the radio. We drove back through the dark with windows cracked open—the desert air is cold at night but kind of nice after all that heat. I keep thinking about that silent moment at sunset out on the dunes; it sticks with you more than any photo does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with dinner and shows

• Drive 55-60 minutes to desert meeting point
• Dune bashing and sand boarding activities
• Photo stop and sunset photography
• Arrive at desert camp, enjoy Arabic coffee and sweets
• Camel ride and henna design experience
• Barbecue dinner with shisha
• Watch belly dance, fire, and tanura shows
• Return to hotel with traditional music

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari take?

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

Is food included during the evening safari?

Yes, a barbecue dinner buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included.

Are there live shows at the desert camp?

Yes, you’ll see belly dance shows, a fire show, and Tanura dance performances at night.

Can I try camel riding during this tour?

Yes, short camel rides are available at the desert camp as part of your experience.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel or residence in Dubai is provided.

What should I wear for an evening desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes; bring something warm for nighttime as it gets cooler.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll get unlimited water, tea, coffee and soft drinks at the camp; shisha is also available in a lounge area.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel or residence, an hour-long drive through desert countryside to reach red sand dunes for dune bashing and sandboarding fun (with photo stops), followed by arrival at a traditional camp where you’re welcomed with Arabic coffee and sweet legemat pastries. Enjoy camel rides, henna tattoos (for ladies), shisha in a lounge area, plus unlimited water and soft drinks alongside an international barbecue buffet dinner before returning late evening after live dance shows under starlight.