Dubai Desert Safari: Evening Dune Drive, Camel Ride & BBQ

Summary

Evening desert adventure from Dubai with camel rides, sand boarding, BBQ and live shows

You’ll feel the rush of dune bashing in a 4x4 as sunset colors sweep across Dubai’s red sands, then try sand boarding and meet camels up close before relaxing at an Arabic camp with tea, henna painting, a BBQ dinner and live shows under the stars.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the Dubai desert smells like just after 4pm? It’s not silence out there—there’s this low hum of wind, and the sand feels cooler than I expected when I first stepped out of the 4x4. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned at us before gunning it up the first red dune. I’m not sure if my stomach or my laughter dropped faster. The “dune bashing” part of this evening desert safari from Dubai is wild—honestly, I clutched the seat more than once. If you’ve never tried sand boarding down those slopes… well, just be ready to get sand everywhere. Like, everywhere.

I didn’t think much about camels before this trip, but standing next to one—watching its long lashes flick against the sunset—kind of made me pause. The ride itself is gentle and slow; you can hear other groups laughing in the distance while someone pours tea back at camp. Ahmed told us stories about growing up near Sharjah and pointed out tiny plants poking through the sand (he had a name for each one—I forgot most except “ghaf”). There was a moment when everything went quiet except for a kettle whistling over charcoal. That sticks with me.

The camp felt busy but friendly—kids running around with henna-painted hands, someone offering shisha by a low table. Dinner was smoky and sweet; even if you’re not big on BBQ, there’s something about eating outside under those stars that makes food taste better. Later came dancing: swirling skirts and fire spinning that made everyone cheer (and yeah, I tried belly dancing for about three seconds before chickening out). We left smelling faintly of spice and smoke. The drive back felt quieter somehow—I kept thinking about that soft light on the dunes just before night fell.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari with activities

• Pickup from hotel in 4-wheel drive
• Drive to Dubai Desert point
• Sand dune drive on red dunes
• Optional quad biking upon request
• Try sand-boarding adventure
• Head to Arabic camp
• Camel ride experience
• Enjoy tea, coffee, and starters
• Have soft drinks and water
• BBQ dinner served
• Henna painting activity
• Watch belly dancing show
• Watch Tanoora show
• Watch fire show

Top questions

What time does the evening desert safari from Dubai start?

Pickup is between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm from your hotel in Dubai or Sharjah.

Is quad biking included in this Dubai desert safari?

No, quad bike tickets are not included but can be arranged upon request at an extra cost.

Are meals provided during the evening safari?

Yes, a BBQ dinner is included along with tea, coffee, soft drinks and water at camp.

What activities are included in this evening desert safari?

Dune bashing (about 45 minutes), camel ride experience, sand boarding, henna painting, shisha (hookah), live dance shows and dinner are all included.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, free pickup and drop off from hotels in Dubai or Sharjah are provided.

Can children join this evening desert safari?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available and it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

What should I wear on a Dubai desert safari?

The dress code is smart casual; comfortable clothes work best for activities like sand boarding or camel riding.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Dubai or Sharjah in a 4-wheel drive vehicle for dune bashing on high red sands before trying sand boarding and a camel ride; then you’ll enjoy tea or coffee at an Arabic camp with henna painting, shisha pipes if you want them, a full BBQ dinner plus water and soft drinks; after live belly dancing and fire shows you’ll be dropped back at your hotel in the evening.