Dubai Desert Safari: Luxury Camp, Shows & Dinner

Summary

Dubai desert evening with dune bashing, camel ride & buffet

You’ll feel Dubai shift around you as you leave the city behind for an evening of dune bashing, camel rides at sunset, and a feast under desert stars. Try shisha, get a henna tattoo, watch live Tanoura and belly dance shows — all with hotel pickup included. It’s an experience that lingers long after you’re back in your room.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — that odd quiet you get when the city’s behind you and it’s just sand for miles. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned as he handed out dates and tiny cups of Arabic coffee (I tried to sip slowly but honestly, I was starving). The Land Cruiser felt like a spaceship at first — we bounced over dunes so hard my stomach did flips. I laughed way too loud at one point; Ahmed just winked in the rearview mirror. Sand everywhere, even in my shoes.

We stopped for sunset and everyone went quiet again. The light on the dunes looked almost pink — not something I expected. Someone’s scarf blew away and we all chased it down the slope, which was funnier than it sounds. After that, there were camels waiting. Mine was called Lulu (at least that’s what her handler said) and she made this deep sighing noise when I climbed up. The ride itself was short but kind of magical — you see the desert differently from up there.

At camp, everything smelled like grilled lamb and spices. There were lanterns everywhere and low tables set up under these big canopies. I tried shisha for the first time (minty!) and got a henna tattoo from a woman who barely spoke English but smiled a lot anyway. The buffet was huge — so many things I couldn’t name — but the grilled chicken stuck with me most. During dinner there were dancers: first this guy spinning in layers of colored skirts (Tanoura dance), then a belly dancer who somehow got everyone clapping along without asking.

The fire show came last — sparks flying into the dark while people cheered. It got chilly after sunset so I wrapped up in one of those traditional robes they let us try on earlier. On the drive back to Dubai, sand still in my socks, I kept thinking about how different everything felt out there compared to the city lights. Not sure if it was the silence or just being out under all those stars.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury Desert Safari Experience

• Dune Bashing in 4×4 Land Cruisers
• Sunset Photo Stop in Desert
• Arabic Welcome: Coffee & Dates
• Camel Ride
• Shisha (Hubbly Bubbly)
• Henna Painting
• Traditional Costumes to Wear
• Arabic BBQ & International Buffet Dinner
• Tanoura Dance Show
• Belly Dance Performance
• Fire Show

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What kind of dinner is served at the camp?

A 5-star Arabic BBQ and international buffet dinner is provided.

Are there live performances during the evening?

Yes, you’ll see Tanoura dance, belly dance by an Egyptian performer, and a fire show.

Can I ride a camel on this tour?

Yes, a short camel ride is part of the experience at camp.

Is shisha available at the campsite?

Yes, shisha (hubbly bubbly) is offered at camp for guests to try.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

The buffet includes both Arabic dishes and international cuisine with vegetarian choices.

How long does dune bashing last?

Dune bashing typically lasts around 30-45 minutes as part of your day trip from Dubai.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by Land Cruiser with an expert local guide, dune bashing through Dubai’s red desert sands, sunset photo stop, Arabic coffee with dates on arrival at camp, a short camel ride, shisha tasting, henna painting by local artists, traditional costumes to wear if you want them, plus a 5-star Arabic BBQ and international buffet dinner while watching Tanoura dance show, belly dance performance by an Egyptian artist, and a fire show before heading back to your hotel.