Dubai Desert Safari: Overnight Camp, BBQ, Stargazing & Camel Trek

Summary

Sleep under Dubai’s desert sky after BBQ, camel rides and stories

You’ll taste Arabic coffee in the cool dusk air before riding camels across golden dunes outside Dubai. After barbecue dinner and live music at Al Khayma Camp, you’ll stargaze by telescope then sleep in your own tent—with sunrise camel trekking and fresh breakfast waiting in the morning.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the 4WD was how quiet the Lahbab desert felt—just this dry warmth on my skin and the faint smell of sand that somehow reminds me of old books. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned as he let some air out of the tires (apparently it helps with dune bashing), and I tried not to look nervous. Dune bashing is wild—like a rollercoaster but softer, all sliding angles and quick drops. I laughed so hard I nearly swallowed sand. Sandboarding was next; I fell twice before getting the hang of it. The sand sticks everywhere, but honestly, you stop caring after a while.

Al Khayma Camp looked like something from a storybook—low tents in a circle, lanterns starting to glow as dusk came on. They handed us tiny cups of gahwa (that’s Arabic coffee) and these sweet little balls called gaymat—I still think about those sometimes. There were camels waiting nearby; their eyes are so calm it’s almost unnerving. My ride was short but enough to see the sun drop behind a dune in this slow orange fade. Back at camp, people drifted between shisha pipes and henna painting—one woman tried to teach me how to wrap a headscarf properly, but mine kept slipping off.

Dinner was way more than I expected—grilled meats, salads with pomegranate seeds, bread still warm from the fire. There were dancers spinning so fast their skirts blurred; someone set up a telescope for stargazing when the lights went out. It got chilly fast after dark—bring an extra layer if you feel the cold like I do. Sitting by the fire with Ahmed telling stories about his childhood in Sharjah felt both new and weirdly familiar, like camping anywhere except for the utter silence between laughs.

I barely slept (the excitement maybe?), but sunrise came early anyway. We climbed onto camels again for a slow trek through pale morning light—the kind that makes everything look softer. Breakfast back at Al Khayma was simple: eggs, flatbread, tea so strong it woke me up properly this time. Then just like that we were heading back toward Dubai city noise again. Still thinking about those stars though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari, camping, and sunrise trek

• Pick up from hotel in 4WD
• Travel to Lahbab desert
• Take 20-minute break and relax
• Optional quad bike ride
• Start dune bashing ride
• Try desert sandboarding
• Arrive at Al Khayma camp
• Settle in tent and taste Arabic coffee and sweets
• Go for camel ride around camp
• View desert sunset from dune
• Enjoy leisure activities: shisha, henna, local dress, falcon photos
• Have barbecue buffet dinner with live shows
• Stargaze with telescope after lights off
• Overnight stay in camp
• Night campfire with Arabic coffee demo and stories
• Sleep in tent
• Wake early for sunrise camel trek
• Watch sunrise over sand dunes
• Have freshly cooked Arabian breakfast
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai overnight desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your selected hotel or location are included in the tour.

How long is the camel ride during sunrise?

The morning camel trekking lasts about 10-15 minutes near Al Khayma Camp.

What food is served during dinner at Al Khayma Camp?

The dinner buffet includes Emirati, Moroccan & Arabian dishes prepared by Al Khayma Heritage restaurant.

Do I need to bring towels or bedding for overnight camping?

Bedding is provided in your private air-conditioned tent; shower facilities are available but towels are not included.

Are there vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available as part of the buffet dinner at camp.

Can children join this overnight desert safari?

Children can join but infants under 3 years old cannot participate in dune bashing due to safety regulations.

Is there Wi-Fi available at Al Khayma Camp?

Free Wi-Fi is available during the night at Al Khayma Camp.

What should I wear for sandboarding and evening activities?

Wear casual loose-fitting clothes; sports shoes are recommended for sandboarding and bring a jacket for cooler evenings.

What’s included

Your overnight desert safari includes pickup from your hotel in a comfortable 4WD vehicle, all dune bashing and sandboarding activities with a licensed guide, short camel rides (including sunrise trek), shisha pipe use, henna painting for ladies, falcon experience photos, unlimited water and soft drinks plus tea and Arabic sweets on arrival. You’ll enjoy a barbecue buffet dinner with live shows before sleeping in your own private air-conditioned tent at Al Khayma Camp—and wake up to breakfast before returning to Dubai city.