Dubai Desert Safari: Private 4x4, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert adventure from Dubai with sandboarding camel ride & BBQ

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing outside Dubai before slowing down with a camel ride at sunset. Try sandboarding if you’re up for it, then relax at camp with tea and henna tattoos before enjoying a BBQ dinner under lanterns while dancers perform nearby. It’s not just about thrills—it’s about those quieter moments too.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the sand looked almost pink in the late afternoon light—never saw that coming. Our driver, Khalid, grinned as he let some air out of the tires before we hit the dunes. The 4x4 felt like a rollercoaster and I may have yelped once or twice (okay, more). The wind carried this dry, spicy smell—like warm stone and something sweet I couldn’t name. We stopped on top of a dune just as the sun started dropping; everyone got quiet for a second. I tried to snap a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch half of what it felt like to stand there.

I’d never tried sandboarding before—turns out it’s harder than it looks when you’re laughing so much. Afterward, we headed over to the camp where camels were waiting. My camel was called Lulu (at least that’s what I heard), and she gave me this side-eye when I climbed on. The ride was short but somehow calming after all that bouncing around in the car. There was henna for anyone who wanted it (my friend got a tiny flower on her wrist), and we sat drinking sweet tea while someone showed us how to wrap those long scarves—mine kept slipping off my head.

Dinner was outside under these lanterns that flickered in the breeze. The BBQ buffet had way more options than I expected—grilled chicken, salads, even veggie stuff for my friend who doesn’t eat meat. While we ate, dancers took turns on stage—spinning tanoura skirts, fire tricks that made everyone gasp, and belly dancing that had kids trying to copy the moves from their seats. At one point someone handed out Arabic costumes for photos; Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Arabic—probably butchered it. The whole evening felt both relaxed and sort of electric at the same time.

I still think about that silence on top of the dunes—how big everything felt out there. If you’re looking for a private evening desert safari near Dubai with some real moments mixed in with all the fun stuff, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and shows

• Pickup from doorstep
• Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Sandboarding session
• Sunset photography at camp
• Camel ride
• Henna tattoo for ladies
• Enjoy tea and coffee
• Relax with unlimited drinks
• Watch belly dance shows
• Watch tannora dance shows
• Watch fire shows
• Watch silk show
• Dine on BBQ buffet dinner
• Wear Arabic costumes
• Drop off at doorstep

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, private door-to-door pickup and drop-off are included.

How long is the camel ride during the tour?

The camel ride is short distance but enough to experience riding in the desert.

What kind of food is served at dinner?

The BBQ buffet includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options along with salads and drinks.

Are live shows part of this evening safari?

Yes, there are belly dance shows, tanoura spinning performances, fire shows, and a silk show during dinner.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, but it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Is sandboarding included in this tour?

Yes, you can try sandboarding on the dunes as part of the experience.

Are drinks provided during dinner?

Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout dinner along with tea and coffee.

Are there bathroom facilities at the desert camp?

Yes, toilet facilities are available at the camp site.

What’s included

Your evening includes private hotel pickup by 4x4 vehicle from anywhere in Dubai, an adrenaline-filled dune bashing session followed by time for sandboarding and sunset photos on high dunes; then a short camel ride before heading to camp where you’ll find unlimited soft drinks plus tea or coffee waiting alongside henna tattoo artists and traditional Arabic costumes for photos; finally enjoy an open-air BBQ buffet dinner (vegetarian options too) while watching live dance performances before being dropped back at your door.