Dubai Desert Safari: Private 4x4, Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Private Dubai desert safari with dune bashing, camel ride, live shows and BBQ dinner

You’ll feel the rush of Dubai’s desert as you ride in a private 4x4 across red dunes with your own guide. Try sandboarding or a camel ride before unwinding at a lantern-lit camp with live shows and a big BBQ dinner under the stars. Expect laughter, great food, and moments that linger long after you return to your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous about the whole “dune bashing” thing. Our driver, Ahmed, just grinned when I asked if people ever get carsick. The 4x4 felt like it was floating and tumbling at the same time as we tore across those red dunes outside Dubai. Sand everywhere — in my shoes, my hair — but I couldn’t stop laughing (or maybe screaming?). There was this weird silence every time we crested a dune, then whoosh. My heart still jumps thinking about it.

We stopped for photos right as the sun dipped low and everything went gold-orange-pink. It was quiet except for some wind and a couple of camels snorting nearby. Ahmed handed me Arabic coffee — tiny cup, strong and earthy — and told us how his grandfather used to cross these sands by camel for days. I tried riding one myself (the camel, not Ahmed’s grandfather) which was much wobblier than it looks on Instagram. Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone trying to film me.

The camp itself felt almost too nice after all that sand — carpets everywhere, lanterns glowing, and someone handing out falafel that tasted way better than anything I’ve had at home. There were henna artists painting hands (I still have a faded flower on my wrist), and later we watched dancers spin and swirl around fire. The BBQ dinner was huge — lamb kebabs, salads, smoky eggplant — but honestly I remember more how good it felt just sitting there under the stars with everyone quietly eating or talking low over tea. We left late, tired in that good way you get from being outside all evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private evening desert safari experience

• Private 4x4 hotel pickup
• Dune bashing with expert driver
• Sandboarding on desert slopes
• Optional quad bike and dune buggy ride
• Camel ride in the desert
• Arrive at Bedouin style camp
• Enjoy Arabic coffee, tea, and falafel
• Henna painting by local artists
• Dinner with BBQ buffet and live shows
• Return to hotel by private driver

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Dubai or Sharjah.

What activities are part of this private evening desert safari?

Dune bashing in a 4x4, camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting, live shows, and BBQ dinner are all included.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are offered at the buffet dinner.

How many live performances are there during the evening?

There are 8 live shows including belly dance, fire show, Tanoura dance, Khaliji dance and group performances.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; however it's not recommended for travelers with certain health conditions or pregnant travelers.

Can I try quad biking or dune buggy rides on this tour?

Yes, quad bike or dune buggy rides are available at an extra cost during an optional stop.

How many people can join this private desert safari?

The tour is designed for couples or small groups of 2–6 guests per booking.

What’s included

Your evening includes private hotel pickup in a 4x4 vehicle from Dubai or Sharjah, exclusive dune bashing led by an expert guide across red dunes, an optional stop for quad biking or dune buggy rides (extra cost), a peaceful camel ride with photo opportunities at sunset, sandboarding sessions on soft slopes, traditional Arabic coffee and falafel on arrival at the Bedouin-style camp with VIP seating for your group. Enjoy unlimited soft drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the night while watching eight different live performances before relaxing over a generous BBQ buffet dinner with plenty of vegetarian options before your driver takes you back to your hotel.