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

Summary

Private evening desert adventure with dune bashing camel ride and live BBQ

You’ll dive into Dubai’s wild desert in a private 4x4 for dune bashing thrills, try sandboarding at sunset, ride camels across golden dunes, and relax at camp with fresh Arabic coffee and dates. A big BBQ dinner follows with live belly dancing and fire shows under an open sky—a night that lingers long after you’re back in your hotel room.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever feel so small and so alive at the same time, but that’s how it hit me when we first rolled out into the Dubai desert. Our driver—Sami, who had this easy way of telling stories between gear shifts—grinned before hitting the gas. The dunes looked soft from a distance but up close they’re more like rolling waves you can actually surf with a car. My stomach dropped (in a good way) during dune bashing—my friend screamed, I just laughed until my cheeks hurt. Sand got everywhere; I still find it in my shoes.

We stopped for sunset in what felt like the middle of nowhere. There was this quiet you don’t get in cities—just wind and the crunch of sand underfoot. Sami pointed out how the light changed the color of everything, gold to pink to almost purple. He handed us sandboards and I wiped out immediately (he tried not to laugh). After that we headed to camp where they handed us tiny cups of cardamom coffee and dates—honestly, I could’ve just sat there forever watching everyone chat in Arabic and English, kids running around, smoke from the grills curling up.

Camel riding was… bumpier than I expected, but kind of peaceful once you get used to their slow rhythm. There was henna painting too—I let one of the artists draw a flower on my hand while she told me about her family back home in Rajasthan. Dinner was a blur of grilled lamb, salads, something spicy I still can’t name. Then came all these performances: belly dancing (the music gets under your skin), swirling tanoura dancers, even a fire show that made everyone gasp at least once. It felt both touristy and real at the same time—you know? The stars were just starting to show by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari with dinner and shows

• Depart city hotel for desert
• Enjoy sunset and sandboarding
• Receive Arabian welcome with coffee and dates
• Ride camel into dunes
• Get Henna hand paintings
• Enjoy snacks and drinks
• Dine on BBQ buffet
• Watch belly dance, tanoura, and fire shows

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included by 4x4 vehicle.

What activities are part of the Dubai desert safari?

Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, BBQ dinner, belly dance show, tanoura dance, fire show.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at the buffet dinner.

How long does dune bashing last?

The adventurous dune drive lasts about 30 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Infants can join using prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes, unlimited water, tea, coffee & soft drinks are provided throughout.

Can pregnant travelers join this Dubai desert safari?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the bumpy ride.

What’s included

Your evening includes private hotel pickup by 4x4 vehicle straight into the heart of Dubai’s dunes for a half-hour of dune bashing before sunset sandboarding and photos. At camp you’ll get Arabic tea and coffee with dates as a welcome; there’s camel riding across the sands and henna hand painting if you want it. Unlimited soft drinks flow alongside snacks before a big international buffet BBQ dinner—with both veg and non-veg choices—plus live entertainment like belly dancing, tanoura spinning and a fire show before heading back to your hotel late in the evening.