Dubai Desert Safari: Private Camel Ride, Sandboard & BBQ Dinner

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

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Duration6h 30m

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · HI +1

PickupAt your hotel

Private red dune safari in Dubai with camel ride, sandboarding and BBQ

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red dunes in a private 4x4 with your local guide, try sandboarding, sway along on a camel at sunset and taste smoky barbecue under desert stars. Between henna tattoos and falcon photos, you’ll catch small moments that linger long after—like laughter echoing across empty sands or warm bread in your hands.

6h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with activities and dinner

Pickup from hotel in Dubai or Sharjah
Red Dune Safari drive for 40 minutes
Sandboarding on desert dunes
Enjoy sunset views in Lahbab desert
Traditional camel ride in Aweer desert
Get a henna tattoo applied
Watch three live Arabic music shows
Dinner and BBQ with unlimited drinks

The Experience

I didn’t expect the sand to feel so cool under my hands — honestly, I thought it’d be burning. We’d just tumbled out of the 4x4 after our guide, Ahmed, had us laughing and gripping the seats through the Lahbab dunes. He joked that he’s been driving these routes since before I was born (probably true). The wind kicked up little swirls of red dust that somehow got everywhere — I’m still finding it in my shoes.

The camel ride was quieter than I thought it’d be. Our group went single file, swaying gently while the sun started dropping behind the dunes. I tried to say “thank you” in Arabic to the camel handler — he smiled politely but I’m sure my pronunciation was a mess. At one point, a falconer let me hold his bird for a photo; its feathers were softer than I expected and it stared right through me. The henna artist drew a flower on my wrist while we waited for dinner — she worked so quickly, her hands barely pausing.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a “buffet BBQ” in the middle of nowhere, but honestly? The smell of grilled lamb and spices made everyone hungry fast. There were vegetarian dishes too (my friend was relieved), and endless sweet tea poured into tiny glasses. Later there were live shows — music I didn’t recognize but felt somehow familiar under the stars. It got chilly after dark; someone handed out shawls and we all huddled closer around our plates. The drive back was quiet except for Ahmed humming along to something on the radio. That last glimpse of glowing sand stuck with me — kind of peaceful, actually.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your hotel or residence in Dubai or Sharjah by air-conditioned 4x4 Land Cruiser, guided dune bashing through Lahbab’s red sands for about 45 minutes, sandboarding at sunset, a traditional camel ride with photo opportunities (even holding a falcon if you want), henna tattoo art while you relax at camp, an international buffet dinner with barbecue (vegetarian options too), unlimited soft drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the evening—and finally drop-off back at your place when it’s all done.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Seven Tours Dubai