Dubai Desert Safari: Private Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Private desert camp in Dubai with dune bashing camel ride and dinner

You’ll head out from Dubai with a friendly local guide for private dune bashing across Lehbab’s red sands before sunset photos and a camel ride in the open desert. Enjoy gahwa coffee and dates, try sandboarding or henna painting if you like, then settle into your own tent for a barbecue dinner while dancers spin under the stars. It’s quieter than you’d expect—and somehow bigger too.

What’s the experience like?

Our driver—Salman—showed up right on time at our hotel in Dubai, grinning like he’d just won something. He asked if we wanted music for the drive (we said yes, but I didn’t expect Bollywood classics). The city faded fast behind us; suddenly it was all red sand and that weird silence you only get outside the city. Salman pointed out a few things about the desert—how Lehbab’s dunes are redder than most—and then stopped to let some air out of the tires. He winked, “Now it gets fun.”

Dune bashing is… honestly wild. I lost track of how many times we laughed or squealed (sorry to whoever sat in the back). The car slid sideways sometimes, sand spraying against the windows, and for a second I just stared at this endless orange landscape thinking: how is this real? We stopped at the top of a dune for photos—wind whipping my scarf around—and I tried to take it all in. The sun was dropping low and everything looked softer somehow.

At the camp there was gahwa (that cardamom coffee smell sticks with you), dates, and a short camel ride that felt both awkward and kind of peaceful. I tried sandboarding too—mostly fell down but hey, worth it for the laughs. There were little touches everywhere: someone offering henna painting, kids giggling near the horses. Dinner was served under our own tent on top of a dune—kebabs, hummus, salads—and I kept reaching for more even though I was full. The tanoura dance started as dusk settled in; colors spinning against the dark sky. It felt private but not lonely.

I still think about that quiet moment after dinner when everyone just sat back looking at stars nobody bothered to count. On the way back to Dubai, Salman asked what our favorite part was—I couldn’t pick one thing. Maybe that’s why people keep coming out here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private desert safari with activities

• Pick up from hotel or home
• Drive 50 minutes to desert
• Stop to deflate tires
• Dune bashing in Lehbab desert
• Photography at desert sunset point
• Arrive at private desert campsite
• Enjoy camel riding and sandboarding
• Try henna painting and horse riding
• Drink Arabian gahwa and eat dates
• Have BBQ dinner under stars
• Return to hotel or home

Top questions

How long does the private desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 5 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, air-conditioned pickup and drop-off from any hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah is included.

What activities are part of this private desert safari?

You’ll experience dune bashing at Lehbab’s red dunes, camel riding, sandboarding at camp, henna painting, horse riding on demand, plus photo stops.

Is vegetarian food available during dinner?

Yes, pure vegetarian dishes are included in the buffet dinner; Jain food can be arranged if requested when booking.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll be offered traditional gahwa coffee with dates on arrival plus unlimited tea, coffee, water and soft drinks throughout.

Can children join this desert safari?

Yes; children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times during activities for safety reasons.

Where does dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens in Lehbab’s red sands area outside Dubai after tire deflation stop en route from your hotel.

Is sandboarding included or extra?

Sandboarding is included as part of your experience at the desert camp site.

Do I need to bring anything special?

A camera is highly recommended for photos; dress smart casual for comfort during activities.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah by licensed safari guide; thrilling dune bashing at Lehbab’s red dunes; photo stops on top of dunes; short camel ride in open desert; sandboarding at camp; optional henna painting and horse riding; traditional gahwa coffee with dates; unlimited soft drinks; continental buffet barbecue dinner with vegetarian options (Jain food available on request); plus your own private tent setup under the stars before heading back to your hotel.