Dubai Private Desert Safari: Dune Bashing & Dinner

Red Dunes at Sunset: Your Own Desert Camp & Dinner in Dubai

You get picked up from your Dubai hotel, driven to the red dunes for dune bashing and a sunset photo stop, then spend the evening at a private desert camp with camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, traditional coffee, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. The entire camp is yours alone, and the driver returns you home after five hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private desert safari with activities

• Pick up from hotel in Dubai or Sharjah
• Drive 50 minutes to desert
• Guide explains facts about Dubai
• Stop to deflate tires
• Dune bashing in Lehbab desert
• Photography stop at sunset
• Arrive at private desert campsite
• Enjoy camel riding and sandboarding
• Henna painting and horse riding on demand
• Drink Arabian gahwa and eat dates
• Have BBQ dinner with kebabs and salads
• Return drive to hotel

The experience

The sand stretches flat and endless in front of you, then suddenly the dunes rise. Your 4x4 hits the first slope and the vehicle tilts. That's dune bashing, and it's the first thing that happens after your guide picks you up from your Dubai hotel. The drive takes about 50 minutes depending on traffic, and your guide talks through facts about the city the whole way. Once you reach the red sands of Lehbab desert, the real movement starts: the vehicle climbs and drops, climbs and drops, and you stop at a photography point high enough to see the desert flatten into the horizon. This is where most people take the sunset shot.

After the driving settles, you move to the private desert camp: a tent set up just for your group on top of the dunes. The activities here are the kind you do at your own pace: short camel riding across the sand, sandboarding down the slopes if you want to try it, henna painting on your hands, or just sitting. A guide brings out Gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) and dates while the light changes. The air cools. You're not rushed between things. Vegetarian and Jain options are available if you've told them when booking, and the buffet dinner includes kebabs, hummus, salads, and other Emirati starters: all served under the private setup as the stars come out.

The private desert safari in Dubai runs about five hours total, and your driver brings you back to your hotel or home afterward. Children need to stay with an adult the whole time, and the package includes the pickup, the guide, the dune bashing, one camel ride, sandboarding, the welcome drinks, and dinner. Bring a camera: the light on the dunes changes fast, and the photos are the part you'll look at later and actually remember the feeling of being there.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or home pickup anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah by air-conditioned 4x4, a licensed English-speaking safari guide, dune bashing in the red sands, a photography stop at sunset, short camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, welcome drinks of Gahwa and dates with unlimited tea, coffee, water and soft drinks, a continental buffet BBQ dinner with kebabs, hummus, salads and traditional Emirati starters, and return drop-off to your location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:00 and 14:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Dream Night Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want the full desert evening (dune driving, camp activities, and dinner under stars) without arranging transport or timing it yourself. The private setup means your group has the tent and the pace to itself, which is what makes the five hours feel unhurried.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive to the desert from Dubai?

About 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Your guide explains facts about Dubai on the way.

What's included in the dinner?

BBQ buffet with kebabs, hummus, salads, and traditional Emirati starters. Vegetarian and Jain options are available if you request them when booking.

Is sandboarding included?

Yes, sandboarding is included in the package at the desert camp.

What time does the safari start and end?

The total duration is 5 hours. Pickup is from your hotel or home, and you're returned after dinner and the evening activities.

Do I need to be fit for dune bashing?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What should I wear?

Smart casual attire is recommended for comfort and enjoyment during the activity.

Is the camel ride long?

It's a short camel ride in the middle of the desert, included as part of the camp activities.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, and it's highly recommended. There's a dedicated photo stop at the top of the dunes during sunset.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes, pure vegetarian dishes are included in the buffet dinner. Jain food is also available if you inform the operator when booking.