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

Dubai’s red sands private safari with camel ride and fire show

You’ll feel Dubai’s desert come alive on this private safari: hold tight during dune bashing across red sands, try a camel ride under endless sky, settle into an open-air camp for BBQ dinner with live belly dance and fire shows, and maybe laugh at yourself trying on local dress or tasting smoky grilled lamb for the first time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private desert safari with live shows

• Drive across desert dunes
• Enjoy 25-30 minutes dune bashing
• Take 10-minute camel ride
• Arrive at traditional desert camp
• Wear Arabic costumes for photos
• Take photos with falcon
• Watch belly dancing show
• Watch Tanura dancing show
• Watch fire performance
• Enjoy BBQ dinner with options

The experience

Ever wondered what the desert actually sounds like at night? I didn’t, not really, until we drove out of Dubai and the city lights faded behind us. Our driver, Sameer, had this quiet confidence (and a playlist that went from Arabic pop to old Bollywood hits). The sand started looking impossibly red as we got closer, sort of glowing in the late afternoon sun. When we stopped for dune bashing, I was equal parts nervous and excited: my friend gripped my arm so hard during the first drop I thought she’d leave bruises. It’s loud in the car but outside it’s just wind and that dry, spicy smell you only get in places like this.

The camel ride was shorter than I expected, maybe ten minutes, but honestly that was enough for my legs. Our guide joked about “desert traffic jams” when two camels stopped to stare at each other. Afterward, we wandered into this camp set up with low tables and cushions. There was a smoky scent from the grill already going. I tried on one of those long white kanduras (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Arabic, probably butchered it), and someone handed me sweet tea before the sun dipped below the dunes.

I still think about that first bite of grilled lamb (charred edges, warm spices), and how everyone just sort of relaxed into the evening. The live shows were louder than I’d imagined: swirling dancers with skirts flashing green and gold, then a fire performer who made us all gasp. There were moments where everything felt almost too much (the music, the laughter), but then you’d look up and see stars coming out over the sand. It’s strange how quiet it gets between songs. We left with henna on our hands and sand in our shoes. I’m still finding little grains weeks later.

What’s included

• Your day includes private pickup from your hotel or chosen spot in Dubai, 25-30 minutes of dune bashing with a local guide behind the wheel, a short camel ride to see more of the landscape (and maybe laugh at yourself getting on or off), access to a traditional open-air camp where you can try shisha or get a small henna tattoo if you want.
• There’s BBQ dinner with plenty of choices for everyone, including vegetarians, plus soft drinks throughout.
• You’ll catch live belly dance shows, Tanura spinning dancers, and a fire performance before heading back with sand still stuck in your shoes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:00, 14:30, 15:00 and 15:30

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Arabic, Hindi, Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu

Audio guideEnglish, Arabic, Hindi, Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by VIP Desert Tours

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Hindi, Pashto, Punjabi, Arabic and Urdu.

How long is the dune bashing during this Dubai desert safari?

The dune bashing lasts around 25-30 minutes through Dubai's red sand desert.

Is hotel pickup included in this private desert safari?

Yes, private pickup and drop-off from your location are included for your group.

What kind of food is served at the desert camp?

A BBQ dinner is served with options for all dietary needs.

Are there live performances during the evening?

Yes, you’ll see two belly dance shows, Tanura dancing, and a fire performance at camp.

How long is the camel ride on this tour?

The camel ride lasts about 10 minutes through the desert landscape.

Can you try on Arabic costumes during this safari?

Yes, guests can wear traditional Arabic costumes and take photos at camp.

Is sandboarding included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, there’s a sandboarding session as part of your experience.

Are separate restroom facilities available at camp?

Yes, there are separate ladies’ and gents’ toilet facilities at the camp site.