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

Summary

Private evening safari in dubai with dune bashing bbq dinner camel ride

You’ll get picked up in Dubai for a private evening desert safari with dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and sunset photos before relaxing at a traditional camp. Enjoy Arabic coffee, henna painting, sheesha, a BBQ dinner (veg & non-veg), plus live belly dance and fire shows — all with a local guide who keeps things real. It’s not just about adrenaline; it’s those small moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

Ali grinned when he handed me that tiny cup of Arabic coffee — “You’ll need this before the dunes,” he joked. I laughed but honestly, my hands were already a bit sweaty just thinking about the dune bashing part. We’d been picked up right at our hotel in Dubai (on time, which surprised me), and after about 45 minutes of city giving way to sand, we stopped for a quick break. Some folks jumped on quad bikes but I just watched — the smell of petrol mixing with hot sand is oddly comforting if you grew up around old cars like I did.

The main event was that wild ride over the dunes. Ali kept glancing back to check if we were okay (he must’ve seen my face — I probably looked terrified and thrilled all at once). The 4x4 slid down sandy slopes that felt way steeper than they looked from below. At one point we stopped for photos as the sun started dropping — the sky went all orange and pink behind us. Sand got everywhere, even between my teeth somehow. Tried sandboarding too; wiped out immediately but hey, no regrets.

By the time we reached the camp it was dusk and cooler than I expected — not cold exactly, but enough that the first sip of sweet mint tea felt extra good. There were camels waiting nearby (they make these deep grumbling sounds when they stand up), and a lady painted a little henna flower on my hand while her daughter watched quietly from her lap. Dinner was a big BBQ spread — smoky chicken skewers, salads, something spicy I couldn’t name. The fire show was honestly wild; sparks flying everywhere while everyone cheered. Belly dancing too, though my favorite part might’ve just been sitting back under those string lights with sheesha smoke drifting by and thinking how far away city noise felt right then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari experience

• Pickup from preferred location
• Rest stop with optional quad bike or dune buggy rides
• Dune bashing with sunset photography and sandboarding
• Arrive at desert camp and enjoy welcome drinks
• Participate in camel ride, henna painting, sheesha, and photography
• Enjoy BBQ dinner with live entertainment
• Drop off at preferred location

Top questions

How long does the Dubai evening desert safari last?

The tour typically lasts around 6 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is pickup included for hotels outside Dubai?

Yes, pickup is available from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah in a private 4x4.

Are quad bikes or dune buggies included in the price?

No, quad bikes and dune buggy rides are optional extras at additional cost during the rest stop.

What kind of food is served at the BBQ dinner?

The BBQ buffet includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options along with salads and sides.

Can children join the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is it suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are there live entertainment shows at the camp?

Yes, you’ll see belly dance performances, Tanura dance and a fire show during dinner at camp.

Do you need to bring anything special for this tour?

No special gear required—just comfortable clothes and maybe a light jacket for evening breezes.

What’s included

Your evening includes private pickup and drop-off by 4x4 from your location in Dubai or nearby cities; all dune bashing sessions; sandboarding; camel rides; sunset photography stops; entry to a traditional desert camp with Arabic coffee and dates; henna painting; sheesha in a designated area; photo ops in traditional dress; plus a full BBQ dinner buffet with both veg and non-veg options alongside live belly dance, Tanura dance and fire shows before heading back home late in the evening.