Dubai Desert Safari: Private Red Dunes, BBQ Dinner & Shows

Summary

Private Dubai desert safari with sandboarding BBQ dinner & live shows

You’ll ride through Dubai’s Lahbab Red Dunes in a private 4x4, try your luck at sandboarding, taste Arabic coffee and BBQ under lanterns, watch live dance shows, and maybe even hold a falcon for a photo. It’s not just about adrenaline or food — it’s those small moments under desert stars that linger longest.

What’s the experience like?

“Desert has its own silence,” our driver Khalid said, eyes on the horizon as we left Dubai behind. I didn’t know what he meant until we hit the Lahbab Red Dunes — the city faded out, replaced by this dry wind that tasted faintly like cinnamon dust. The 4x4 felt like a rollercoaster at times (my stomach still remembers), but Khalid kept grinning and telling stories about his childhood out here. He pointed to a lone shrub and said his grandfather could find water anywhere. I tried to picture that kind of life — no skyscrapers, just sky.

The sandboarding was… honestly harder than it looks on Instagram. I wiped out twice before getting the hang of it, and my shoes filled up with warm red sand. There was this moment when I just sat down on the dune and watched everyone else — some kids were shrieking, a couple from Germany took about fifty selfies, and for a second it felt like we were all just tiny dots in this huge orange sea. The sunset crept up fast; suddenly everything was gold and quiet except for the falcon handler calling out in Arabic (I never did catch his name). He let me hold the bird — heavier than I expected, soft feathers brushing my wrist.

At camp, they handed us little cups of gahwa and sweet dates before anything else. The air smelled like grilled lamb and something floral from the shisha lounge nearby. There were these low cushions everywhere — I nearly tripped over one trying to get henna done (the artist laughed and fixed my smudge). The belly dancer winked at our table during her set; later there was this wild spinning Tanoura show that made me dizzy just watching. Dinner was a blur of smoky kebabs and cold salads — nothing fancy but somehow perfect after all that sand.

I lay back after dinner and tried to count stars (gave up after twenty-something). It’s strange how quickly you forget city noise when you’re out here. On the drive back to Dubai I kept thinking about what Khalid said at the start — that silence stays with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Dubai Desert Safari Experience

• Pick-up from Dubai location
• Arrive at Lahbab Desert
• Relax at quad bike station
• Short camel ride
• Falcon photo opportunity
• Optional quad bike or dune buggy ride
• Dune bashing for 35-40 minutes
• Sandboarding down dunes
• Photo stop at desert landscape
• Drive to traditional desert camp
• Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates
• Relax in luxurious seating
• Henna tattooing
• Try shisha in lounge
• Dress in traditional Arabian attire
• Enjoy BBQ dinner with soft drinks
• Watch belly dancing and Tanoura show
• See spectacular fire show
• Stargazing under desert sky
• Drive back to Dubai drop-off

Top questions

What time does the private Dubai desert safari start?

Pickup is usually between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM from your hotel or chosen location in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, private pickup from your hotel, residence, airport or cruise terminal in Dubai is included.

How long does dune bashing last on this tour?

The dune bashing experience lasts around 35-40 minutes across Lahbab Red Dunes.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

The BBQ buffet includes salads and local delicacies suitable for vegetarians alongside grilled meats.

Can I try sandboarding during this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, sandboarding down the dunes is included in your experience.

Is quad biking included in the price?

No, quad biking or dune buggy rides are optional extras available for an additional charge at the site.

Are cultural activities like henna or shisha included?

Yes, henna tattooing and shisha are included along with traditional dress-up opportunities at camp.

What live performances are part of this tour?

The evening features belly dancing, Tanoura spinning dance, and a fire show at camp.

What’s included

Your day includes private 4x4 pickup from anywhere in Dubai (hotel or port), red dune bashing for about forty minutes plus sandboarding time and sunset stop; camel ride and falcon photo opportunity; entry to a premium desert camp where you’re welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates; henna tattoos by local artists; unlimited soft drinks; shisha lounge access; chance to dress up in traditional attire; full BBQ buffet dinner; plus live belly dance, Tanoura spinning show, fire performance — then drop-off back to your location late evening.