Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike & BBQ with Hotel Pickup

Summary

Ride Dubai’s red dunes quad bike then feast under desert stars

You’ll cross Dubai’s red dunes by quad bike, try sandboarding and camel riding with local guides, then relax at a Bedouin-style camp for live shows and a BBQ dinner under lanterns. Expect real desert silence between bursts of laughter—and maybe find yourself lingering over Arabic coffee longer than you meant to.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color — that deep, rusty red of the Lahbab dunes, almost glowing in the late afternoon. Our driver, Ahmed, showed up right on time at my hotel in Dubai (he even texted when he was five minutes away), and I ended up sharing the back seat with a couple from Istanbul who were just as nervous about dune bashing as I was. The 4x4 felt like a spaceship as we left the city behind and everything got quieter except for our laughter bouncing around inside.

I’d never driven a quad bike before, so when they handed me the helmet and pointed to my ride, my hands were shaking a little. The sand felt softer than I expected — it kind of gave way under the tires in this weirdly satisfying way. There was this moment where I stopped at the top of a dune and just listened: wind, some distant engine noise, nothing else. After that adrenaline rush (and a lot of sand in my shoes), we slowed down for a camel ride. The camels looked so patient — our guide Rashid joked that they know tourists better than anyone in Dubai. He taught us how to say “thank you” in Arabic but honestly I probably butchered it; Rashid just grinned.

The camp itself was all lantern light and low cushions — smelled like cardamom and grilled meat. Someone pressed a tiny cup of Arabic coffee into my hand before I’d even sat down properly. Henna artists worked quietly in one corner while kids tried on those flowing white kanduras for photos. Dinner was this sprawling BBQ buffet (I still think about those grilled eggplants) and there was so much going on: Tanoura dancers spinning until you got dizzy just watching, then belly dancing and fire performers lighting up the sand like it was their own stage. My favorite part? Lying back after dinner with shisha smoke curling up into the night sky — not talking much, just listening to people’s voices drift across the camp.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from any Dubai location
• Arrive at Lahbab Red Dunes
• Safety briefing by guide
• 25-minute self-drive quad bike ride
• Gentle camel ride
• Dune bashing in 4×4 vehicle
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Scenic desert photo stop
• Arrive at Bedouin-style desert camp
• Welcome with Arabic coffee, tea, and dates
• Relax in shisha lounge and try henna art
• Wear traditional Arabic attire for photos
• Dine on upgraded BBQ buffet dinner
• Watch Tanoura, belly dance, and fire show
• Return to original pickup location

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included from any hotel, residence, airport or cruise port within Dubai city limits.

How long is the quad bike ride during the tour?

The self-drive quad biking session lasts 25 minutes across the Lahbab Red Dunes.

Are meals provided during this desert safari?

Yes, there is a lavish BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at the camp.

Can I try sandboarding on this tour?

Yes, sandboarding on the golden dunes is included as part of your experience.

Is there entertainment at the Bedouin-style camp?

Yes, you’ll see Tanoura dance, belly dancing, fire show performances plus henna art and shisha lounge access.

Are alcoholic drinks available at dinner?

Alcoholic beverages are available to purchase separately at the camp; unlimited soft drinks are included.

Can infants join this desert safari tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai by 4x4 vehicle, a guided adventure through Lahbab Red Dunes with quad biking and sandboarding stops, plus camel riding before heading to a Bedouin-style camp for Arabic coffee rituals, henna tattoos, shisha lounge time and traditional dress-up photos. Dinner features a full BBQ buffet with live entertainment before you’re returned safely to your starting point.