Dubai Desert Safari: Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with quad bikes camel rides dinner shows

You’ll feel Dubai’s desert come alive on this tour — from bouncing over red dunes in a 4x4 to racing quad bikes and riding camels at sunset. Taste smoky BBQ under lanterns, watch swirling dance shows, and let henna dry on your skin as drums echo nearby. It’s not just about adrenaline; there’s laughter, warmth, and those small moments you’ll remember after you shake out your shoes back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the quiet before the first engine roar — just this weird hush as we left Dubai behind, city lights shrinking in the rearview. Our guide, Kareem, grinned in the mirror and said, “Desert’s got its own music.” He was right. The 4x4 bounced us over red dunes that looked soft but hit hard (I might’ve yelped once or twice). Sand gets everywhere — still found some in my shoes later. That first blast of cool air when we stopped? I remember it better than any photo.

The quad bike ride is what everyone talks about on these Dubai desert safari tours, and yeah, it’s wild. Thirty minutes goes fast when you’re trying not to eat sand or tip over. My friend tried to race me — lost by a mile but laughed so hard she nearly stalled out. After that, Kareem led us to the camp where there were camels waiting (they look grumpy but are patient if you’re gentle). I’d never ridden one before; their gait is oddly soothing once you stop worrying about falling off.

Inside the camp, everything smelled like charcoal and spices. A woman painted a henna flower on my hand while I tried not to smudge it reaching for shawarma (failed). There were dancers spinning so fast their skirts blurred into color streaks under string lights — at one point someone handed me sweet tea and I just sat back listening to drums echo across the sand. The fire show was hotter than expected; you could feel it on your face even from way back.

Kareem joked that nobody leaves hungry here — he wasn’t kidding. The BBQ dinner had more options than I could try (vegetarian stuff too), and somehow it all tasted better after dune bashing and quad biking. By the time we piled back into the car for drop-off, my shoes were full of sand and my phone was full of blurry photos but honestly? I still think about that first quiet moment in the desert more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari with Activities and Dinner

• Pick up from hotel
• Dune bashing drive in red dunes
• Camel ride experience
• HubblyBubbly smoking lounge
• Sand boarding activity
• Photo taking in desert view
• Traditional Arabic dress for pictures
• Enjoy shawarma and drinks
• Buffet dinner with BBQ options
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, coffee, tea
• Belly dance shows
• Tanura dance show
• Fire dance shows
• Henna tattoos application
• 30 minutes ATV/quad bike ride
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels or homes in Dubai or Sharjah are included.

How long is the quad bike ride during the tour?

The quad bike ride lasts around 30 minutes in a restricted area.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are provided at the BBQ buffet dinner.

Do I need to bring anything special for the quad biking?

You must bring an original ID such as your passport for the ATV/quad bike activity.

What kind of entertainment is offered at the camp?

The camp features belly dance shows, Tanura dance performances, fire shows, henna tattoos, shisha lounge access, and Arabic dress for photos.

Is this tour suitable for infants or pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for infants sitting alone or pregnant travelers due to dune bashing and other activities.

How long does the camel ride last?

The standard camel ride experience lasts 1-2 minutes; longer rides may be available for an extra charge.

Can I try sandboarding during this safari?

Yes, sandboarding is available upon request—just ask staff at the camp for a sandboard.

What’s included

Your evening includes air-conditioned 4x4 hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah, dune bashing across red dunes with a local guide at the wheel, a 30-minute quad bike ride (bring your passport), quick camel rides at sunset, henna tattoos if you want them, shisha lounge time, Arabic dress-up photos if you’re feeling brave, plus unlimited drinks—water, soft drinks, tea or coffee—and a big international buffet BBQ dinner with both veg and non-veg choices before heading home sandy but happy.