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

Summary

Dubai’s red dunes, quad bikes, camels and fire-lit desert nights

You’ll barrel across Dubai’s Lahbab red dunes in a 4x4, try quad biking and camel rides, taste strong Arabic coffee at camp, watch live dance shows under lantern light, then end your night stargazing from old rugs in the sand. This desert safari includes pickup from your hotel and all activities—it’s less about ticking boxes than feeling every moment out there.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first jolt—our 4x4 hit the Lahbab sand and suddenly it was just us and these wild, endless red dunes. I’d seen photos but nothing really prepares you for that soft roar under the tires or how fine the sand feels when you grab a handful at the sunset stop. Our driver, Khalid, grinned in the mirror and told us to hold tight—he wasn’t kidding. My heart was thumping by the time we stopped for photos on top of a dune with wind whipping my scarf around (should’ve tied it better).

The quad bike part was pure adrenaline. Thirty minutes goes fast when you’re trying not to eat sand or tip over—my steering was questionable at best but honestly, that’s half the fun. There were other travelers laughing nearby and one of them yelled something in French as he zoomed past; I just waved back and tried not to stall again. After that, we rode camels for a bit—awkward at first but kind of peaceful once you get used to their loping gait. The smell of cardamom coffee drifted from camp as we got closer and someone handed me dates before I even sat down.

Inside the camp it felt like another world—lanterns everywhere, music I didn’t recognize but liked anyway. Our guide explained some of the Bedouin traditions (I tried on a kandura and looked ridiculous but everyone was too busy getting henna or posing with this very unimpressed falcon). Dinner was a blur of grilled lamb and smoky rice—I probably ate too much—and then came those wild Tanoura dancers spinning so fast I got dizzy just watching. The fire show had everyone cheering; at one point sparks flew so close I could feel the heat on my face. We ended up lying back on old rugs looking at stars through a telescope while people around us swapped stories in at least three languages.

I keep thinking about that drive back to Dubai—quiet after all the noise—with sand still stuck between my toes and this weird sense of calm. It’s not what I expected from a desert safari tour but maybe that’s why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Overnight stay in desert camp
• Camel ride and sandboarding
• Dinner buffet with variety of foods
• Watch live belly, Tanura, fire shows
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup is included by 4x4 Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol.

How long is the quad bike ride during the tour?

The quad bike ride lasts 30 minutes within a restricted area; ID is required.

Are meals provided on this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, there’s a BBQ buffet dinner with international dishes plus drinks like water, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

What live shows are performed at the desert camp?

You’ll see Tanoura dance, belly dancing, folk dance and a fire show during dinner.

Is sandboarding included in this tour?

Yes, sandboarding from Big Red Sand Dunes is part of the experience.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available.

Do I need to bring anything special for this safari?

You must bring an ID for quad biking; otherwise just comfortable clothes are recommended.

Is there insurance coverage during the tour?

Yes, guest insurance is covered if any mishap happens due to company staff or vehicles.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by 4x4 vehicle with a licensed guide, thirty minutes of quad biking (with ID), dune bashing across Lahbab’s big red dunes, sandboarding sessions, short camel rides and time to try traditional dress or henna tattoos at camp. You’ll be welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates before enjoying a BBQ buffet dinner with drinks while watching live Tanoura dance, belly dancing and fire shows under lanterns—all before returning to your hotel late at night.