Dubai Desert Safari: Quad Bike, Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Evening desert adventure with quad bikes, camel rides, sandboarding and BBQ in Dubai’s red dunes

You’ll feel your heart race on a quad bike ride across Dubai’s red dunes before dune bashing in a 4x4 with an expert driver. Try camel riding, sandboarding and get henna painted as dusk falls. End your evening with a barbecue dinner under desert stars while local performers light up the night — it’s messy and fun in all the best ways.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the handlebars tighter than I meant to, I could taste the dust before I even realized my scarf had slipped. The quad bike kicked up little clouds as we zigzagged across Lahbab’s red dunes — 30 minutes felt both longer and shorter than I expected. Our guide, Imran, just grinned every time one of us yelped or stalled out on a steeper bit. He said the sand here is softer than near the city. I believed him after my tires spun out twice (don’t worry, he helped me up). My shoes still have some of that fine sand stuck in them.

After that rush, we piled into a 4x4 for dune bashing. It’s a weird mix of laughter and holding your breath — like being on a rollercoaster but with more squeaking from the seatbelt. The sun was already dropping lower by then, turning everything gold and pink. There were camels waiting at the next stop; their eyelashes looked impossibly long up close. A kid in our group tried to feed one his juice box — didn’t go well. The camel ride was slower than I thought it’d be, but honestly kind of peaceful after all that noise.

I tried sandboarding too (badly), then wandered over to get henna painted on my hand by an older woman who barely spoke English but smiled every time she pressed my skin. The air smelled like grilled meat and something sweet — dates maybe? Dinner was barbecue under string lights while dancers spun and fire artists did their thing. I’m not usually into big shows but it felt right out there in the open air, everyone clapping along together. At some point I stopped worrying about sand in my food.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari and quad bike adventure

• Meet at Lahbab desert point
• Enjoy 30-minute ATV experience
• Go dune bashing in 4WD vehicle
• Optional quad bike or dune buggy ride

Top questions

How long is the quad bike ride during this Dubai desert safari?

The quad bike (ATV) ride lasts for 30 minutes at Lahbab meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes pickup from your location in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What meals are provided on this evening desert safari?

A barbeque dinner is included with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Are there live entertainment shows during the dinner?

Yes, there are belly dance performances, Tanura show, and a fire show included.

Can children join this Dubai desert safari tour?

The tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old.

Is sandboarding part of this Dubai desert safari experience?

Yes, you can try sandboarding as part of the activities offered.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

There is a restroom available onboard the vehicle during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for elderly travelers or those with health issues?

The tour is not recommended for elderly people with severe health issues or wheelchair users.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your location to Lahbab’s red dunes where you’ll have 30 minutes of quad biking before heading off-road for dune bashing in a licensed driver’s 4x4 Land Cruiser. You’ll also get to try camel riding, sandboarding, self-photography opportunities, henna painting by local artists, plus enjoy a full barbeque dinner (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) with unlimited drinks while watching belly dancing, Tanura spinning and fire shows before heading back at night.