Dubai Desert Safari: Quad Bike, Dune Bashing & Camel Ride

Summary

Quad bikes, camel rides and sunset BBQ in Dubai’s golden desert

You’ll taste cardamom coffee at Lahbab Desert before revving up a quad bike across rolling dunes with your guide nearby. Feel every twist during 4x4 dune bashing, then unwind at a desert camp with henna tattoos, camel rides, live shows, and a barbecue dinner under stars—a night that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how our driver, Ahmed, grinned as he handed me a tiny cup of cardamom coffee at the edge of Lahbab Desert. He’d just finished checking the tires for dune bashing—apparently there’s a whole ritual to it—and told us to stretch our legs before things got “bumpy.” The air was dry but not harsh, and I could smell sweet smoke from someone’s shisha drifting over from another group. My nerves kicked in when they brought out the quad bikes. The guide walked us through everything—honestly, I stalled twice before getting the hang of it (my friend still teases me about that). But once we were flying over those soft red dunes, wind in my face, it felt like time paused for a second.

Afterwards, we climbed back into the 4x4 for dune bashing. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve done it—one minute you’re laughing at how the sand shifts under the wheels, next you’re gripping the seat because gravity just disappeared. Ahmed played Arabic pop on low volume and pointed out where camels sometimes wander close to the tracks. We stopped for photos right as the sun started dipping; I swear that light made everything glow coppery-orange. There was this quiet moment where nobody said anything—just sand and sky and our shoes filling up with grit.

The camp felt almost like a little village. We were welcomed with more coffee and dates (I tried not to eat too many), then wandered between henna artists and a falconer who let us hold his bird—she stared right through me. I tried on a headscarf awkwardly; one of the women laughed and helped me tie it properly. Dinner was smoky grilled lamb and salads under string lights while dancers spun in bright skirts and fire performers made everyone gasp. By then, the desert had cooled off enough that you could actually see your breath if you looked close. On the ride back to Dubai I kept replaying that first burst over the dunes—still makes my heart race thinking about it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with activities and dinner

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Lahbab Desert
• Stop for vehicle prep and restroom
• Receive quad bike safety briefing
• Ride quad bike with photo stops
• Return for dune bashing adventure
• Arrive at desert camp
• Welcome with Arabian coffee and sweets
• Try henna tattoos and smoke shisha
• Wear Arabian clothes and meet falcon expert
• Enjoy short camel ride
• Have Arabian barbecue buffet dinner
• Watch Tanoura dance and fire show
• See Ladies Khaliji dance and more
• Relax or meditate before return
• Return to city

Top questions

How long is the Dubai desert safari with quad biking?

The tour includes 30 minutes of quad biking plus several hours for dune bashing, camp activities, dinner, and transfers from Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai are included.

What food is served during the BBQ dinner?

The buffet offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like grilled meats, salads, and local dishes.

Can I repeat the camel ride?

Yes, you can repeat the short camel ride experience at the camp if you wish.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What shows are performed at the desert camp?

You can watch Tanoura folk dance, fire show, belly dancing (except on certain Islamic holidays).

Is sandboarding included in this Dubai safari?

Yes, sandboarding down the dunes is part of your experience.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

You get unlimited cold mineral water and soft drinks throughout your time in the desert.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai before heading out to Lahbab Desert for quad biking (30 minutes), sandboarding fun on silky dunes, an adrenaline-pumping 4x4 dune bashing session with a licensed guide, plus unlimited soft drinks and water all day. At camp you'll enjoy henna painting (especially for ladies), shisha pipes in a cozy area, short camel rides (repeatable), sunset photo stops, meet a falcon expert for pictures, then tuck into a barbecue buffet dinner—vegetarian or non-vegetarian—while watching live Tanoura dance shows and fire performances before being dropped off back at your hotel.