Dubai Desert Safari: Quad Biking, BBQ Dinner & Live Shows

Summary

Quad bikes red dunes sunset and Dubai’s desert camp magic

You’ll feel your heart race on a guided quad bike ride across Dubai’s Lahbab desert before unwinding at a Bedouin camp with coffee, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment. Try sandboarding or camel riding if you want—or just soak up the sunset colors and music before heading back to your hotel feeling both wired and calm.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous about the quad bikes. The Lahbab desert looked endless from the 4x4 window, all those red dunes rolling out forever. Our guide, Sami, cracked a joke about “city people” gripping the seat too tight (which, okay, was me). The engine kicked up this dry, mineral smell as we started. Half an hour later my arms were jelly but I couldn’t stop grinning. Sand in my shoes, hair everywhere — worth it.

After that rush, the sun started dropping fast. Sami pointed out how the light turned the sand almost pink — not something you see on postcards. We got to the Bedouin-style camp and someone handed me coffee and dates before I’d even found my seat. There was this low hum of music and laughter mixing with the smell of grilled meat. I tried saying thank you in Arabic; pretty sure I got it wrong because one of the women doing henna just smiled and shook her head gently.

The shows came on — first Tanura spinning so fast my eyes went blurry, then fire dancers who made everyone gasp (I flinched when sparks flew). Belly dancing after dinner felt almost hypnotic. At some point I wandered off to watch people sandboarding under string lights or lining up for camel rides. It was busy but didn’t feel rushed; nobody pushed you anywhere. Honestly, by the time we piled back into the van for Dubai, I was sandy and tired but kind of peaceful. Still think about that sunset sometimes — weird how quiet it felt out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with quad biking and dinner

• Pick up from Dubai hotel
• Drive to Lahbab desert
• Drive 4x4 on red dunes
• 30-minute guided quad bike ride
• Take photos at sunset
• Experience camel riding and sandboarding
• Arrive at Bedouin style camp
• Welcome coffee and dates
• Enjoy henna painting and shisha
• Watch Tanura, fire show, belly dancers
• Barbecue buffet dinner and dessert
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Dubai city limits.

How long is the quad biking session during the tour?

The guided quad bike ride lasts approximately 30 minutes through the dunes.

What type of food is served at dinner?

A barbeque buffet with desserts, fresh fruit, coffee or tea, and soft drinks is served at camp.

Are there live performances during the evening?

Yes—Tanura dance, fire show, and belly dancing are performed at the camp.

Can I try camel riding or sandboarding?

Yes—both camel rides and sandboarding are available at no extra cost during your visit to camp.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Infants can join in a stroller or pram; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is this desert safari wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the transportation options are wheelchair accessible for guests who need them.

Where does this Dubai desert safari take place?

The tour takes place in Lahbab desert, about 45–60 minutes’ drive from central Dubai.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle from Dubai city hotels; a guided 30-minute double-seated quad bike ride over Lahbab’s red dunes; time for camel riding and sandboarding; entry to a Bedouin-style camp with welcome coffee and dates; henna painting; shisha corner access; live Tanura dance, fire show, belly dancing performances; plus a full barbeque buffet dinner with dessert and soft drinks before returning to your hotel around 9:30pm.