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

Summary

Dubai desert safari with quad bikes camel ride bbq dinner & live shows

You’ll leave Dubai behind for an evening in the desert: bouncing over dunes in a 4x4, riding quad bikes around camp, sipping Arabic coffee with dates, and sharing barbecue dinner under lanterns. Watch belly dancing and tanoura performances as night falls — there’s something quietly memorable about that last stretch of silence before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we left Dubai was how the city just sort of faded into sand — like someone turned down the volume on all that noise and glass. Our driver, Ahmed, had this easy laugh and kept pointing out things I’d never have spotted (he even slowed down so I could try to get a photo of some wild camels, but they were too quick for me). The 4x4 ride over the dunes was bumpier than I expected — my stomach did a little flip at one point and Ahmed just grinned in the rearview like he knew it would happen. There’s something about that golden light right before sunset out here that makes everything feel slower.

At the camp, lanterns flickered and there was this smell of grilled meat mixing with sweet shisha smoke. We got Arabic coffee and dates as soon as we arrived — I tried to say thank you in Arabic but honestly, probably butchered it because the woman serving us just smiled kindly and offered more dates. The quad bike ride was short but wild; sand flying everywhere, engine rumbling under me. Helmet was a bit big for my head but I didn’t care. Afterward, I watched a henna artist draw delicate patterns on someone’s hand while kids nearby shrieked over their first-ever camel ride (I waited my turn — those animals are taller up close than you think).

Dinner was this long table under the open sky — mezze, kebabs, salads piled high. Someone played music I didn’t recognize but it fit perfectly. The belly dancer moved like she was made of water or silk or something softer than either. Later, during the tanoura dance, sparks from the fire act drifted up into the dark and for a minute nobody said anything at all. That silence stuck with me more than any photo could. The drive back to Dubai felt quieter somehow — maybe everyone else was tired or just thinking about the desert still clinging to their shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Drive to desert base
• Dune bashing at sunset
• Arrive at Bedouin-style camp
• Enjoy Arabic coffee, dates, and shisha
• Take 15-minute quad bike ride
• Ride camel at nearby farm
• Watch henna artists and sand art
• Have barbecue dinner under stars
• Watch belly dance performance
• Watch tanoura dance show
• Return to Dubai hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your tour booking.

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Can children participate in quad biking during the safari?

Quad bike rides are complimentary for guests aged 13 years and above only.

What type of food is served at the BBQ dinner?

The barbecue dinner includes mezze, kebabs, salads, desserts, soda and water; additional drinks are available at a cash bar.

Are there live shows during the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, you’ll enjoy belly dancing and tanoura (whirling dervish) performances plus a fire dance show after dinner.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

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

Do I need to bring anything special for this safari?

No special equipment is needed; helmets are provided for quad biking and everything else is included.

Are henna tattoos included in the price?

Yes, you can get a traditional henna tattoo at no extra cost during your visit to camp.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 with your driver-guide from central Dubai hotels. At camp you’ll get Arabic coffee with dates on arrival plus snacks; enjoy a complimentary quad bike ride if you’re 13 or older; take part in camel rides; try shisha at the tent; watch live belly dancing and tanoura shows; get a henna tattoo if you want; then sit down to a full barbecue buffet dinner with salads, desserts, soda and water before heading back to your hotel.