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

Summary

Quad bikes, camel rides and slow sunsets in Dubai’s wild sand

You’ll feel the rush of quad biking across open dunes near Dubai before slowing down for a camel ride and sunset views. Try sandboarding if you’re brave (or just laugh when you fall), then relax at a desert camp with live shows and a smoky BBQ dinner. It’s one of those days that lingers long after you’ve brushed off all the sand.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the light — that late afternoon gold you only get in the Dubai desert, kind of hazy but sharp at the same time. We’d barely left the city behind when our driver (Ahmed, who kept making us laugh about his “desert driving license”) pulled over so we could watch the dunes stretch out forever. The air smelled dry and a little sweet, like hot sand and dates. I don’t know why I expected silence; instead there was this soft wind and the occasional shout from someone trying to get their quad bike started.

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the quad biking part. Sixty minutes sounds short until you’re actually bouncing over sand hills, gripping the handlebars for dear life while your friends cheer you on (or maybe laugh at you — it’s hard to tell with helmets). The guide showed us how to handle the ATV and then just let us go. There’s something weirdly freeing about it — no roads, just open space. After that we tried sandboarding (I fell a lot) and then climbed onto camels for a slow loop around camp. The camel handler handed me some gahwa and dates with this little nod; I probably looked sweaty and grateful.

The sun dropped fast after that. At camp, everything smelled like grilled meat and spices — honestly I still think about that BBQ dinner sometimes. There were families sprawled on carpets, kids running between tables, someone painting henna on a woman’s hand while music played in the background. The belly dancing started up right as we finished eating; it felt both touristy and somehow real at once. My friend tried shisha for the first time (coughing fit — classic). Maybe it was just being tired or maybe it was sitting under all those stars out there, but by the end of it I didn’t really want to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and cultural experience

• Pickup from your location
• Drive ATV quad bike in desert
• Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Enjoy a camel ride
• Relax at desert camp
• Have BBQ dinner with drinks
• Watch traditional tanoura dance
• Get henna painting
• Unwind with hookah under stars

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari tour last?

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

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel or home pickup is included anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah.

How long do you ride the quad bike during this safari?

You get 60 minutes of quad biking in the open desert.

Are meals provided on this desert safari?

Yes, a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included.

What other activities are included besides quad biking?

The tour also includes dune bashing in a 4x4, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting (for ladies and kids), live dance shows, fire show, and shisha smoking for adults.

Do I need to bring an ID for quad biking?

Yes, presenting an ID is mandatory for quad biking.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap; some activities may not be suitable for very young children or those with health concerns.

Are drinks included during the safari?

Unlimited tea, coffee, water, soft drinks and juices are provided throughout the evening.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or home pickup from anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah before heading into Lahbab Desert for sixty minutes of open-desert quad biking (with ID required), plus dune bashing in a Land Cruiser, sandboarding down high dunes if you’re up for it, short camel rides guided by locals offering gahwa and dates along the way, unlimited soft drinks and juices throughout camp time, henna painting for ladies and kids, live belly dancing and fire shows after sunset—and finally a full BBQ buffet dinner with both veg and non-veg options before your return drop-off in the evening.