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

Summary

Dubai’s red dunes, quad bikes, sunset sandboarding and camp vibes

You’ll race across Dubai’s red dunes on a quad bike, try sandboarding at sunset, enjoy a short camel ride at a Bedouin-style camp, and relax with Arabic coffee while watching live dance shows over dinner. Pickup is included so you can just let go and soak up the desert air — it’s more fun (and sandy) than you might expect.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that really the color of the sand?” I asked our guide, Khalid, as we bounced out of Dubai’s city lights and straight into this wild sea of red dunes. He just grinned and turned up the radio. The 4x4 made these weird squeaks every time we hit a dip — honestly, it felt like being on some dusty rollercoaster. The wind out here smells dry and warm, kind of spicy if that makes sense. We stopped in this fenced bit where they handed us helmets for the quad bikes. I’d never driven one before (my steering was... questionable), but nobody seemed to mind. My hands were shaking — part nerves, part excitement — when I finally gunned it over a small ridge. Sand everywhere; it gets in your teeth if you laugh too much.

Khalid waved us back after about half an hour (I could’ve kept going), then drove us deeper into the desert for dune bashing. That part got loud — people whooped or just held on tight. There was a stop for sandboarding right as the sun started dropping behind the dunes; you know that orange-pink light that makes everything look softer? I wiped out immediately but managed to get at least one decent slide before giving up and just sitting there for a minute, letting my shoes fill with sand.

The Bedouin camp felt like someone’s big family party — cushions everywhere, kids running around with sticky fingers from dates or something sweet. They poured thick Arabic coffee into tiny cups (I tried to sip slowly but burned my tongue anyway). Someone painted henna on my hand while I watched a guy set up for the fire show. The camel ride was shorter than I thought but honestly hilarious; camels make these deep grumbling noises that sound like complaints. Dinner was a buffet — smoky grilled stuff and salads I couldn’t name — while dancers spun and music thumped through the sand under our feet. On the drive back to Dubai I kept thinking about that first rush on the quad bike; still kind of wish I’d had goggles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with quad and dinner

• Pick-up from your doorstep
• Drive over red sand dunes
• 30-minute quad bike self-drive
• Dune bashing and sandboarding
• Watch the desert sunset
• Arrive at Bedouin camp
• Short camel ride for photos
• Enjoy Arabic coffee and henna
• Buffet dinner with live shows
• Stargaze and relax in desert
• Drive back to Dubai city

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Dubai is included.

How long do you get to ride the quad bike?

You’ll have about 30 minutes of self-drive time on the quad bike in a private area.

Are meals provided during this tour?

Yes, a buffet dinner is included at the Bedouin-style camp along with drinks like Arabic coffee and tea.

Can children join this tour?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available but check health restrictions first.

What live entertainment is offered at the camp?

You’ll see belly dance performances, Tanura dance shows, and a fire show during dinner.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy rides and physical activities.

Do you need previous experience to drive the quad bike?

No experience is needed; instructions are given before you start riding.

How far is the desert from central Dubai?

The drive usually takes around 45 minutes from most central locations in Dubai.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle with a licensed guide, bottled water throughout the trip, 30 minutes of quad biking in a private fenced area, dune bashing and sandboarding at sunset, entry to a Bedouin-style camp with short camel rides for photos, Arabic coffee and tea service, henna painting if you want it, plus buffet dinner with live entertainment before heading back to Dubai city lights.