Dubai Desert Safari: Quad Biking, Dune Bashing & BBQ Camp

Summary

Quad bikes, golden dunes, camel rides and live shows deep in Dubai’s desert

You’ll ride quad bikes across open desert dunes near Dubai, try camel riding at sunset, watch live dance shows at a Bedouin-style camp, and share a barbecue dinner under lantern light. Expect laughter, maybe some nerves on the dunes, and quiet moments that surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before we were bouncing out of Dubai and into this endless stretch of sand. Our driver, Khalid, kept pointing out little things — the way the dunes shift color as the sun drops, or how you can spot fox tracks if you look close enough (I never did). The air smelled faintly sweet, kind of dusty but not in a bad way. When we stopped for dates and gahwa at the edge of the desert, I tried luqaimat for the first time — those sticky Emirati donuts — and honestly could’ve eaten ten more right then.

Then came the quad bikes. I was nervous (and probably looked it), but our guide just grinned and said “Don’t worry, go slow at first.” It’s wild how quiet it gets once you’re out there — just engine hum and wind. The sand felt soft under the wheels but somehow gritty on my hands when I stopped to snap a photo. After that we piled into these big Land Cruisers for dune bashing. It’s like being on a rollercoaster except sometimes your stomach stays behind when you drop down a dune. My friend screamed so loud even Khalid laughed.

The camp was further out than I expected — no city lights at all, just lanterns strung up around low cushions. Camels were waiting (they look so unimpressed with humans), and I managed to get on without falling off which felt like an achievement. There was this warm smoky smell from the shisha tent drifting over everything. Henna artists worked quietly in one corner while kids tried sandboarding nearby. Later there were dancers — swirling skirts, fire spinning — but honestly what stuck with me most was sitting with strangers around plates of shawarma and grilled veggies, eating with our hands under this huge sky that didn’t feel real.

I still think about that silence between the music sets — just wind and someone pouring tea somewhere behind me. You don’t really expect to find calm in a place famous for adrenaline stuff like quad biking or dune bashing near Dubai, but there it was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and Bedouin camp experience

• Hotel pickup and desert transfer
• Refresh with Arabic tea and dates
• Use restroom and relax briefly
• Ride ATV quad bikes on dunes
• Enjoy 4x4 Land Cruiser dune bashing
• Arrive at authentic Bedouin-style camp
• Try camel riding and sandboarding
• Smoke hookah and get henna designs
• Watch belly dance, fire, and Tanura shows
• Enjoy BBQ dinner with drinks
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels or central residences are included.

How long is the quad biking part of the tour?

You can choose between 10, 30, or 60 minutes for your quad bike ride.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options and Jain food are available upon request during dinner.

Can children participate in quad biking?

Children aged 11-14 can ride in a safe area; those over 15 can ride in open desert.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear for this desert safari?

Wear light clothes like shorts or jeans and closed shoes suitable for sand.

Are drinks included during dinner?

Unlimited mineral water, tea, coffee, Coke and Sprite are served with dinner.

Will there be belly dancing during Ramadan?

No belly dancing shows are performed during Ramadan or certain religious holidays.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai plus return drop-off later on; refreshments like Arabic coffee with dates; your own quad bike session through open desert; guided dune bashing by expert drivers; access to a Bedouin-style camp where you can try camel riding (as many times as you want before dark), sandboarding, henna art or shisha; three live performances including Tanoura dance and fire show; unlimited soft drinks; plus a five-course barbecue buffet dinner with vegetarian choices available if needed.