Dubai Desert Safari: Red Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Live Shows

Summary

Red dunes, sandboarding thrills and desert night feasts near Dubai

You’ll feel the rush of dune bashing across Dubai’s red sands before winding down at an Arabian camp with BBQ dinner under desert stars. Try sandboarding or a camel ride if you’re up for it, watch nine live shows from Tanoura dance to fire spinning, and share laughter over sweet tea or henna painting — all with easy hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of red sand under my shoes when we stepped out of the Land Cruiser — not sure why I expected it to be softer, but it felt almost gritty, like walking on cinnamon. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned as he let some air out of the tires (apparently that’s important for dune bashing), and then we were off. The car tilted so far I actually grabbed my friend’s arm and we both burst out laughing — honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy dune bashing that much. There was this moment when the sun hit the horizon and everything went gold; even Ahmed got quiet for a second.

We stopped at a quad bike spot first — you can ride if you want, but I just watched a group of teenagers try to race each other (one nearly toppled over, everyone cheered). After that came sandboarding down these steep slopes; it’s harder than it looks! Sand got everywhere, but I kind of loved it. Then we drove further into the desert until the lights from the Arabian Heritage Camp appeared. It smelled faintly like grilled meat and cardamom as we walked in — someone handed me sweet tea right away.

I tried a short camel ride (the camel looked bored but patient) before getting my hand painted with henna by a woman named Fatima who laughed when I asked her how long it would last (“Depends if you wash dishes!”). Inside the camp there were these low cushions and tables set up around a stage. The buffet dinner was huge — kebabs sizzling on open grills, salads with mint and lemon, so many desserts I lost count. While eating, there were all these performances: swirling Tanoura dancers in bright skirts, fire spinners making everyone gasp, belly dancers with bells on their ankles. At one point they pulled people up to drum along; I still think about that rhythm sometimes.

By the end of the night my shoes were full of sand and my phone memory was full of blurry videos. The drive back to Dubai felt quieter somehow — maybe because everyone was tired or just thinking about all those colors and sounds still echoing around their heads. Anyway, if you’re looking for a real evening desert safari from Dubai with BBQ dinner and live shows… this is pretty much what you get. And more than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert safari and cultural show

• Pickup from hotel in 4x4 vehicle
• Visit Quad & Buggy camp for rides
• Dune bashing and sandboarding
• Camel ride and henna painting
• Enjoy 9 live cultural shows
• Dine at international buffet with BBQ
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or location in Dubai or Sharjah is included.

What activities are part of the evening desert safari?

Dune bashing in red dunes, optional quad biking or buggy rides, sandboarding, camel ride, henna painting, buffet BBQ dinner, and 9 live entertainment shows.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, the international buffet includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes plus salads and desserts.

How long is the camel ride during this safari?

The camel ride is short but memorable — just enough for photos and a quick experience.

Can children join this desert safari tour?

Yes; specialized infant seats are available but it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

What kind of vehicles are used for transport?

You’ll travel in comfortable 4x4s like Land Cruisers or Nissan Patrols.

Is there live entertainment at the camp?

Yes; there are nine different live shows including Tanoura dance, fire show, belly dancing, Dabka dance and more.

Are drinks included during dinner?

Unlimited soft drinks, mineral water, tea and coffee are included throughout your time at camp.

What’s included

Your evening includes flexible hotel pickup in a 4x4 vehicle from Dubai or Sharjah; optional quad bike or buggy rides at your first stop; dune bashing adventure on red sands; sandboarding; entry to an Arabian Heritage Camp where you’ll enjoy a short camel ride; traditional henna painting; unlimited soft drinks plus tea and coffee; nine different live entertainment shows; clean seating areas; a gourmet international buffet dinner with vegetarian options; sizzling meats from a live BBQ grill; and drop-off back at your hotel afterwards.