Dubai Desert Safari: Red Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Rush of the red dunes camel ride laughter bbq under desert stars

You’ll feel your heart race on Dubai’s red dunes before slowing down for a camel ride at sunset. Taste smoky barbecue under lantern-lit tents, try henna or sandboarding if you’re brave enough, and watch live dance performances as stars come out overhead. It’s not just about adventure — there’s space to breathe out here.

What’s the experience like?

We barely had time to finish our coffee before the 4x4 pulled up outside our hotel in Dubai. Our driver, Khalid, grinned and waved us in — not the stiff tour guide I’d pictured at all. The city faded quick behind us and suddenly it was just sand everywhere, that weird pink-orange shade you only see in the Lahbab desert. The car windows rattled a bit as we hit the first dune. I honestly thought my stomach would stay behind on some of those drops — Khalid just laughed and told us to hold tight (I did). My hands were sweaty from gripping the seat but it was kind of addictive, that mix of fear and excitement. Never thought I’d say that about sand.

After bouncing around for what felt like forever (but probably wasn’t), we stopped on top of this ridge where everything went quiet except for wind brushing over the dunes. There was this smell — dry earth and something sweet, maybe dates? We tried sandboarding down a slope; I fell twice and got sand everywhere, but no one cared. Then came the camels. Their faces are so much more expressive up close than I expected — one looked at me like he was judging my shoes. The ride itself is slow and gentle, almost meditative after all that dune bashing chaos.

By sunset we reached camp — lanterns glowing low, smoke from grills curling into the air. They handed us tiny cups of Arabic coffee (bitter but good) and dates while someone painted henna on my hand with quick little flicks. Dinner was a buffet: grilled chicken, salads, something spicy I still can’t name. There was a belly dancer who spun so fast her skirt blurred out — everyone clapped along even if they didn’t know the rhythm. At one point Li tried to say thank you in Arabic and our server cracked up (apparently it sounded like “my goat is lost”).

I kept looking up at the sky between bites — stars everywhere, way brighter than back home. On the drive back Khalid played this old Emirati song and nobody talked for a while; we just watched headlights weaving through darkness until city lights showed up again. That silence stuck with me longer than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and entertainment

• Drive 1 hour to desert meeting point
• Enjoy 30-minute dune bashing ride
• Dune bashing and sandboarding in Lahbab desert
• Watch sunset and take photos
• BBQ dinner under the stars with belly dance
• Participate in camp activities and shows
• Relax 45-minute drive back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

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

Can children join the dune bashing part?

Children under 3 aren’t allowed for dune bashing; they can join other activities if accompanied by an adult.

Are vegetarian or vegan food options available?

Vegetarian options are available; limited vegan choices can be arranged with advance notice.

How long does the evening desert safari last?

The experience includes about an hour drive each way plus several hours at the desert site; plan for most of your afternoon/evening.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear for camel riding?

Comfortable clothing that covers knees/shoulders is best; sandals or sneakers work fine for walking on sand.

Are there live entertainment shows during dinner?

Yes, you’ll see belly dance, Tanoura dance, and fire show performances at camp (except during Ramadan).

Will there be time for sunset photos?

You’ll stop atop dunes before sunset with plenty of time for photos.

What’s included

Your evening includes doorstep pickup by air-conditioned 4x4 SUV from anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah, guided red dune bashing in Lahbab desert with an English-speaking driver-guide, a gentle camel ride across golden sands, sandboarding if you’re feeling bold, Arabic coffee with dates on arrival at camp, traditional henna painting for ladies, unlimited soft drinks and water throughout the night plus a full BBQ buffet dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options—all wrapped up with live entertainment shows before drop-off back at your hotel.