Dubai Desert Safari: Red Dunes 4x4, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Red dunes adventure with camel rides BBQ dinner and live shows from Dubai

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red dunes in a 4x4 with an expert guide before watching sunset from the sand. Try sandboarding or camel riding at Al Awir camp, then enjoy henna art and traditional dress photos before settling in for a buffet BBQ dinner with live belly dance and fire shows under desert stars.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand on top of a dune with nothing but sand and sky? That’s how our Dubai desert safari started — well, after our driver Khalid picked us up right from the hotel lobby (he had this quiet smile that made me feel like I was in good hands). The city faded fast behind us, replaced by endless red sand. I didn’t expect the air to smell so clean out here — kind of sharp and dry, almost metallic. Then came the dune bashing. Honestly, I grabbed the seat more than once; Khalid laughed and said, “This is just warm-up!” My stomach wasn’t convinced.

Sunset hit while we were still out on the Lehbab dunes. It’s not easy to describe — the light turned everything soft orange and you could hear nothing but wind and our own laughs echoing down the slopes. There were folks trying sandboarding (I tried, fell twice, gave up), and a couple of kids zooming around on quad bikes. After that we drove to Al Awir camp where things slowed down. Camels waited near the entrance — their fur rougher than I thought — and a woman offered me sweet tea as soon as I stepped inside. The smell of charcoal from the barbecue drifted everywhere.

I tried henna for the first time (the artist giggled at my wobbly hand) and got talked into wearing a kandura for photos — pretty sure I looked ridiculous but nobody seemed to care. Dinner was buffet style: grilled chicken, salads, something spicy I still can’t name. There was this moment during the fire show when everything went quiet except for the crackle of flames — I caught myself just staring at the sky for a bit. The whole place felt sort of suspended between worlds.

By 9pm we were back in Khalid’s car heading for Dubai lights again. My shoes were full of sand and my head felt heavy in a good way. If you’re thinking about a desert safari from Dubai with camel rides and dinner shows, just go for it. Some things you can’t really plan for — like how much you’ll laugh or how weirdly peaceful it gets out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick up from hotel or home
• Drive to Red Lahbab Desert
• Enjoy red sand dune bashing
• Take sunset photography
• Optional ATV quad biking or dune buggy
• Drive to Al Awir Desert Camp
• Experience camel ride and sand surfing
• Dinner with live entertainment shows
• Drop off at hotel or home

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, shared pickup from hotels or homes within Dubai, Sharjah & Ajman is included.

What activities are part of the Red Dunes desert safari?

Dune bashing in Lehbab Desert, sunset photography, optional ATV/buggy rides, camel experience, sandboarding, henna tattoos, dinner with live shows.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served at the buffet BBQ dinner.

How long does the desert safari last?

The tour usually starts in late afternoon with drop-off back to your hotel by around 9pm.

Is this safari suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized seats are available upon request.

Is dune bashing safe for everyone?

Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

Can I try quad biking or dune buggy driving?

Yes, ATV quad biking and dune buggy rides are optional add-ons at extra cost during your visit to Lehbab Desert.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Unlimited water bottles, soft drinks, coffee & tea are provided throughout your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes shared hotel pickup across Dubai (and Sharjah or Ajman), all dune bashing in Lehbab’s red sands with licensed guides, sandboarding gear if you want it, plus entry to Al Awir camp where you’ll get welcome refreshments on arrival. There’s a camel ride experience waiting along with henna tattoos for ladies and traditional Arabic dress-up for photos before settling down to an open buffet BBQ dinner (veg & non-veg options) with multiple sweets and salads—plus unlimited soft drinks and tea or coffee as you watch belly dance shows, tanoura spinning dancers and fire performances under open sky before drop-off back at your door.