Dubai Desert Safari: Red Dunes, BBQ Dinner & Live Shows

Summary

Rolling dunes, smoky grills and desert shows in Dubai’s wild heart

You’ll race across Dubai’s Lahbab Red Dunes in a 4x4 with an expert driver before trying sandboarding or camel riding under that huge desert sky. After sunset, relax at a Bedouin-style camp with Arabic coffee, shisha, henna painting, and a BBQ buffet dinner while dancers light up the night. Expect laughter, sandy shoes, and memories that linger longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the city behind when our driver, Ahmed, started telling stories about his childhood in Sharjah — something about racing his cousins down these same dunes. The skyline faded out quick, replaced by this reddish sand that looked almost fake at first. I kept sticking my head to the window just to watch it shift colors as the sun dropped lower. There was a weirdly sweet smell in the air — maybe date palms or just the desert itself? Anyway, I didn’t expect to feel so far from Dubai so fast.

The real chaos started once Ahmed let some air out of the tires and grinned at us like he knew a secret. Dune bashing is no joke — one minute you’re laughing, next you’re gripping the seat because you can’t see anything but sky and then pure sand. My friend shrieked every time we dropped over a ridge (I pretended not to be scared but honestly…). We stopped somewhere high up for photos; wind whipped sand into my shoes and there was this silence except for someone else’s laughter carrying over from another 4x4. That’s when I realized how big this place is — just endless red waves.

Later at camp, things slowed way down. A guy poured us tiny cups of cardamom coffee — he winked when I tried to say “shukran” right (probably butchered it). There were camels waiting for short rides; they look grumpy but their fur is softer than I thought. Tried sandboarding too… didn’t nail it but got a face full of sand for my trouble. The sun went down behind the tents and suddenly everything glowed orange. It felt good to just sit on those scratchy cushions with smoky shisha drifting around and watch people get henna tattoos or pose in those bright Emirati robes.

By dinner, everyone was hungry enough to pile plates high with grilled chicken and salads I couldn’t name (some kind of tangy yogurt thing?). The shows kicked off after dark: spinning dancers in neon skirts, a fire juggler who made half the kids gasp, and belly dancing that got a few shy tourists up on stage. It was loud and messy in the best way — not fancy, just fun. On the ride back to Dubai I caught myself replaying that moment on top of the dune, all wind and quiet and red light. Still sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from hotel in Dubai or Sharjah
• Drive 45–60 minutes to Lahbab Desert
• Short break and tire deflation at desert meeting point
• Optional ATV, quad biking, or buggy rides
• 30–40 minutes dune bashing in 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Try sandboarding on desert dunes
• Desert photography and falcon photo opportunity
• Arrive at Bedouin-style desert camp
• Enjoy Arabian coffee, tea, and snacks
• Smoke shisha and try traditional Emirati attire
• BBQ buffet dinner with veg and non-veg dishes
• Watch live belly dance, Tanoura, and fire shows
• Return transfer to hotel or accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Dubai or Sharjah is included.

What activities are part of the Lahbab Red Dunes safari?

Dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, sandboarding, camel rides, live shows, shisha smoking, henna painting, and sunset photography (weather permitting).

Is dinner provided during the desert safari?

Yes, there’s a buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options plus unlimited beverages.

Are there any restrictions for dune bashing?

Dune bashing isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health; infants can’t join this part.

Can I try quad biking or ATV during this tour?

Optional ATV/quad biking is available at an extra cost at the meeting point if not included in your package.

Are live shows available during Ramadan?

No belly dance or music during Ramadan; Tanoura dance and fire show may still be performed as per local guidelines.

Is there English-speaking guidance on this tour?

Your safari guide speaks English; written guides are available in other languages upon request.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by an English-speaking guide in a shared 4x4 Land Cruiser (or private transfer if you upgrade), thrilling dune bashing across Lahbab’s Red Dunes with free sandboarding sessions, short camel rides you can repeat if you want more photos (even dressed up in local costume), access to sunset photography when possible depending on weather and timing, plus all campsite activities like shisha smoking (in designated areas), henna painting for women, traditional Arabic coffee service with snacks on arrival before relaxing into a buffet BBQ dinner featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes alongside unlimited beverages—then enjoy belly dance shows (except during Ramadan), Tanoura spinning performances and fire shows before heading back into town late evening.