Dubai Desert Safari: Red Dunes, BBQ Dinner & Shows with Pickup

Summary

Red dunes adventure, camel rides and sunset BBQ in Dubai desert

You’ll leave Dubai behind for an afternoon of dune bashing in Lahbab’s red sands, try your hand at sandboarding, ride camels with local handlers, then unwind at a desert camp with BBQ dinner and live shows under the stars. Expect laughter (and maybe some sand in your shoes) as you soak up Emirati hospitality far from city lights.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there — just endless red sand rolling away from Dubai, the city shrinking behind us. Our guide, Kareem, had this calm way of explaining things as we bounced along in the 4x4 (I gripped the handle tighter than I’d like to admit). The drive took maybe an hour? Hard to tell — I was too busy watching the city fade into that hazy gold light. When we finally stopped in the Lahbab Desert, it was quiet except for a few other groups and the wind brushing over the dunes. The air smelled dry and warm, almost sweet. Someone handed me a bottle of water; I remember my hands felt gritty already.

The camel ride was short but honestly kind of funny — they’re taller than you think and make these deep rumbling noises. Kareem laughed when I tried to say “shukran” to our camel handler (probably butchered it). We took some photos on top of a dune, squinting against the sun. Then came dune bashing — which is basically driving up and down impossibly steep sand hills at speeds that made me question my life choices for a second. There’s this moment when you crest a dune and everything goes silent for half a breath before gravity catches up. Sandboarding after that felt easy by comparison; I fell twice but nobody cared.

By sunset we were at this Bedouin-style camp — lanterns flickering, carpets underfoot, the smell of grilled meat mixing with spices and something sweet (dates maybe?). It got cooler fast once the sun dipped. We sat at our table (we went for the private option — worth it if you want a bit more space), sipping Arabic coffee while dancers spun in bright skirts and someone started up a fire show. There was so much food I lost track: smoky kebabs, salads, flatbreads… even veggie stuff for my partner. At one point I just leaned back and watched everyone laughing or staring into their phones or just quietly taking it all in.

I still think about that sky — how dark it got so quickly once the last show ended, stars popping out over the dunes while we waited for Kareem to round us up for the drive back. My shoes were full of sand but I barely noticed till later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from hotel in 4x4 vehicle
• Drive 50 minutes to Lahbab Desert
• Enjoy short camel ride and photos
• Experience 45-minute dune bashing
• Try sandboarding at dune peak
• Watch sunset at Bedouin-style camp
• Enjoy cultural shows and performances
• Have buffet or premium dinner
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 7 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation.

Is pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation are included in a 4x4 vehicle.

What activities are part of this Red Dunes safari?

You’ll experience dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride (repeatable), cultural shows like belly dance and fire performance, plus dinner at a desert camp.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are included in the buffet BBQ dinner.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant travelers?

This tour is not recommended for infants under 3 years old or pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Can I book a private table for dinner?

Yes, you can choose between shared buffet seating or upgrade to private table service when booking.

What should I wear on a Dubai desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather; closed shoes are recommended due to sand and outdoor activities.

Is there shisha available at the camp?

There are designated areas for shisha smoking; an extra charge applies if you want shisha at your table.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 vehicle with a licensed local guide, bottled water and soft drinks throughout, a short camel ride (repeatable), 45 minutes of dune bashing in Lahbab Desert, sandboarding on high dunes, photo stops at scenic viewpoints, Arabic snacks with coffee and dates on arrival at camp, live cultural shows like Tanoura spinning and fire dance plus belly dancing (except during religious holidays), buffet BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options served either as shared buffet or directly to your private table depending on your choice before heading back to Dubai late evening.