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

Summary

Red Dunes adventure with camel ride, sandboarding and fire show

You’ll barrel over Dubai’s red dunes by 4x4, try sandboarding (or just watch), take a gentle camel ride at sunset, then settle in for a BBQ dinner with live belly dance and fire shows. With hotel pickup included and a local guide leading the way, you’ll end up with sandy shoes and probably a new favorite memory.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sand to feel cool at sunset — you’d think it would burn your feet, but it was almost soft, like flour slipping through my fingers. We’d just bounced our way out to the Lahbab Red Dunes in this 4x4 (felt like a rollercoaster at times), and our guide Sami grinned every time we hit another dip. He told us these dunes are famous for their color — I thought he was exaggerating until I saw that deep orange-red glow right before dusk. It’s hard to describe unless you’re standing there squinting into all that space.

The dune bashing part was wild — honestly, I lost track of how many times we laughed or just yelled out without meaning to. Sandboarding looked easy until I tried it; let’s just say I ate more sand than I planned. A couple from Mumbai cheered me on anyway. Afterward, Sami handed us tiny cups of gahwa (that cardamom coffee smell is still stuck in my mind) while some kids lined up for henna tattoos. The camel ride was short but kind of magical — those animals have this slow, swaying rhythm that makes you forget about time for a bit.

Later, as the sky went purple and blue, we sat down on low cushions for dinner. The BBQ buffet had more options than I expected — grilled chicken, veggie stuff, even some smoky lamb if you wanted it. There was this moment when the fire show started and everyone just went quiet; you could hear the wind moving over the tents and someone playing oud in the background. It felt both loud and peaceful at once, which is a weird thing to say but true. By the time we got back in the car for hotel drop-off, I kept thinking about that first bite of sweet dates after all that spice. So yeah… not what I pictured when I booked a desert safari in Dubai — better in small ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Hotel pickup in 4x4 vehicle
• Drive to Lahbab Red Dunes
• Enjoy 30 minutes dune bashing
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Take desert photos
• Short camel ride
• Optional quad bike or dune buggy ride
• Enjoy BBQ buffet dinner
• Watch belly dance, Tanoura, fire show
• Relax with unlimited soft drinks
• Return to hotel for drop-off

Top questions

How long is the Dubai desert safari tour?

The experience lasts an evening, including pickup and return; dune bashing itself is about 25–30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for the desert safari?

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

Can vegetarians eat at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, there are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at the buffet dinner.

Are quad bike rides included?

No, quad bike rides are optional extras available at additional cost.

Is this desert safari suitable for young children?

Infants and toddlers can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; specialized infant seats are available.

What kind of entertainment is provided during dinner?

You’ll see belly dance shows, Tanoura dance, Khaliji dance and a fire show during dinner.

Where does the dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens at Lahbab Red Dunes outside Dubai.

Is shisha included on this tour?

Yes, shisha smoking is available in designated areas during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 vehicle with a licensed English-speaking desert guide leading you out to Lahbab Red Dunes for dune bashing (about half an hour), sandboarding fun (if you want), sunset viewing with photo stops, a short camel ride through the sand, unlimited soft drinks plus tea or coffee (even traditional gahwa), henna tattoo painting if you’re curious, shisha in special areas, then a big BBQ buffet dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes while watching live belly dance shows, Tanoura spinning dances, Khaliji music performances and a fire show before heading back to your hotel late in the evening.