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

Summary

Sandboard the red dunes, ride camels, taste smoky barbecue and watch Dubai’s desert come alive at night

You’ll bounce over Dubai’s red dunes in a 4x4, try sandboarding (wipeouts welcome), meet camels up close, and settle in for barbecue dinner under desert stars with live dance shows. Expect laughter, good food, henna art—and that feeling you only get far from city lights.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like when your stomach drops on a steep dune? I didn’t really — not until our 4x4 bounced over those red dunes outside Dubai. The air in the car was thick with nervous laughter and that dry, warm scent you only get in the desert. Our guide, Khalid, grinned in the rearview mirror and said something about “warming up” — which made me clutch the seat even tighter. Honestly, I lost track of time out there. It’s all sand flying past the windows and everyone shouting at once. I think my shoes are still full of it.

We stopped at a camel farm — not a touristy one either, just a few gentle giants chewing quietly while their handler (I think his name was Ahmed?) explained how they know each camel by its walk. I tried climbing up for a short ride and nearly slid off sideways; Ahmed just laughed and steadied me with one hand. After that we drove deeper into the dunes for sandboarding. The board felt waxy under my feet, and I definitely wiped out more than once — but somehow it’s less embarrassing when everyone’s covered in sand anyway.

The sun started dipping low as we reached camp. There was this faint smell of charcoal and cardamom drifting from somewhere behind the tents. I got henna painted on my hand (the artist barely blinked as she worked), then grabbed some shawarma before finding a spot on one of those big cushions near the stage. The tanoura dancer spun so fast his skirt blurred into colors — someone next to me whispered he’d been doing this since he was a kid. Later, after dinner (lamb chops were smoky, rice had this lemony thing going on), people passed around tiny cups of Arabic coffee while the sky went properly dark. I remember thinking: this is nothing like city Dubai — it’s quieter here, but somehow bigger too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Travel by air-conditioned 4x4 to desert
• Visit traditional camel farm
• Ride camel around enclosures
• Drive 4x4 to desert campsite
• Try sandboarding on dunes
• Get henna tattoo
• Watch traditional tanoura dance
• Enjoy barbecue dinner under stars
• Smoke shisha and watch belly dance
• Return to Dubai hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 5–6 hours, plus 60–90 minutes driving time each way depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai are included using air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles.

What activities are part of this Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel farm visit with rides, henna painting, live shows (tanoura & belly dance), shisha smoking, and BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available; just mention your preference when booking.

Is this Dubai desert safari suitable for children?

Children aged 5 years or older can join; younger children are not permitted on this tour.

What should I wear for the Dubai desert safari?

Lightweight summer clothing is best; bring a jacket for winter evenings and wear sports shoes for sandboarding.

Are there separate washrooms at the camp?

Yes, there are separate washroom facilities for men and women at the campsite.

Will there be entertainment during Ramadan?

No live entertainment or alcohol is served during Islamic holidays or Ramadan due to local regulations.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned 4x4 Jeep from central Dubai hotels, all dune bashing and sandboarding equipment plus guidance from local experts, visits to a working camel farm with rides included, henna painting sessions at camp, unlimited soft drinks along with Arabic coffee and dates throughout the evening, a full barbecue buffet dinner (with vegetarian options), shisha pipes if you want to try them after dinner by the fire pit—and live performances like tanoura dance or belly dancing before heading back to your hotel late evening.