Dubai Desert Safari: Red Dunes, Sandboarding & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Red Dunes adventure with sandboarding camel rides and sunset BBQ

You’ll swap city noise for golden silence on this Dubai desert safari—dune bashing in Lahbab’s Red Dunes with a local guide, trying sandboarding (and maybe falling), riding camels, then relaxing at a Bedouin-style camp with coffee, sweets, henna art and a BBQ dinner under lantern light. It’s not just about adrenaline—it’s about feeling small in all that space.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence to feel so thick when we first rolled out of Dubai — just the hum of the 4x4 and that kind of dusty gold light you only get in the desert. Our guide, Ahmed, had this easy way about him, cracking jokes about his first time driving on sand (apparently not as smooth as today). The city faded fast behind us. I kept watching the buildings shrink in the mirror until it was just dunes everywhere — endless, shifting shapes. The air smelled faintly sweet and dry. I don’t know if that makes sense but it did.

We stopped at Lahbab’s Red Dunes for a break — camels shuffling around, their handlers chatting softly in Arabic while we tried to get photos without squinting too much. There was this quick camel ride (bumpier than I thought), then Ahmed let us loose on sandboards. I wiped out immediately; my shoes filled with warm sand and everyone laughed — including me. It was weirdly freeing. The dune bashing part came next: forty-five minutes of sliding up and down those red slopes, my stomach doing flips but somehow feeling safe because Ahmed kept glancing back to check we were okay. He pointed out where the tallest dunes were for photos; I think my hair is still full of sand from sticking my head out the window.

If you pick the longer option, you end up at this Bedouin-style camp as evening settles in — lanterns flickering, someone handing out tiny cups of cardamom coffee and dates (I’d never tasted Lugaimat before; they’re these sticky-sweet dough balls that make your fingers messy). There were henna artists painting hands, shisha pipes bubbling quietly, a falconer showing off his bird (the falcon looked unimpressed by us all). The BBQ dinner surprised me — smoky chicken skewers, veggie dishes for my friend who doesn’t eat meat. Somewhere between the fire show and the belly dancing, I realized how far away city life felt.

The drive back was quiet except for a few snores from the back seat and Ahmed humming along to old Emirati songs on the radio. I still think about that view from the top of the dune at sunset — not dramatic or anything, just soft light and wind on my face. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a Dubai desert safari with sandboarding or maybe just want to see what all that emptiness feels like… yeah, it’s worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari Adventure

• Hotel pickup by licensed guide
• Drive 50 minutes to Red Dunes
• 30-minute break with camel ride
• 45-minute dune bashing ride
• Stop for panoramic photos
• Try sandboarding activity
• Return drive to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

You can choose between a 4-hour tour or extend to 7 hours with BBQ dinner and camp activities included.

Is hotel pickup included for the desert safari?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in a 4x4 vehicle are included.

What activities are part of the Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, sunset photo stop, and optional camp activities like henna painting and shisha.

Is food provided during the Dubai desert safari?

The 7-hour option includes a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options plus Arabic coffee, dates, and Lugaimat sweets.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; children under 3 aren’t allowed.

What is special about Lahbab’s Red Dunes?

Lahbab’s Red Dunes are known for their striking color and high slopes—ideal for dune bashing and sunset photos.

Is there quad biking included in this Dubai desert safari?

The reference content mentions quad bike options but does not specify details—check your booking selection for availability.

Can I try henna painting or shisha at camp?

Henna painting is included; shisha is available in designated areas but custom designs or table service may cost extra.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by licensed guide in a 4x4 vehicle; bottled water throughout; all equipment needed for dune bashing and sandboarding; a short camel ride; sunset photo stops; plus access to Bedouin-style camp activities such as henna painting, shisha area use (with extras available), falcon interaction (seasonal), live shows like Tanura dance or fire show if you stay for dinner—and a full BBQ buffet with vegetarian options before heading back to your hotel relaxed (and probably sandy).