Dubai Desert Safari: Sand Bashing, Camel Ride & Live BBQ

Summary

Evening desert adventure with sand bashing camel rides shows

You’ll feel your heart race during wild sand bashing in Dubai’s Lahbab Desert before slowing down for a gentle camel ride and sunset shows at camp. Taste smoky barbecue flavors, get your hands painted with henna, and watch dancers spin under desert stars. This evening safari includes pickup, dinner, and all those little local touches that make it linger in your memory.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect from a Dubai desert safari — maybe just endless sand and some touristy stuff. But right from the start, when our driver Khalid picked us up in this beast of a Land Cruiser, there was this weird mix of excitement and nerves. The city faded away fast, replaced by that pale gold haze out the window. My friend kept trying to take photos through the glass but honestly, you can’t capture that feeling — it’s like being swallowed by light.

The dune bashing part? Wild. I laughed so hard I nearly lost my phone (Khalid just grinned and said “hold tight!”). The sand felt alive under the tires — we slid and bounced until my stomach did flips. At one point we stopped at the top of a ridge and it was so quiet except for the wind. You could smell something dry and mineral in the air, almost metallic. There were camels waiting below, chewing lazily — their eyelashes are ridiculous up close. I tried to say “shukran” to one of the handlers; he laughed and handed me dates anyway.

The camp was buzzing but somehow relaxed too. Henna artists sat cross-legged on rugs, painting hands with these delicate patterns — mine smudged because I’m impatient. We got to try on these long robes (I looked like someone’s lost uncle) and took silly photos. There was this sweet smoky smell everywhere from shisha pipes and grilled meat drifting over from the BBQ area. The food was way better than I’d expected — those spiced potatoes still haunt me honestly.

As dusk settled in, everyone gathered for the belly dance show. The dancer spun so fast her skirt blurred into color — someone’s kid tried to copy her moves nearby and wiped out in the sand (no harm done). Later came this hypnotic Tanoura dance with swirling lights that made me forget about my phone for once. After dinner, I just lay back on a cushion with mint tea, staring at stars that felt impossibly close. It all ended kind of quietly; Khalid rounded us up for the ride home but none of us really wanted to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with cultural activities

• Pickup from Dubai or Sharjah hotel
• Drive 50 minutes to desert camp
• Experience dune bashing
• Photo stop in desert
• Enjoy camel ride
• Try sandboarding and henna tattoos
• Wear traditional Arabic clothing
• Watch belly dance performance
• Enjoy live BBQ buffet
• Watch Tanoura dance show
• Relax with shisha and stargazing
• Drop-off at hotel or port

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, round-trip transport from your Dubai or Sharjah hotel is included.

What activities are part of the evening desert safari?

You’ll do dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, watch belly dance & Tanoura shows, enjoy shisha lounges, and have a BBQ buffet dinner.

How long does it take to reach the desert from Dubai?

The drive takes about 50 minutes from central Dubai or Sharjah locations.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ buffet?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes—infants can join (on an adult’s lap), but no child seat is provided; families often attend together.

Are there any health restrictions for this safari?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart/spinal issues due to dune bashing.

Is alcohol served during the evening safari?

No alcohol is served; soft drinks and Arabic tea/coffee are included instead.

What happens during Ramadan on this tour?

Belly dancing is not performed during Ramadan; Tanoura show continues but no alcohol is served as usual.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel or chosen spot in Dubai or Sharjah by 4x4 Land Cruiser (shared basis), thrilling sand bashing in Lahbab Desert, time for sandboarding and camel riding plus henna painting if you want it. At camp you’ll find Arabic tea, coffee with dates waiting alongside bottled water and soft drinks. Dinner is a live BBQ buffet offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes before you relax with shisha lounges under the stars while watching belly dance and Tanoura performances—then you’re dropped back off at your hotel or port when it’s all done.