Dubai Desert: Safari with BBQ Dinner & Camel Ride

Summary

Evening desert safari in Dubai with food, music & adventure

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing in Dubai’s red sands before slowing down for sunset photos and a gentle camel ride. Taste local BBQ under desert stars, try on traditional dress, and watch fire dancers light up the night — all with hotel pickup included. It’s an evening you’ll remember long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought dune bashing would just be a quick thrill, but the first time our 4x4 slid sideways down those red dunes outside Dubai, my stomach did a weird flip — half fear, half laughter. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned at us in the rearview mirror like he knew exactly how much we were pretending not to scream. The sand was everywhere: in my shoes, my hair, even my teeth somehow (don’t ask). But when we stopped at Lahbab Desert for sunset, everything went quiet except for the wind and the click of cameras. The sky turned this wild orange-pink that made everyone stop talking for a second. I still think about that view sometimes.

After the sun dipped behind the dunes (and after about fifty photos), we headed to Al Aweer camp. There was this smell of grilled meat and spices drifting through the air — honestly made me hungrier than I expected. We tried on these traditional robes; mine was too long and I nearly tripped over it but Li took a photo anyway. The camel ride was slower than I imagined — kind of lurching and gentle at the same time — and our guide told us camels are called “ships of the desert” because they always know their way home. He said it like it was obvious, but it stuck with me.

By 7pm things got lively: drums started up and there was this wild fire show that had everyone leaning forward (one kid next to me gasped so loud his dad laughed). Dinner was a buffet — lots of options for vegetarians too — and I piled my plate embarrassingly high. There was a dance performance after that; I didn’t catch all the story behind it but the colors and spinning were kind of hypnotic. On the drive back to Dubai, sand still clinging to my socks, I realized how quiet city nights feel compared to that desert air. It’s funny what you notice after a day like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Adventure and Sunset

• Dune bashing and sunset photography at Lahbab Desert
• Camel ride, traditional costume experience, and snacks at Al Aweer camp
• Cultural performances and dinner with fire show and storytelling dance

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or residence in Dubai is included.

What activities are part of the tour?

The tour includes dune bashing at Lehbab Desert, camel riding, sandboarding, cultural performances, and a BBQ dinner.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are offered at the buffet dinner.

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride is part of an hour-long experience at Al Aweer camp along with other activities.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to dune bashing.

Can infants join this safari?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel or residence in Dubai by 4x4 SUV with an English-speaking guide. You’ll experience dune bashing at Lehbab Desert (the famous Red Dunes), visit camel farms along the way, enjoy an hour at Al Aweer camp with camel rides and sandboarding, try on traditional Arabic costumes, feast on an international buffet dinner with BBQ (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options), watch live performances including fire shows and storytelling dances before being driven back to your hotel at night.