Dubai: Desert safari with quad bike & BBQ dinner

Summary

Evening in the Lehbab Desert: sand, laughter, and smoky barbecue

You’ll ride through Dubai’s Lehbab Desert by 4x4 with a local guide, try your hand at quad biking and sandboarding on the red dunes, then relax at a desert camp with Arabic coffee, henna painting, live dance shows, and a barbecue dinner under the stars — an evening full of small surprises you’ll remember long after heading back to your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light hit the red dunes outside Dubai — kind of gold but with this weird pinkish tint that made everything look softer. Our driver, Ahmed, had this easy laugh and kept checking if we were okay during the dune bashing (I wasn’t sure if my stomach was or not). The Land Cruiser felt like it was floating one second and then dropping the next — honestly, I gripped the seat harder than I’d admit. We stopped for photos right as the sun started dipping; everyone just sort of went quiet for a second. It’s hard to explain but you feel small out there.

I tried sandboarding after that — let’s just say I’m better at watching than doing. There was sand everywhere: shoes, pockets, even my teeth somehow. The quad bike part was wild; you get about 25 minutes to drive yourself around these open stretches. I stalled mine once and a guy named Samir helped me out without making me feel dumb (he just grinned and said “first time?”). Camels were waiting nearby for rides — their eyelashes are ridiculously long up close — and some families were taking photos in those bright traditional outfits. The camp smelled like grilled meat and sweet tea when we got there, which made me realize how hungry I was.

Inside the camp it felt almost like a little festival. Someone handed me dates and Arabic coffee (the cardamom hits you first), and there were people getting henna painted on their hands while music played in the background. The shows started after dark: spinning dancers with skirts that lit up, a fire performer who made everyone gasp at least once, belly dancing too. Dinner was this big buffet — grilled chicken, salads, stuff I still can’t name but tasted anyway. Sitting under all those stars with my plate balanced on my knees… yeah, that’s something I’ll remember longer than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Desert Safari Adventure

• Dune bashing in Lahbab desert
• Sunset viewing over gold dunes
• Sandboarding experience
• Self-drive Quad Bike ride
• Camel ride in traditional Arabic clothes
• Photoshoot session
• Enjoy dates and traditional tea
• Henna painting and cultural dances
• Traditional Arabic BBQ dinner

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The experience lasts about 4 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Dubai.

Can I try quad biking during this tour?

Yes, each person gets about 25 minutes of self-drive quad biking if selected.

What food is served at the desert camp?

An international buffet dinner with BBQ is served, including vegetarian options.

Are there live shows during the evening?

Yes, there are belly dance performances, Tanura dance shows, and fire dancing.

Is sandboarding included in the tour?

Yes, sandboarding on the dunes is included for free.

Are drinks provided at the camp?

Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and Arabic coffee are available for refreshment.

Can children join this desert safari?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for infants or pregnant travelers due to dune bashing.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Dubai by 4x4 vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide or driver; dune bashing in Lehbab’s red dunes; about 25 minutes of quad biking per person if chosen; free sandboarding; camel rides; henna painting; Arabic tea and coffee plus dates; live entertainment shows including belly dance and fire dance; an international buffet dinner with BBQ (vegetarian options available); water and soft drinks; plus return transfer back to your accommodation.