Dubai Sunset Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: Al Khayma Desert Camp

Camel ride in desert at sunset, Bedouin camp night with fire shows and Emirati traditions

A 6-hour tour from Dubai combining a 40-minute camel ride through the Arabian Desert at sunset with an evening at Al Khayma Desert Camp, a shared Bedouin-style settlement where you try henna painting, shisha smoking, traditional dress-up, falcon photography and live entertainment over a BBQ buffet dinner. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with an English-speaking driver and all camp activities. Children from age 3 can join, though camel riders must be at least 12 or accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert camel ride and BBQ dinner

• Hotel pickup by guide
• Travel 45-50 minutes to desert
• 40-45 minute camel trek
• Arrive at Al Khayma Bedouin camp
• Enjoy tea or coffee with dates
• Try Shisha smoking and Henna tattoo
• Dress in traditional Emirati attire
• Take photo with falcon
• Buffet BBQ dinner with live entertainment
• Return to hotel or selected location

The experience

Your hotel pickup happens 45 minutes before your departure time, then a 45–50 minute drive takes you into the Arabian Desert. The landscape shifts from the city to open sand, and by the time the caravan appears, you're standing in the quiet of the dunes. The camel ride itself lasts 40–45 minutes: long enough to settle into the rhythm of the animal and watch the light change across the horizon. You'll reach Al Khayma Desert Camp as the sun drops, welcomed with Arabic coffee, dates and tea.

The camp is where the evening unfolds. You can get a henna tattoo, smoke shisha in the designated area, or dress in traditional Emirati clothing for photographs. A falcon rests on your shoulder for pictures: a moment most visitors repeat to friends. The entertainment runs through the night: a Tanoura spinning dance, a fire show, and an Arabian horse performance. Dinner is a buffet of grilled meats and vegetarian options served while the shows continue around you. A telescope lets you stargaze between courses.

The tour wraps at your hotel or a location you choose. The whole day (pickup, drive, ride, camp activities, dinner and return) takes 6 hours. You'll need casual, loose clothing and a jacket depending on the season. Children under 12 can attend the camp and watch the shows, but cannot ride the camels alone. They need an adult on the same animal. The sunset view depends on weather, and henna can irritate sensitive skin, so skip it if that's a concern.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai.
• air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver.
• 40–45 minute camel ride at sunset.
• entry to Al Khayma Desert Camp.
• Arabic coffee, dates and tea on arrival.
• henna painting and traditional Emirati dress-up for photos.
• shisha smoking in the designated area.
• falcon experience with photos.
• live entertainment including Tanoura dance, fire show and Arabian horse performance.
• BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and meat options.
• unlimited cold mineral water and soft drinks.
• telescope for stargazing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:45

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by OceanAir Travels

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a single evening departure that combines camel riding, camp activities, and dinner in one outing. You'll spend 40 minutes on camel, then move through henna, shisha, and Emirati dress-up at the camp before the buffet and live shows.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

675 verified traveler reviews

5 ★653

4 ★20

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the actual camel ride in the desert?

The camel ride lasts 40–45 minutes. You'll trek through the Arabian Desert starting at sunset and end at Al Khayma Desert Camp as the light fades.

What activities happen at Al Khayma Desert Camp?

Al Khayma Desert Camp includes henna painting, shisha smoking, dressing in traditional Emirati clothing for photos, a falcon experience where a bird rests on your shoulder, live entertainment shows (Tanoura dance, fire show, Arabian horse performance), and a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and meat options.

Is hotel pickup included, and how does it work?

Yes, pickup from your Dubai hotel is included. The driver will arrive within 45 minutes of your selected departure time and speak English. You'll be dropped back at your hotel or another location you choose at the end of the tour.

What's included in the dinner?

Dinner is a barbecue buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, served while live entertainment continues. Unlimited cold mineral water and soft drinks are also included throughout the evening.

What should I wear for the desert and the camp?

Wear casual, loose-fitting clothing: lightweight fabrics in summer, with a jacket for winter evenings. The desert cools quickly after sunset, so layering helps. Comfortable shoes for walking around the camp are a good idea.