Dubai: Evening Desert Safari Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ

Red sand dunes, camel rides, barbecue dinner and desert shows in Dubai

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red dunes in a 4x4 with a local guide, try dune bashing that’ll leave your heart racing, meet camels at their desert farm, then relax with a BBQ dinner under lanterns while dancers perform nearby. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s sandy shoes, laughter you can’t help, and sunset colors you’ll remember long after.

What’s included

• Your day includes pickup straight from your hotel or home by 4x4 Land Cruiser for adventure through Lahbab Red Dunes.
• You’ll get about 30 minutes of thrilling dune bashing before stopping to see camels at their farm (and maybe even hear them grumble).
• At camp there’s an international buffet BBQ dinner—vegetarian options too—with live Tanura dance and belly dancing shows plus time to try sandboarding down high dunes before heading back in comfort.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dune and camel views

• Pickup from hotel in 4x4 vehicle
• Pass by Lehbab red sand desert dunes
• Pass by camels and camel farms

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of sand under our boots—so fine it almost squeaked. Our driver, Saif, pulled up right outside our hotel in this shiny Land Cruiser (felt fancier than I expected), and we were off toward Lahbab. The city faded fast; suddenly it was just us and endless red dunes. I kept trying to spot the line where the sky met the sand but it sort of blurred together in the late afternoon light.

Dune bashing is… well, wild. Saif grinned in the rearview mirror before flooring it up a dune—my stomach dropped like on a rollercoaster. Sand sprayed everywhere and my friend started laughing so hard she snorted (she’s going to kill me for writing that). There’s this weird silence when you stop on top of a dune—just wind and your own heartbeat. We got out for photos and my shoes filled instantly with warm sand. Still finding grains days later.

We stopped by some camels lounging near a fence—one of them made this deep groaning noise that honestly sounded like how I feel before coffee. The camel ride was bumpier than I thought, but kind of peaceful too? Our guide told us about how these herds have been here for generations; he even pointed out which ones were “the troublemakers.”

By dusk we reached camp—lanterns flickering, smoke drifting from the grills. The air smelled like grilled lamb and spices (plus a bit of shisha from another table). Dinner was this big buffet—BBQ chicken, salads, flatbreads—and there was plenty for vegetarians too. Between bites we watched dancers spin under colored lights; at one point someone pulled me up to try a few steps. No one warned me about sand getting everywhere during sandboarding either—I’m still picking it out of my pockets.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai evening desert safari last?

The experience usually takes several hours from pickup to drop-off, including travel time from your hotel or home.

Is pickup included in the Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included directly from your hotel or home in a 4x4 vehicle.

What activities are included on the evening desert safari?

You’ll experience dune bashing at Lahbab Red Dunes, camel riding, sandboarding, and live dance performances with dinner.

Is vegetarian food available at the BBQ dinner?

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

Is this tour suitable for infants or pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for infants (unless on an adult’s lap), pregnant travelers, or those with spinal or heart issues.

Where does dune bashing happen in Dubai?

Dune bashing takes place at Lahbab Desert—the area known for its tall red sand dunes.

Are live shows included during dinner?

Yes, you can enjoy Tanura dance with colorful lighting and live belly dance performances during dinner at camp.