Dubai: Lahbab Desert Safari 4x4 Dune Drive & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Red dunes, sunset rides, fire shows and Dubai’s old desert

You’ll ride across Lahbab’s red dunes in a 4x4 with a local guide, try sandboarding (wipeouts are part of the fun), watch sunset over endless sand, then relax at a Bedouin-style camp with camel rides, henna tattoos, shisha, live shows and a BBQ dinner under desert stars. The little moments—like laughter over spilled tea—make it unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence to hit me first. You always hear about Dubai’s noise and lights, but out in Lahbab Desert, it’s just wind and that fine red sand everywhere. Our guide, Khalid, laughed when I tried to tie the scarf he handed me — apparently there’s a knack to it. The 4x4 dune bashing was wilder than I thought (I may have squeaked once or twice), but honestly, I loved every second. There’s this weird thrill when the Land Cruiser tips at an angle you’d never attempt back home.

We stopped for sandboarding and I wiped out almost immediately — sand in my shoes for days after that. Camels were waiting nearby, chewing quietly while kids ran around them. Khalid explained how his grandfather used to cross these dunes before Dubai had highways; it made the whole thing feel more real somehow. Sunset was quick and gold — not drawn out like I’d pictured — but the sky went this soft purple right after. People were mostly quiet watching it, except for one kid who kept asking about scorpions.

The camp smelled like grilled meat and sweet shisha smoke. I tried henna (still faintly visible on my wrist as I write this) and managed to spill tea on my shirt during the Tanoura dance because I got distracted by all those spinning colors. The fire show was loud and hot — you could feel the heat even from the back row. We ate dinner sitting on cushions with strangers who felt less like strangers by dessert time. It wasn’t perfect or polished — some sand blew into my plate — but honestly, that’s what stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick-up from Dubai or Sharjah
• Dune bashing in Lehbab desert
• Sandboarding and camel ride
• Sunset photo stop
• Visit traditional Bedouin campsite
• Dress in Arabic costumes
• Henna tattooing
• Enjoy free sheesha at sheesha corner
• Drink Arabic coffee, tea, and soft drinks
• Watch Tanoura, fire show, and belly dance
• BBQ buffet dinner with veg and non-veg options
• Drop-off at original location

Top questions

What is included in the Dubai Lahbab Desert Safari?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, dune bashing on red dunes, sandboarding, camel rides, sunset photo stop, access to a Bedouin campsite with Arabic costumes and henna tattooing, unlimited drinks including Arabic coffee and tea, shisha at the sheesha corner, live shows (Tanoura dance, fire show & belly dance), and a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options.

How long does the desert safari from Dubai take?

The experience typically starts with pickup between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM from your hotel or location in Dubai or Sharjah; expect to return later in the evening after dinner and shows.

Is pickup included for this Lahbab Desert Safari?

Yes, round-trip transfers from your selected hotel or location in Dubai or Sharjah are included by air-conditioned vehicle.

Can children join the desert safari?

Yes; children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes; both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are offered at the BBQ buffet dinner.

Do you need special clothing for this tour?

The dress code is smart casual; traditional Arabic costumes are available at the campsite if you want to try them on.

Is this desert safari suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes; it is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to tour information.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or chosen location in Dubai or Sharjah by air-conditioned 4x4 Land Cruiser. You’ll get dune bashing on Lahbab’s red sands with an experienced guide before trying sandboarding and taking a camel ride at sunset. At camp you can dress up in Arabic costumes, get a henna tattoo if you want one, relax with shisha or unlimited drinks like Arabic coffee or tea—and finish off with a BBQ buffet dinner (veg/non-veg) plus live Tanoura dance, fire show & belly dancing before heading back home that night.