Dubai Red Dune Buggy Safari & Private BBQ Dinner

Summary

Lahbab Desert Safari with Camel Ride & Evening Shows

Get ready for a private Dubai desert safari packed with action—a 60-minute red dune buggy ride, sandboarding thrills, camel trekking in traditional dress, and live evening shows with dinner under the stars. This is your chance to experience real desert culture with expert guides and all the comforts included.

What’s the experience like?

Our driver pulled up right outside my hotel just as the city was waking up. The drive out to Lahbab Desert felt quick—one minute we were weaving through Dubai’s traffic, the next it was nothing but open sand and sky. I could already spot the red dunes in the distance, their color deepening as the sun climbed higher. When we reached the camp, our guide handed me a helmet and gave a quick rundown on how to handle the dune buggy. The engine rumbled under me—loud at first, then almost soothing as I got used to it. Sand sprayed behind us as we zigzagged over the ridges; I caught myself laughing out loud more than once.

After an hour of bouncing across those wild dunes, we slowed down for photos near the edge where everything looked endless. There was this dry wind that carried a hint of spice from someone’s shisha pipe nearby. Later, I tried sandboarding—honestly harder than it looks—and then joined a small group for a camel ride. The camels wore bright woven blankets and seemed completely unfazed by our excitement. Our guide snapped photos while we posed in traditional dress; my hands still had faint traces of henna from earlier.

As evening settled in, lanterns flickered around camp and music started up—first soft, then louder as dancers took the stage. The belly dance and Tanura shows drew everyone’s attention; even the kids fell quiet during the fire performance. We filled our plates at the buffet (the grilled lamb disappeared fast) and sipped sweet tea under a sky full of stars. By the time we headed back to Dubai in our private car, my shoes were full of sand and my phone was packed with photos I couldn’t wait to share.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari and Cultural Experience

• Dune buggy drive in Lahbab desert
• Dune bashing in Land Cruiser
• Sunset viewing
• Camel ride with photoshoot
• Dates and traditional tea
• Henna painting
• Belly dance performance
• Tanura dance performance
• Fire dance show

Top questions

How long does the dune buggy ride last?

The main dune buggy ride lasts 60 minutes, but you can upgrade to 120 minutes if you want more time exploring the dunes.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included anywhere in Dubai so you don’t need to arrange your own transport.

What kind of food is served at dinner?

The buffet dinner includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like grilled meats, salads, rice dishes, desserts, plus tea and soft drinks.

Are there activities for kids or people who don’t want to drive?

Absolutely—besides dune buggies there’s camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, cultural shows, and plenty of space to relax at camp.

What’s included

Your day comes with private transportation in a comfortable Land Cruiser or Patrol from your hotel or residence in Dubai, plus all activities like dune bashing with a professional driver, a full hour on your own dune buggy (or longer if you choose), sandboarding sessions, camel rides dressed in local attire for photoshoots, free henna painting for some extra flair—and when it’s time to unwind there’s shisha available along with unlimited water or soft drinks. Dinner is an international buffet with BBQ options (veg and non-veg), followed by live belly dance, Tanura dance, fire shows and more before your private ride back home.