Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari: Quad Bike, BBQ & Live Shows

Summary

Dubai evening desert safari with quad bikes dune bashing and bbq dinner

You’ll race across Dubai’s red dunes on a quad bike, try dune bashing in a 4x4, ride camels at sunset, and feast on barbecue while live shows light up the night. With hotel pickup included and guides who know every sandy shortcut, you’ll get both adrenaline rushes and quiet moments you might not expect from a day trip to the desert.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect the sand to feel so cool under my fingers at sunset. We started our Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari just outside the city, and our driver, Sameer, joked that we’d be “shaken, not stirred” by the end of the drive. He wasn’t wrong. The 4x4 ride out there was already its own little adventure—city fading into endless orange hills, air getting drier, windows full of nothing but sand and sky.

The quad biking part? I was nervous at first (I’m not exactly a daredevil), but after a quick safety chat and some awkward helmet adjusting, it turned out to be pure fun. The bike buzzed under me as I followed our guide over those soft red dunes—sometimes I lost sight of everyone for a second and it was just me, engine humming, wind in my face. Sand got everywhere—my shoes are probably still full of it—but I kind of loved that.

After that came dune bashing (which is basically rollercoastering in an SUV) and then a slower camel ride. My camel’s name was Noor—she made this little grumbling sound every time she sat down. There were kids laughing nearby trying on Arabic costumes for photos; someone handed me sweet tea in a tiny glass. The sun dropped fast behind the dunes and suddenly everything felt golden and quiet for a minute before all the music started up at camp.

The BBQ dinner was way better than I expected—grilled lamb, smoky rice, some spicy salads I couldn’t name (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Arabic). Between bites there were belly dancers twirling past our table and later this fire show that made everyone gasp at least once. It’s funny how you can be surrounded by strangers but feel like you’re all sharing something weirdly special out there in the dark desert. I still think about that view driving back—city lights blinking awake again after so much silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with quad biking and BBQ

• Depart hotel in air-conditioned vehicle
• Safety briefing and gear up for quad biking
• Ride quad bike across desert dunes
• Enjoy sandboarding down the dunes
• Experience dune bashing in 4x4 SUV
• Take a camel ride in the desert
• Watch desert sunset
• Visit desert camp for BBQ dinner
• Watch belly dance, fire show, tanoura dance
• Return to hotel comfortably

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari last?

The tour lasts around 6-7 hours including pickup from your hotel or home in Dubai.

Is quad biking included in all bookings?

Quad biking is included if you select that option during booking; otherwise it's available for an extra charge.

What meals are provided during the safari?

An evening BBQ buffet dinner is served at camp with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options plus snacks, tea, coffee, sweets, water and soft drinks.

Are there live shows during the desert safari?

Yes, you’ll see 8 live entertainment shows including belly dance performances, tanoura dance shows, fire shows and more.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible if arranged with the operator prior to your tour date.

Can infants join this desert safari?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats; strollers are allowed too.

What should I wear for quad biking in Dubai’s desert?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy; closed shoes are recommended for quad biking.

Is pickup included from anywhere in Dubai?

Pickup is included from any hotel or home location within Dubai city limits in a shared 4x4 vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or home anywhere in Dubai by 4x4 Land Cruiser, all activities like quad biking (if selected), dune bashing across red sand dunes, sandboarding sessions with expert tips, camel rides at sunset with photo stops, access to a desert camp with premium seating if booked, henna painting for ladies and kids, Arabic costumes for pictures, plus an evening BBQ buffet dinner featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes along with snacks, sweets and unlimited drinks before being driven back to your starting point late evening.