Dubai: Red Dune Desert Safari, Sandboard & Camel Ride

Summary

Red sand dunes, camel ride and sandboarding with sunset views in Dubai desert

You’ll race over Dubai’s red dunes in a 4x4 with a local guide before trying your hand at sandboarding and meeting camels up close. There’s time for sunset photos out in the open desert and hotel pickup makes it easy to join in. The quiet moments — plus a few laughs along the way — stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that rusty red of the Dubai desert, almost glowing as we bounced along in the 4x4. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned in the rearview mirror and asked if we were ready for “rollercoaster time.” I thought he was joking until the car dipped over a dune and my stomach did a little flip. You could hear the sand crunch under the tires, feel it vibrating through your seat. It’s weirdly quiet out there between the engine bursts — just wind and sometimes a bird you can’t see.

We stopped somewhere in the middle of what felt like nowhere for photos. The air smelled dry and clean, but there was this faint whiff of something sweet — maybe from those tiny desert plants? I tried to stand still for a picture but kept sinking into the soft sand. Ahmed showed us how to climb up for sandboarding (I fell twice; he laughed and said everyone does). The sun was starting to drop, turning everything gold. There’s this hush when you look out at all that emptiness — I didn’t expect it to feel so peaceful after all that bouncing around.

Later came the camel ride. The camels looked unimpressed by us city people fumbling with our scarves. My camel’s name was Zayed — or maybe Sayid? Hard to tell with Ahmed’s accent over the wind. Anyway, riding a camel is bumpier than it looks on Instagram. Still, you can see forever from up there, especially as the sky goes pink behind those big red dunes. On the way back I found sand everywhere: shoes, pockets, even my teeth (don’t ask). But honestly? I still think about that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari

• Pick up from hotel
• Dune bashing in red sand
• Camel ride
• Sandboarding
• Sunset view photoshoot
• Drop off to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included within Dubai city limits.

What activities are part of this red dune safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, photo stops at sunset, and drinking water.

How long is the camel ride during this tour?

The camel ride is a short experience included as part of the tour.

Are meals or BBQ dinner included on this safari?

A live BBQ dinner and camp shows are available if you select that option when booking.

Is quad biking part of this Dubai desert trip?

Quad biking is available only if you choose that option during booking.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or heart issues.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this trip?

Yes, an English-speaking professional desert safari guide leads the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup and drop-off within Dubai city limits in a 4x4 vehicle, dune bashing across red sands with an English-speaking guide, a short camel ride experience (the camels have plenty of personality), sandboarding fun on soft dunes, water to keep you going, plus options for quad biking or live BBQ dinner if selected when booking.