Dubai Red Dune Safari & BBQ Dinner: Camel Ride, Shows & Pickup

Summary

Red Dune Desert Adventure with Camel Rides & Live Entertainment

You’ll get a real taste of desert life—dune bashing thrills, camel rides, sandboarding, and a relaxed evening with BBQ and live shows under the stars. It’s a mix of adventure and tradition that’s hard to forget.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the warm, dry air as we left the city behind. Our driver—Ali, who grew up in Sharjah—cracked a joke about the “desert rollercoaster” just before he floored it over the first dune. The 4x4 bounced and slid across the red sand, and I couldn’t help but laugh (and grip the seatbelt a little tighter). The sun was still high, but you could already see the colors changing on the dunes. We stopped for a quick photo—sand in my shoes, hair full of wind, but honestly, I didn’t care.

Later, at the camp, the smell of grilled shawarma drifted over from a small stand near the tents. I tried balancing on a sandboard—didn’t last long, but it was fun. The camel ride was slower than I expected; you really feel every step. A local woman offered to paint a henna design on my hand. The lines were so delicate, and she told me she learned from her grandmother. As evening came, lanterns flickered on and the air cooled down. We sat around low tables, sipping sweet Arabic coffee while a dancer spun in a blur of colors. The fire show was loud and close enough to feel the heat on my face. By the time the belly dancer started, stars were out and I’d lost track of time completely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari Adventure

• 4x4 desert safari with guide
• Visit camel farm and camel ride
• Sandboarding on desert dunes
• Henna tattoo application
• BBQ dinner with shawarma station
• Live tanoura, fire blower, and belly dance shows

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.

Can I try sandboarding even if I’ve never done it before?

Absolutely! It’s beginner-friendly and guides are there to help if you need tips.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, there are vegetarian choices like falafel sandwiches and salads at the BBQ dinner.

How long does the dune bashing last?

The dune bashing part usually lasts about 30 to 40 minutes.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in a 4x4 Jeep, dune bashing with a licensed driver, camel ride, sandboarding, henna tattoo, Arabic coffee and shisha, shawarma or falafel sandwich, BBQ dinner, live shows (Tanoura dance, fire show, belly dance), and a shared Bedouin-style tent at the campsite.