Red Dune Safari Dubai: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Race down red dunes, ride camels, and glide on sandboards under desert stars

A red dune safari in Dubai's Lahbab Desert with hotel pickup and dropoff, dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle, camel ride, sandboarding, henna tattoo, live entertainment and BBQ dinner. The experience runs about six hours and includes soft drinks and water throughout. Book as a private tour for up to six people, or choose a smaller private group or VIP camp option. Quad biking can be added on-site for an extra charge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from hotel
• Drive to Lehbab Red Arabian Desert
• Dune bashing adventure
• Sandboarding and quad biking
• Drive to desert camp
• Camel ride
• BBQ dinner and live shows

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Dubai or Sharjah hotel in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. Your guide drives into the Lahbab red desert, where the dune bashing begins: the vehicle climbs the highest runs and drops down them in quick succession, the kind of driving that feels like a stunt but requires no skill from you. If you want to try sandboarding, you can glide down the dunes on a board with no training needed. It's an option built into the experience, not something you arrange separately.

After the dune runs, the group moves to the camp for the rest of the afternoon and evening. You'll ride a camel across the desert, get a henna tattoo applied (for women), and watch live entertainment shows. The BBQ dinner is a buffet with meat and vegetarian options, served with unlimited soft drinks and water. You can wear an Arabic costume for photographs if you want one. The whole experience is designed to move through these moments without gaps (pickup, driving, riding, eating, entertainment), so the day holds together without you planning the transitions.

The safari runs about six hours total. Quad biking and buggy riding are not included in the base package but can be booked on-site through your guide for an additional fee if you decide once you're there. Children under three are not permitted for dune bashing, though they can attend the camp portion if an adult is with them. The experience is not recommended for people with spinal injuries, motion sickness, or poor cardiovascular health. Dune driving can cause discomfort if you're prone to motion sickness.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and dropoff from Dubai or Sharjah.
• dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle.
• camel ride.
• sandboarding experience.
• henna tattoo for women.
• Arabic costume for photos.
• live entertainment shows.
• BBQ and international buffet dinner with vegetarian options.
• unlimited soft drinks and water.
• English-speaking guide throughout.

Options for this experience

5 options

VIP desert safari in DubaiGuide in English · 15:00Desert activities include dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, live entertainment shows, and henna tattoo (for ladies), plus Arabic costume for photos. Duration is approximately 6 hours, covering the red dune adventure at Lahbab Desert, desert camp activities, BBQ dinner, and drop-off. BBQ dinner and refreshments feature an international BBQ buffet (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), salads, desserts, fresh fruits, and unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee. The Lahbab Desert stop uses a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 SUV for dune bashing and transfers, driven by licensed professional safari guides. Pickup is included.

Quad/ATV upgrade optionGuide in English · 14:00Safari with quad bike, where the quad bike drive is included in the price so you don't have to buy it as an add-on. Duration is 7 hours, with a lavish buffet BBQ dinner and a 4x4 SUV. Designed for customers who prefer an all-inclusive, pay-once package. Pickup is included.

Premium/luxury camp optionGuide in English · 14:00Luxury desert safari offering a premium camp experience. Duration is 7 hours, with a 5-star buffet dinner and a 4x4 SUV car. Aimed at higher-budget travellers, featuring a luxury tent and an exclusive experience. Pickup is included.

See 2 more options

Private tour option for up to 4 passengersGuide in English · 14:00Private desert safari with an exclusive vehicle, meaning the vehicle is reserved only for your booking and not shared with strangers, with a possibly earlier or later start and slightly higher pricing. Duration is 7 hours and includes a lavish buffet with BBQ dinner, with pick-up and drop-off by private SUV car. Suited to travellers who prefer privacy, such as families, couples, and premium travellers. Pickup is included.

Private car for up to 6 peopleGuide in English · 14:00Private car with an exclusive vehicle. Duration is 7 hours, with a BBQ dinner and an SUV 4x4. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:00 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Romanian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AL khaima tours

Is this one for you?Book the private car option if your group is up to six people and you want the full experience at a shared cost. Choose the VIP camp option if you prefer a smaller private group and premium seating during dinner. Quad biking can be added on-site, so you don't have to decide now. Ask your guide when you arrive at the camp if you want to try it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What's the difference between the private car option and the VIP camp option?

The private car option accommodates up to six people in one vehicle for the full safari. The VIP camp option is a smaller private group (up to four people) with premium seating at the camp during dinner and entertainment. Both include all activities and the same six-hour experience. The VIP option trades vehicle size for a more exclusive camp setup.

Can I add quad biking to this safari?

Quad biking is not part of the standard package, but you can book it on-site through your guide for an additional charge. You'll arrange it after you arrive at the camp, so you can decide once you see what's available.

What happens during dune bashing, and do I need any experience?

Dune bashing is the 4WD vehicle driving up and down the steep red dunes of the Lahbab Desert in rapid succession. No experience is required. You sit in the vehicle while the driver handles all the driving. If motion sickness is a concern for you, let your guide know before the runs begin.

Is vegetarian food available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at the buffet dinner. Let your guide know about dietary preferences when you're picked up, and they can point out what's available at the camp.

What should I bring or wear for a desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothing, sandals or sneakers, and a light jacket if you're visiting in winter. Bring your booking ticket with you. The operator provides an Arabic costume for photos if you want to wear one, and henna tattoos are applied at the camp.