Dubai Red Dune Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ

Summary

Dubai desert safari with camel ride sandboarding BBQ dinner

You’ll feel Dubai’s wild side on this desert safari: race across red dunes in a 4x4, try sandboarding (wipeouts included), ride camels at sunset, then unwind at a Bedouin-style camp with henna art, shisha, live dance shows and a full barbecue dinner—all with hotel pickup and local guides who make you feel part of it.

What’s the experience like?

Somebody handed me a tiny cup of Arabic coffee before I’d even found my seat in the 4x4. Sweet dates too—sticky, warm from the sun. Our driver, Khalid, grinned and said something about “rollercoaster time” as we set off from Dubai. The city faded fast and suddenly it was just us and these wild red dunes, the kind that look like they go on forever. The air outside was dry but not as hot as I’d feared; there was this faint scent of spice and dust when we stopped to let some air out of the tires. I didn’t expect to laugh so much during dune bashing—my friend nearly lost her sunglasses on one of those drops.

We tried sandboarding next. Honestly, I wiped out twice before managing a halfway decent slide (Khalid cheered anyway). There’s this weird silence out there between shouts—the wind in your ears, nothing else for miles except maybe another group in the distance. After that came the camel ride. The camels looked bored but patient, plodding along while the sky started turning gold. I got a photo that’s still my phone background—me squinting into the sun, awkwardly holding onto the saddle while our guide Li laughed at my posture.

The camp felt like stepping into someone’s backyard party. Henna artists waved us over; I let them draw a little flower on my hand (it lasted days). Shisha smoke drifted around while music started up—first that spinning Tanoura dancer, then belly dancing and fire twirling. Dinner was this huge spread—BBQ chicken, lamb skewers, salads, bread still warm from the oven. I ate way too much luqaimat (little dough balls with syrup), but honestly? Worth it. We stayed until the last song faded and stars began showing up overhead—I still think about how quiet it felt walking back to the car after all that noise and color.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with camel ride and BBQ

• Drive to Red Dunes
• Experience dune bashing
• Sandboard down dunes
• Relax at Bedouin camp
• Enjoy soft drinks and tea
• Wear traditional Kandura and Abaya
• Take a camel ride
• Watch Tanoura, Belly, and Khaliji dances
• See fire show
• Have BBQ dinner
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ajman.

What activities are part of the Red Dune desert tour?

The tour includes dune bashing in a 4x4 SUV, sandboarding, camel rides at sunset, henna tattooing, shisha smoking at camp, live dance performances (Tanoura, belly dance & fire show), and a barbecue dinner.

How long is the camel ride during this safari?

The camel ride covers approximately 150 meters but can be repeated if you wish.

Is vegetarian or Jain food available for dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are always available at dinner; Jain food can be provided upon request.

Are infants or wheelchair users allowed on this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Can I try sandboarding more than once?

Yes, sandboards are provided free at the dunes so you can try as many times as you like during your stop.

What live entertainment is offered at camp?

The camp features Tanoura dancing, belly dancing (including Khaliji style), and fire shows in the evening.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Public transportation options are available near pickup points in Dubai.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai or nearby emirates; all dune bashing in a 4x4 SUV; free use of sand boards; sunset camel rides (repeatable); entry to a Bedouin-style camp with Arabic coffee and sweets on arrival; soft drinks; henna tattooing; shisha at your tent; live dance performances through dinner; plus a seven-course barbecue meal with vegetarian or Jain options if requested before heading back under the stars.