Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ

Dune bashing and sandboarding in one afternoon, then dinner under the desert sky

A 6.5-hour desert safari in Dubai's Red Dunes combines dune bashing in a 4x4, sandboarding down steep slopes, a camel ride at sunset, and a seven-course barbecue dinner at a Bedouin camp. Pickup and drop-off from Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman are included, along with live entertainment, henna, shisha, and traditional Arabic welcome with coffee and dates. A live guide speaks English, French, Arabic, Hindi and one additional language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Drive to Red Dunes
• Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Sandboarding down dunes
• Relax at Bedouin camp
• Enjoy soft drinks and Arabic tea
• Wear traditional Kandura and Abaya
• Camel ride in desert
• Watch Tanoura, Belly, and Khaliji dances
• See fire show
• Have BBQ dinner at camp
• Return to hotel

The experience

Six and a half hours takes you from your hotel into the Red Dunes and back. The day starts with a thrilling drive: your safari captain navigates the dune-bashing vehicle up steep sandy slopes, then you climb to the top and slide down on a sandboard for the rush. After that comes the camel ride through open desert as the sun drops, a moment built for photographs. The pace is set: adrenaline first, then ease into the camp routine.

At the Bedouin camp, you settle into the rhythm of the evening. Soft drinks, Arabic tea or coffee arrive first, then the option to wear traditional Kandura and Abaya if you want them. Live entertainment (Tanoura dance, belly dancing, Khaliji dance and a fire show) unfolds while you wait for the barbecue. The seven-course dinner is the anchor of the evening, with vegetarian and Jain options available on request. Henna tattooing and shisha are free at the tent, and toilet facilities are on-site.

The vehicle is a high-capacity 4x4 SUV built for the dunes, not a sedan. Your guide is live and speaks your language: English, French, Arabic, Hindi or one more depending on the departure. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The tour is wheelchair accessible, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. Everyone else, regardless of fitness level, can handle the day.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman hotel.
• dune bashing in a high-capacity 4x4 SUV.
• sandboard and one or more runs down the dunes.
• a 150-meter camel ride at sunset.
• a seven-course barbecue dinner with vegetarian and Jain options.
• live entertainment including Tanoura, belly dancing, Khaliji dance and fire show.
• free henna tattooing and shisha at the camp.
• Arabic welcome with ghawa (Arabic coffee), dates and luquimat (Emirati sweets).
• soft drinks, water, Arabic tea and coffee.
• access to toilet facilities.
• a live guide in English, French, Arabic, Hindi or one additional language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Live guideEnglish, French, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by RoyalTour

Is this one for you?The 6.5-hour window means you can fit the full arc (dunes, sunset, dinner) into a single afternoon or evening without sacrificing the rest of your day. If you want to stay in the desert longer or add a morning activity before pickup, this tour leaves no room for either. If you want the highlights compressed and the logistics handled, the fixed schedule is what makes that possible.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly is sandboarding in the desert like?

Sandboarding means climbing to the top of a steep dune on foot, then sliding down on a board: similar to snowboarding but on sand. The Red Dunes are high enough to give you real speed and the sensation of dropping, and you can repeat the ride as many times as you want during the tour.

How long is the camel ride and when does it happen?

The camel ride covers 150 meters through open desert and takes place at sunset, the point in the day when the light is best for photos. It can be repeated if you want another pass.

Is the seven-course dinner included in the price, or do I pay extra?

The seven-course barbecue dinner is included in the tour price. Vegetarian meals are standard. Jain food is available if you request it when you book.

Does pickup from my hotel cost extra?

Pickup and drop-off from Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman are included in the tour price. You do not arrange transport separately.

What should I know about the dune bashing part of the tour?

Dune bashing is a high-speed drive through the Red Dunes in a 4x4 SUV: the vehicle climbs steep slopes and descends fast, which is where the adrenaline comes from. It is thrilling but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Pregnant travelers should also skip this tour. Everyone else, at any fitness level, can participate.