Dubai Red Dune Safari: Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Shows

Summary

Red dunes, desert winds and a smoky BBQ under Dubai’s night sky

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing in Dubai’s red sands before slowing down at a Bedouin camp with henna art, smoky shisha, and a generous BBQ buffet dinner. Watch live shows under desert stars and end your day with new stories — plus maybe some sand still hiding in your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I thought the Dubai red dune safari would just be a tourist thing, but stepping out into that dry, cinnamon-colored sand changed my mind fast. Our driver, Khalid, barely said two words at first (I think he was sizing us up), but then he grinned and floored it over the dunes. The 4x4 pitched so hard I grabbed the seat in front of me — my stomach dropped and someone in the back let out this wild laugh. Sand got everywhere. It felt like being inside a shaken snow globe, except it was all heat and grit instead of snow.

We stopped for sandboarding — which is way harder than it looks on Instagram, by the way. My shoes filled with sand instantly. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the wind whipping over the ridges; no city noise, just sun and that weirdly soft desert air. Khalid pointed out where Sharjah started in the distance (I still can’t tell where one emirate ends and another begins). Later we tried camel riding — slow, lurching steps — and there was a falconer showing off his bird with all these proud little gestures. I botched “shukran” and he laughed.

The Bedouin camp had low cushions and lanterns flickering as dusk came on. There was henna painting (mine smudged because I couldn’t sit still), shisha smoke curling around everyone’s heads, and plates loaded with grilled meat and salads I didn’t recognize but kept eating anyway. The BBQ dinner tasted smoky-sweet — I went back for seconds even though I said I wouldn’t. When the belly dancer started her set under those string lights, everyone sort of fell silent for a minute. The fire show made me jump once — sparks flew closer than I expected.

On the drive back to Dubai after stargazing (the sky actually looked bigger out there), I realized my hair smelled like charcoal and spices from dinner. It’s funny what sticks with you; not just the thrill of dune bashing or the sunset photos, but tiny things like that scent or how Khalid finally sang along to an old Arabic pop song on the radio as we hit city lights again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and cultural experience

• Hotel pickup in air-conditioned 4x4 SUV
• Arrive at desert edge
• Optional quad bike or dune buggy ride
• Sandboarding and desert sunset photos
• Camel ride and falconry show
• Henna painting and traditional activities
• BBQ dinner buffet with Arabic cuisine
• Live shows: belly dance, Tanoura, Fire Show
• Relax in shisha lounge and stargazing
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai red dune safari?

Yes, roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off are included in a 4x4 SUV.

What activities are part of this day trip to Dubai’s red dunes?

Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, falconry show, henna painting, shisha lounge access, live performances, BBQ dinner.

How long does the desert safari from Dubai take?

The experience typically lasts an afternoon into evening; exact timing depends on traffic and group size.

Is vegetarian food available at the Bedouin BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are offered at the buffet dinner.

Are quad bikes or dune buggies included?

No, those are optional upgrades available at an extra cost during your stop at the desert edge.

Can people with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Are drinks provided during the safari?

Unlimited soft drinks, coffee, and water are included throughout your time in the desert.

What kind of live entertainment is included?

Belly dancing, Tanoura performance (whirling dance), and a fire show are all part of the evening program.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup by 4x4 SUV from anywhere in Dubai plus drop-off after dark; all activities like dune bashing across red sands; sandboarding; short camel ride; falconry display; detailed henna tattoo painting; unlimited soft drinks; access to a shisha lounge; a full international BBQ buffet dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes; plus live belly dance shows, Tanoura spinning performance, fire show entertainment under open desert skies before heading back to your hotel late evening.