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

Summary

Dubai desert safari with sunset dunes camel ride bbq dinner and live shows

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red dunes at sunset with a local guide, try sandboarding (wipeouts likely), snap photos as daylight fades, then settle into an open-air camp for camel rides, henna tattoos, shisha (if you want), and a big BBQ buffet dinner with live shows before heading back to your hotel under desert stars.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried sandboarding?" our guide Khalid grinned as he handed me a board, the Lehbab desert stretching out in every direction. I hadn’t—didn’t even know if I’d stay upright—but the dunes were glowing this wild orange under the late afternoon sun, so I just went for it. The sand felt warm and fine under my hands when I wiped out (twice), and Khalid just laughed and offered a hand up. There was this dry, cinnamon smell in the air—maybe from the heat or maybe just my nerves.

We’d started in Dubai, getting scooped up right at our hotel by a 4x4 (air conditioning blasting, thankfully). The drive out to the red dunes took about 45 minutes, city towers fading into nothing but open sky. Once we hit Lehbab, things got loud—tires spinning through soft sand during dune bashing. It was bumpy and honestly kind of hilarious how much we all screamed on the steeper drops. Someone in the back kept trying to film but dropped their phone into a seat crack; nobody cared because outside was that endless desert light.

After sunset photos—everyone scrambling for that perfect angle—we rolled into this camp set up with low cushions and lanterns flickering as dusk settled in. Camels waited nearby (they make these deep huffing noises when you approach), and I managed a short ride without falling off. There was henna painting too; mine smudged because I’m impatient, but it still looked cool. Dinner was this huge buffet—grilled chicken, spiced rice, flatbreads—and sweet tea that tasted smoky somehow. The live shows started after dark: swirling skirts, drums echoing across the sand. At one point someone handed me shisha; I coughed immediately but it made everyone laugh harder.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from city noise—just lanterns swinging gently and stars coming out overhead. On the way back to Dubai, it was quiet in the car except for someone softly humming along to Arabic pop on the radio. I still think about that last bit of sun on the dunes sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Start tour in Dubai
• Pickup by safari guide
• Travel to Lehbab Red Arabian Desert
• Dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding
• Photoshoot at sunset dunes
• Go to Arabian camp
• Camel ride and buffet dinner
• Enjoy live shows
• Return to Dubai

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai red dune safari?

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

How long does the day trip to Lehbab desert take?

The drive from Dubai to Lehbab desert takes about 45 minutes each way.

Can I try sandboarding during this tour?

Yes, sandboarding is included at the high dunes in Lehbab desert.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served at the BBQ buffet dinner.

Is alcohol included in this Dubai safari tour?

No alcoholic beverages are included but can be purchased at stalls during the tour if desired.

Is this tour suitable for young children or wheelchair users?

The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What live entertainment is there at camp?

The evening includes belly dance (except during Ramadan), Tanoura dance and Arabic music performances.

Are there any activities not available during Ramadan?

No live entertainment or alcohol is served during Ramadan dates (18 Feb - 19 Mar).

What’s included

Your evening includes home pickup by 4x4 from anywhere in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman, all dune bashing and sandboarding gear at Lehbab desert with an experienced driver-guide, sunset photo stops on high dunes, a short camel ride for photos or fun (no pressure if you’re nervous), entrance to an Arabian camp with open-air seating under lanterns where you’ll get henna tattoos if you want them plus unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee; then a big BBQ buffet dinner with both veg and non-veg options alongside fresh fruit before returning to your hotel late evening after live music and dance shows beneath desert stars.