Dubai Red Dune Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Live Shows

Summary

Red dunes adventure in Lahbab desert with camel ride and dinner

You’ll feel the thrill of dune bashing across Lahbab’s red sands before sharing sweet dates and cardamom coffee at camp. Try sandboarding or a gentle camel ride as dusk settles in, then relax over a BBQ dinner under lantern light with live music and dance shows. It’s lively but there are quiet moments too — you’ll remember both.

What’s the experience like?

I’d barely finished my tea when our driver, Ahmed, grinned and pointed out the first streaks of red sand outside Dubai — “Lahbab,” he said, like it was a secret. The Land Cruiser felt almost too nice for what came next: thirty-something minutes of dune bashing that had us laughing and grabbing at the seat handles (I may have squeaked once). The sand here really is different — finer, almost pink in the late light. We stopped on a high ridge for photos; wind in my face, shoes filling with warm sand. I tried to look cool standing by the falcon but mostly just squinted into the sun.

At camp, someone handed me sweet dates and cardamom coffee before I even sat down. There was this quiet moment where I watched a little girl get her hands painted with henna while her dad tried (and failed) to balance on a sandboard nearby. My own camel ride was short but somehow calming — their eyelashes are longer than I expected. Dinner was a blur of grilled things and smoky air; I kept going back for more flatbread because it tasted like fire in the best way. The belly dancer winked at our table after spinning past — Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Arabic (I definitely butchered it).

The night part is what sticks with me most: lanterns flickering, someone playing oud quietly behind the main stage while everyone else watched the fire show. It got chilly fast after sunset — bring a sweater if you’re like me and always forget that deserts aren’t just hot. On the drive back to Dubai, Ahmed told us about his favorite spots for shawarma in Sharjah. I still think about that view from the top of the dune, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Red Dune Safari and Evening Entertainment

• Pick-up from Dubai hotel
• Drive past camel farms
• Enjoy 35-40 minutes dune bashing
• Stop for drinks and photos
• Optional quad biking at discount
• Arrive at desert camp
• Welcome with Arabic tea and sweets
• Take short camel ride
• Try sandboarding and henna painting
• Enjoy unlimited water and cold drinks
• Dine at international BBQ buffet
• Watch belly dance and Tanura shows
• See fire dance performance
• Return to Dubai hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Red Dune Safari last?

The tour lasts around 6-7 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai is included in an air-conditioned Land Cruiser.

What activities are included at Lahbab Desert?

You’ll experience dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna painting, and live shows at camp.

Is food provided during the safari?

Yes, an international buffet dinner with BBQ options is included along with water and soft drinks.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Vegetarian options are available; let them know when booking if you need this.

Can infants join the Red Dune Safari?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap or use a baby seat for an extra charge.

Is quad biking included in this tour?

No, but you can try quad biking at a discounted rate during one of the stops if you want.

What kind of entertainment is provided at camp?

You’ll see belly dancing (except during Ramadan), Tanura dance performances, and a fire show.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Dubai hotel in an AC Land Cruiser driven by a licensed guide, all dune bashing sessions across Lahbab’s red dunes, sandboarding equipment, a short camel ride, traditional Arabic tea and sweets on arrival at camp plus unlimited water and soft drinks throughout. You’ll also enjoy henna painting if you want it, an international buffet BBQ dinner (with vegetarian choices), live belly dance (not during Ramadan), Tanura dance shows and fire performance before being dropped back at your hotel later that evening.