Dubai Red Dunes: Desert Safari, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Red Dunes adventure with camel ride, dinner & live shows in Dubai

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Dubai or Sharjah before heading out for dune bashing across Lehbab’s famous Red Dunes with an expert driver. Try sandboarding or camel riding at camp, sip Arabic coffee under open sky, and enjoy a barbecue buffet dinner while live music and dance fill the night air. It’s a full-sensory experience that lingers long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

I’d seen pictures of the Lehbab Desert before but standing there — sand in my shoes, sun dipping low — it felt like a different world. Our driver, Ahmed, picked us up right from our hotel in Dubai (he actually texted to say he was running five minutes late, which made me laugh because traffic is just as real here). The drive out was quiet, city fading into nothing but red dunes. I kept rolling down the window to catch that dry, slightly spicy scent you only get in the desert. There’s something about that first moment when the SUV stops and you step out — it’s quieter than I expected. Just wind and a couple other voices drifting over from another group.

The dune bashing part? Wild. Forty-five minutes of slipping and sliding over these huge red dunes — I honestly thought we might tip at one point but Ahmed just grinned and told us to trust him. He knew every bump by heart. We paused on top of this high dune for photos (my hair was everywhere), and the light was turning everything gold. I tried sandboarding too — not well, but at least I didn’t wipe out completely. There were camels waiting near the camp later; their eyelashes are even longer up close than you’d think. The camel ride itself was bumpier than I imagined and I probably looked ridiculous holding on so tight.

Back at camp it got lively fast: Arabic coffee poured into tiny cups, dates on a plate, smoke curling up from shisha pipes. A woman painted henna flowers on my hand while her friend laughed at my attempt to pronounce “shukran.” The buffet dinner smelled like grilled meat and cardamom — there were veggie options too (my partner loaded up on falafel). After dark, music started up: oud strings first, then swirling dancers in bright costumes, fire spinning so close you could feel the heat for a second. I didn’t expect to enjoy the shows as much as I did — maybe it’s because everyone around us seemed genuinely into it too.

We left with sand still stuck between our toes and that weirdly peaceful tiredness you get after a long day outside. On the drive back to Dubai, Ahmed played old Egyptian pop songs quietly and nobody talked much — just watching city lights come back into focus through dusty windows. Sometimes I still think about that view from the top of the dunes; it’s hard to explain why it sticks with me but yeah… if you’re even half curious about desert safaris in Dubai, this one covers all the good stuff without feeling rushed or fake.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dune bashing and camp

• Pickup from hotel in Dubai or Sharjah
• Arrive at Lahbab desert and rest
• Optional quad biking available
• Deflate tires for desert driving
• Experience 30-45 minutes dune bashing
• Stop for photos on high dune
• Proceed to traditional desert camp
• Enjoy camel rides and photos
• Relax at majlis seating area
• Refresh with drinks and snacks
• Try henna painting and falcon photo
• Watch live Tanoora, belly dance, fire shows
• Feast on BBQ buffet dinner
• Return to hotel in Dubai or Sharjah

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Red Dunes desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 7 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or locations in Dubai or Sharjah.

What activities are included during the desert safari?

The day includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, shisha smoking, photo ops with camels and falcons, plus live entertainment shows.

Is food provided during the tour?

Yes, there’s an international buffet dinner with barbecue options including vegetarian dishes.

Are drinks included in this tour?

Unlimited water, tea, coffee and soft drinks are available throughout your time at camp.

Are children allowed on this safari?

Yes; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and specialized seats are available if needed.

Can I try quad biking during this tour?

You can opt for quad biking during a short break before dune bashing begins; it's optional and not included by default.

What should I wear for the desert safari?

Wear casual loose clothing; sports shoes are recommended for sandboarding. Bring a jacket if visiting in winter months.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No; due to safety reasons it isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or location in Dubai or Sharjah by air-conditioned 4WD Land Cruiser with an experienced safari guide behind the wheel. You’ll get 45 minutes of red dune bashing plus chances to try sandboarding and camel riding (as many times as you want), henna painting by local artists, shisha in dedicated areas, traditional Arabic tea and sweets on arrival at camp followed by an international buffet BBQ dinner (vegetarian options too), unlimited soft drinks throughout your stay at camp plus seven different live entertainment performances before being dropped back at your starting point in the evening.