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

Summary

Red dunes rush, camel rides, smoky bbq and desert laughter

You’ll race over Dubai’s Red Dunes with dune bashing led by a local guide, then catch your breath at a Bedouin-style camp with Arabic tea and sweets. Ride camels under open sky, try sandboarding (or just watch), get henna painted if you want, then settle in for a smoky BBQ dinner and live shows before heading back to your hotel with sand in your shoes — and probably your hair.

What’s the experience like?

“Hold on!” That’s what our guide, Sameer, yelled right before the Land Cruiser dove down the side of Big Red. I didn’t know you could actually feel your stomach drop like that outside a roller coaster — sand flying everywhere, the windows rattling a little. We’d left Dubai less than an hour ago but it felt like another world out here in Lehbab Desert. There was this dry, mineral smell in the air and the color of the dunes kept shifting as the sun moved. Sameer grinned in the rearview mirror every time someone squealed (me, mostly). I tried to take photos but honestly, my hands were too busy gripping the seat.

After all that bouncing around, stepping out onto the sand was weirdly quiet. It’s softer than I expected — gets everywhere though. We stopped for pictures at the top of a dune; wind stung my face and I could see tiny camel caravans way off in the haze. The camp was a short drive after that. They handed us sweet Arabic tea (tastes almost floral?) and dates as soon as we arrived — one of those small gestures that just makes you feel welcome even if you’re sweaty and covered in sand. There were camels waiting nearby for rides. My camel’s name sounded like “Mishmish” (apricot?), which made me laugh because he looked so unimpressed by all of us.

I tried sandboarding too — kind of fell straight on my back but nobody seemed to mind. Some people got henna painted on their hands; others just sat back with hookah or watched kids run around chasing each other between lanterns. The sun dropped fast behind the dunes and suddenly it was all golden light and long shadows. The buffet dinner smelled like grilled spices from halfway across camp — smoky chicken, charred veggies, something sweet with cinnamon for dessert (I wish I’d asked what it was). There were live shows: belly dancing, then this wild spinning Tanura dancer who looked dizzy even when he stopped. At one point someone handed me a falcon for a photo — not sure who was more nervous.

By the time we piled back into the SUV for hotel drop-off, I realized my shoes were full of red sand and my phone battery was dead from too many videos. But yeah… I still think about that first cold sip of tea after dune bashing — somehow tasted better than anything back in town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Hotel pick-up in 4x4 SUV
• Drive through camel farms
• Dune bashing at Red Dunes
• Stop for photos at highest dunes
• Drive to desert camp
• Traditional welcome with tea and sweets
• Photo session in Arabic dress
• Camel riding and sandboarding
• Henna painting
• International buffet dinner with BBQ
• Enjoy unlimited refreshments
• Watch belly dancing and fire shows
• Hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Red Dunes desert safari last?

The experience lasts several hours including pickup from your hotel in Dubai, activities at Lehbab Desert’s Red Dunes, time at camp with dinner and entertainment, then drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Dubai are included in this tour.

What activities are included during the safari?

The tour includes dune bashing at Red Dunes, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, Arabic dress photography, falcon photo opportunity, BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options, traditional welcome drinks and sweets plus live performances like belly dancing and Tanura dance.

Are vegetarian food options available at dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served at the international buffet dinner during the desert camp experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Can pregnant travelers or those with health issues join?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to dune bashing activity.

Where does dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing takes place at Lehbab Desert’s famous Red Dunes area outside Dubai city.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned 4x4 SUV Land Cruiser driven by a licensed desert safari guide.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai city by 4x4 Land Cruiser driven by a licensed guide; thrilling dune bashing at Lehbab Desert’s Red Dunes; stops for photos atop high dunes; entry to a Bedouin-style camp where you’ll be welcomed with Arabic tea, coffee, sweets and fresh fruit; camel riding; sandboarding; henna painting; unlimited soft drinks; international buffet BBQ dinner (vegetarian options too); live entertainment shows including belly dancing and Tanura dance; plus return drop-off to your hotel after dark.