Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari: BBQ, 5 Live Shows & Camel Ride

Bash the red dunes and watch five live shows without arranging the transport or the meal

A desert safari from Dubai combines 35–40 minutes of dune bashing and sandboarding in Lahbab's red dunes with a camel ride, then moves to a premium camp for a gourmet BBQ dinner and five live performances (belly dance, Tanoura, fire dance, Dabke and Khaleeji). Shared 4x4 SUV pickup from your hotel is included. The guide briefs you on safety before the ride starts. The camp also offers henna painting, traditional dress-up for photos, a shisha lounge and welcome coffee and dates.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari Adventure

• Pickup from Dubai location
• Drive to Lahbab Desert
• Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Camel ride in desert
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Photo stops in desert
• Arrive at Premium Desert Camp
• Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates
• Henna painting session
• Dress in traditional Arabic attire
• Enjoy BBQ dinner buffet
• Watch live belly dance and Tanoura shows
• Relax in shisha lounge
• Return to Dubai location

The experience

What do you actually do on a desert safari, and how much of the day is sitting still? You spend the first part moving: pickup from your Dubai hotel in a shared air-conditioned SUV, a scenic drive to Lahbab, then 35–40 minutes of dune bashing in a powerful 4x4 vehicle driven by an expert. The guide covers safety before you start. After that comes a camel ride across the desert, then sandboarding down the red dunes, both beginner-friendly. Photo stops are built in so you capture the landscape without stopping the flow.

Once you reach the Premium Desert Camp, the pace shifts. You're welcomed with traditional Arabic coffee and dates, then settle into spacious majlis seating with plush cushions. A henna artist creates intricate designs on your hands or arms while you relax. You can dress in authentic Arabic attire for photos against the desert backdrop. Dinner is a gourmet BBQ with grilled meats, fresh salads and desserts served in a decorated dining area. The five live shows happen throughout the evening: belly dance, Tanoura (spinning skirts), fire dance, Dabke and Khaleeji performances, so you watch without leaving your seat. A shisha lounge is open if you want to unwind with flavored shisha after the meal.

The whole day runs about six hours from pickup to drop-off. You're traveling with other guests in a shared vehicle, which means you meet people and split the transport cost, but the camp experience itself is at a premium level: upgraded seating, the full meal, all five shows and the activities are the same whether you book shared or private. The guide speaks English and handles the logistics, so you show up at your hotel and the rest unfolds without you planning it.

What’s included

• Shared 4x4 SUV pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel.
• 35–40 minutes of dune bashing in a powerful 4x4 vehicle.
• camel ride through the Lahbab Desert.
• sandboarding down the red dunes.
• gourmet BBQ dinner with grilled meats, salads and desserts.
• five live shows (belly dance, Tanoura, fire dance, Dabke and Khaleeji).
• complimentary henna painting and traditional Arabic dress-up for photos.
• welcome refreshments of Arabic coffee and dates.
• access to the shisha lounge with flavored options.
• English-speaking guide and professional supervision throughout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private 4x4 SUVGuide in English · 14:30 and 15:00Exclusive private vehicle: Upgrade to a private 4x4 vehicle for exclusive pickup and drop-off and a more personal evening desert safari experience. Pickup is included

Red Dune Desert Safari from DXBGuide in English · 14:30 and 15:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:30 and 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by DXB TOURS

Is this one for you?Book the shared 4x4 if you're comfortable in a group and want to experience the dunes, camel ride, and all five shows together. Choose the private SUV if you prefer your own vehicle and guide for dune bashing while still joining the camp, shows, and dinner.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the dune bashing part of the safari?

Dune bashing lasts 35–40 minutes in a powerful 4x4 vehicle driven by an expert who navigates the towering red dunes of Lahbab. The guide briefs you on safety before the ride starts.

What happens at the Premium Desert Camp after the dunes?

The Premium Desert Camp is where you spend the second half of the day. You're welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, then relax in spacious majlis seating while you watch five live shows: belly dance, Tanoura, fire dance, Dabke and Khaleeji performances. A gourmet BBQ dinner with grilled meats, salads and desserts is served during the evening, and you can also get henna painting, dress in traditional Arabic attire for photos, and relax in the shisha lounge.

Is the camel ride included, and what is it like?

Yes, a scenic camel ride through the Lahbab Desert is included under professional supervision. It gives you a chance to explore the desert from a different perspective after the dune bashing.

Does pickup from my hotel cost extra?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off in a shared 4x4 SUV from your Dubai location is included in the tour price. The driver collects you from your hotel, residence or cruise terminal and returns you at the end of the day.

Can I do sandboarding if I've never tried it before?

Yes, sandboarding is included and is suitable for both beginners and thrill-seekers. You glide down the soft red dunes under professional supervision, so no prior experience is needed.

What food and drink options are available?

The gourmet BBQ dinner includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian grilled meats, fresh salads and desserts. You're also welcomed with traditional Arabic coffee and dates when you arrive at the camp, and the shisha lounge offers flavored shisha in the evening.