Dubai Red Dunes: Desert safari with BBQ & shows

Summary

Desert adventure at Al Lahbab: sand, spice & sunset

You’ll ride through Dubai’s Red Dunes in a 4x4 with a local guide, try sand boarding down steep slopes, watch sunset colors spill across Al Lahbab, then unwind at a desert camp with BBQ dinner and live dance shows — moments you’ll remember long after you shake the last grains of sand from your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

We tumbled out of the Land Cruiser just as the sun started to slip lower over Al Lahbab — the Red Dunes. It’s wild how quiet it gets out there, except for the wind scraping over the sand and our guide, Ahmed, laughing as he let some air out of the tires. He said it helps with dune bashing (which I’d never tried before). The first drop felt like my stomach was left behind — I grabbed the seat so hard I’m surprised it didn’t leave marks. Sand everywhere, even in my shoes. But honestly? That first rush is something I still think about.

After all that bouncing around, we stopped on top of this huge dune — 300 feet up, Ahmed said — and just stood there for a minute. The air tasted dry and a bit sweet from someone’s shisha drifting over from another group. Tried sand boarding next (I fell twice; Ahmed cheered anyway). Then we watched the sky go orange-pink while everyone took photos. It’s funny how people get quiet when they see a desert sunset up close — even kids stopped yelling for a second.

The camp was buzzing by the time we got there. Someone handed me Arabic coffee (bitter but good) and dates, and I tried on one of those long white robes for a photo — Li laughed at me but took about twenty pictures anyway. There were camels snorting in the corner and a woman painting henna on hands under string lights. Dinner was this smoky BBQ buffet — lamb kebabs, salads, stuff I couldn’t name but kept eating. Later came fire dancers and belly dancing; honestly, I lost track of time somewhere between mint tea and watching sparks fly up into the dark sky. Didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after all that adrenaline earlier.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari and Evening Entertainment

• Pick up in 4X4 Land Cruiser
• Drive to high dunes for photo stop
• Sand boarding down dunes
• Dune bashing with desert guide
• Sunset viewing and photography
• Drive to desert camp
• Traditional welcome at camp
• Arabic sweets and fresh fruits
• Fresh sheesha (Pineapple, Mint)
• Camel ride
• Henna painting
• Arabic dress photography
• Dinner with live BBQ buffet
• Soft drinks and tea
• Light and sound show
• Fire dance show
• Tanoura dance performance
• Live belly dance show
• Departure and drop off

Top questions

How long does the Red Dune Desert Safari last?

The tour typically lasts several hours from pickup to drop-off, including driving time, activities at the dunes, and dinner at camp.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from locations in Dubai and Sharjah.

What activities are included in this desert safari?

The experience includes dune bashing, sand boarding, camel riding, henna painting, Arabic dress photography, dinner with BBQ buffet, shisha smoking, and live dance shows.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

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

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Can pregnant travelers join this safari?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to its adventurous nature.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional driver-guide for dune bashing at Al Lahbab’s Red Dunes; free sand boarding; refreshments like unlimited water and soft drinks; sunset photo stops; traditional welcome at camp with Arabic coffee and sweets; camel rides; henna painting; Arabic dress photography; shisha smoking; an international BBQ buffet dinner (with vegetarian options); live fire show, Tanoura dance show by an Egyptian artist, belly dancing on Arabic music; plus return drop-off to your hotel or residence in Dubai or Sharjah.