Dubai Red Dunes: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner Tour

Summary

Evening desert adventure with dune bashing camel ride sandboarding and live shows

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing through Dubai’s red sands before slowing down atop a camel under open skies. Try sandboarding (falling is part of it), enjoy a BBQ dinner on carpets at a desert camp, watch live dances and fire shows — all with pickup included. It’s lively, messy fun that leaves you smiling long after.

What’s the experience like?

I still laugh thinking about how my heart jumped when our driver, Ahmed, floored it over that first dune outside Dubai. The 4x4 felt like it was floating and then suddenly dropping — you know that stomach-flip you get on rollercoasters? That. Sand everywhere, the windows rattling, Ahmed grinning in the mirror. I tried to film but mostly caught my own nervous giggling. The red dunes really do glow as the sun drops lower — not orange, more like copper dust in the air. We stopped for photos and I got sand in my shoes (should’ve worn socks), but honestly, worth it.

After dune bashing, we all spilled out of the car with hair full of static and legs wobbly from laughing too hard. There were camels waiting — taller than I expected up close — and one of the handlers taught me to say “Salam” before I climbed on. My camel didn’t seem impressed by my accent. The ride was slow and oddly peaceful after all that engine noise; just the sound of hooves sinking into soft sand and someone behind me humming an old song. Later, at the camp (pillows everywhere, carpets underfoot), I tried sandboarding — fell twice but managed a decent slide by attempt three.

The smells from the BBQ drifted over as we sat cross-legged with plates piled high — grilled chicken, smoky lamb, something spicy I couldn’t quite name but went back for seconds anyway. Henna artists painted swirling patterns on hands (mine smudged because I forgot and scratched my nose). There were live dances: Tanura spinning so fast my eyes blurred, fire dancers throwing sparks into the night air. One little kid tried copying the moves with his own flashlight — cracked everyone up.

By the time we piled back into the Land Cruiser for drop-off, my shoes were full of sand again and my phone battery nearly dead from all the photos. It’s strange how quiet it feels driving back toward Dubai’s lights after all that energy in the dunes. If you’re even half-curious about a Dubai desert safari tour, just go — there’s something about that mix of chaos and calm out there that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup by Land Cruiser
• 45 minutes dune bashing
• Arrive at desert camp
• Watch sunset over dunes
• Camel riding and henna painting
• Sandboarding and sand surfing
• Enjoy international BBQ dinner buffet
• Watch live Tanura, belly dance, fire shows
• Take pictures in traditional dresses
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long does this Dubai desert safari tour last?

The tour typically runs from around 3:30pm to 10:15pm including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this dune bashing tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What activities are part of this Dubai Red Dunes tour?

The tour includes dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna art for women and kids, live dance shows, fire performance, refreshments, and a BBQ dinner buffet.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available at the international dinner buffet.

Can infants or small children join this desert safari?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No; it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to dune bashing activity.

What should I wear for sandboarding in Dubai?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes—sand gets everywhere!

Are live performances available during Ramadan?

Belly dance is not performed during Ramadan but other shows continue as usual.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by Land Cruiser, 45 minutes of dune bashing across red sands near Dubai, camel rides guided by local handlers, unlimited beverages plus tea and coffee at camp, henna art for women and kids if you want it, sandboarding attempts (and laughs), an international buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian choices served on carpets under open sky—and live dance performances including Tanura spinning and fire shows before heading back to your hotel late evening.