Dubai Red Dunes: Evening Desert Safari, BBQ & Shows

Summary

Evening desert adventure with dune bashing, BBQ dinner and live shows in Dubai’s red dunes

You’ll feel your heart race on wild red dunes outside Dubai before sharing Arabic coffee at sunset and laughing over sandboarding spills. At camp, try henna painting or ride a camel under lantern light before relaxing over BBQ dinner and live dance shows — all with hotel pickup so you can just let yourself sink into desert night.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes to this weird quiet — just the soft hum of tires on sand as we left Dubai behind. Our driver, Khalid, grinned in the mirror and asked if we were ready for “rollercoaster time.” I thought he was joking until the 4x4 hit the first dune and my stomach did that little flip. The red sand looked almost pink in the late sun, and there was this dry, mineral smell that I can’t really describe. We stopped at the top of a ridge; everyone got out to take photos but honestly I just stood there squinting at all that space. It’s bigger than it looks in pictures.

I tried sandboarding next — not well. The board felt wobbly under my feet and I ended up sitting halfway down, laughing while some kid zipped past me like he’d done it forever. After that, Khalid poured tiny cups of Arabic coffee (tasted earthy, kind of smoky?) and handed around dates. There was this older man nearby showing someone how to tie a headscarf properly — his hands moved so fast I couldn’t follow. The sun started dipping low and everything turned gold for a few minutes. That part surprised me; it felt almost quiet even with people around.

The camp was strung with lanterns and smelled like grilled meat by the time we arrived. Someone waved us over for henna painting — my design smudged because I forgot not to touch anything (rookie move). Dinner was a mix of salads, kebabs, something spicy I still can’t name. There was belly dancing and a Tanoura show; at one point our table tried clapping along but gave up because nobody could keep the rhythm except maybe one guy from Cairo who looked very pleased with himself. Later I wandered off for a short camel ride around the camp edge — you feel oddly tall up there, swaying gently while you watch smoke curl into the sky from the shisha lounge. On the drive back to Dubai everything felt quieter again, just headlights bouncing along dark sand tracks. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Red Dunes Desert Safari

• Hotel pick-up in 4x4 SUV
• Travel to red dunes
• Optional quad bike or buggy ride
• 40-minute dune bashing ride
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Scenic sunset photo stop
• Arrive at Premium Desert Camp
• Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates
• Enjoy BBQ dinner under stars
• Watch belly dancing and Tanoura shows
• Experience henna painting
• Take a camel ride around camp
• Relax in shisha lounge
• Capture photos at camp
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the dune bashing during this Dubai evening safari?

The dune bashing lasts about 40 minutes in a 4x4 SUV over the red dunes near Lahbab.

Is hotel pickup included for the evening red dunes desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel or residence are included in this tour.

What activities are offered at the desert camp?

You can try henna painting, enjoy a BBQ dinner, watch belly dancing and Tanoura shows, relax with shisha, and take a camel ride.

Can I try sandboarding on this tour?

Yes, sandboarding down the dunes is included as part of your experience after dune bashing.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

The BBQ dinner includes fresh salads and traditional dishes alongside grilled meats; vegetarian options are available.

Is quad biking included in this desert safari?

No, quad biking or buggy rides are optional extras for an additional fee at Lahbab dunes.

How far is Lahbab from central Dubai?

Lahbab is roughly 45–60 minutes by car from central Dubai depending on traffic.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; infant seats are available for an extra cost.

What’s included

Your evening includes convenient hotel pickup in Dubai by 4x4 SUV with a friendly driver who’ll guide you through dune bashing near Lahbab’s famous red dunes. You’ll get to try sandboarding before heading to camp for Arabic coffee, dates, henna painting (if you want), camel rides around camp, shisha lounge access, live belly dancing and Tanoura shows plus a full BBQ dinner under lanterns before returning to your hotel late evening.