Dubai Red Dunes: Morning Safari, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Summary

Morning desert adventure with camel ride sandboarding & Arabic coffee

You’ll feel the rush of red dune bashing in Dubai’s Lehbab desert before trying sandboarding (and maybe wiping out like I did). Ride a camel with help from local handlers, sip Arabic coffee with sticky sweets at camp, and catch your breath under wide desert skies. The morning ends with hotel drop-off — but some of that desert dust might follow you home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my shoes to fill up with so much sand before breakfast, but that’s what happened. Our driver, Kareem, showed up right on time at the hotel — I was still half-asleep but the city was already buzzing outside. The drive out to the Lehbab desert felt quick; one minute you’re surrounded by glass towers, then suddenly it’s all red dunes and this weird peaceful silence. I kept trying to spot camels from the window (no luck yet).

The real surprise was how wild dune bashing actually feels. Kareem grinned as he cranked up the 4x4 and we started sliding over these steep red dunes — my stomach did flips a couple times and I may have let out an embarrassing yelp (he laughed). When we stopped, the air smelled dusty-sweet and there was this dry wind that gets everywhere. He handed me a sandboard and gave some quick instructions — honestly, I wiped out immediately but it made everyone laugh. My hands were gritty for hours after.

I finally got my camel moment too. The handlers barely spoke English but just gestured and smiled as they helped me climb up (awkwardly). It’s a slow sway, not at all like riding a horse — you see the desert differently from up there, more patient somehow. Back at camp, someone poured thick Arabic coffee into these tiny cups and handed around lukaymat sweets that stuck to my fingers. There was a falcon perched nearby for photos — I tried to look brave but it stared right through me.

On the drive back into Dubai, I kept thinking about that early morning light on the dunes — kind of gold but also pinkish? Hard to describe unless you’ve seen it. Even now, if I find sand in my bag, it makes me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning desert safari with activities

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive through Dubai city
• Enjoy morning view of Dubai
• Dune bashing in 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Sandboarding with guide instructions
• Photo session with falcons
• Camel ride in desert
• Enjoy Arabic sweets, dates, coffee
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

How long does the morning desert safari in Dubai last?

The tour typically lasts around 4 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai red dunes tour?

Yes, pickup is available from any hotel in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman.

What activities are included in this morning safari?

Dune bashing in Lehbab desert, sandboarding, camel ride, photo with falcon (in winter), Arabic sweets and coffee.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, soft drinks and mineral water are included along with Arabic coffee and sweets at camp.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?

No, it's not recommended for children under 5 years old or pregnant travelers.

Can people with walking disabilities join this safari?

No, it's not suitable for travelers with walking disabilities or certain health conditions.

Where does dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens on the red dunes of Lehbab desert near Dubai.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai (or Sharjah/Ajman), an energetic session of red dune bashing in Lehbab desert inside a Land Cruiser driven by a skilled guide, time for sandboarding down those same dunes (with plenty of laughs), a short camel ride guided by local handlers, photo opportunities with a falcon during winter season, plus Arabic coffee and lukaymat sweets at camp before heading back to your hotel refreshed—and probably sandy.