Dubai Red Dunes: Overnight Camel Caravan & BBQ Dinner

Sunset camel ride, Bedouin camp BBQ and sunrise trek in Dubai desert

You’ll ride camels through Dubai’s Red Dunes at sunset and sunrise, sleep in a Bedouin-style camp after a BBQ dinner with live shows, wake up to fresh Arabic coffee and breakfast, and watch desert colors change around you. It’s not just about photos — you’ll feel part of something older than any city lights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert camel trek and overnight camp

• Pickup from Dubai or Sharjah
• Ride camel in desert for 45 minutes
• Relax with Arabian coffee, tea, and dates
• Drive to Bedouin style camp
• Get henna hand painting
• Enjoy shisha smoking
• Dress up like an Arab
• Hold falcon and take photos
• Have BBQ dinner with tanoura and belly dancers
• Stargaze or rest in camp room
• Sleep with provided bedding
• Wake up to desert sunrise
• Ride camel for 45 minutes at sunrise
• Enjoy Arabic breakfast
• Drive back to hotel

The Experience

Someone’s pouring thick cardamom coffee into tiny cups as I try to settle into the cushions — legs folded awkwardly, sand already everywhere. Our guide Khalid grins at my clumsy attempt to say “shukran.” The camels are lined up just beyond the tent, their shadows stretching across the dunes. I didn’t realize how quiet it would feel out here — just wind and the soft thud of hooves when we started our camel caravan through the Dubai Red Dunes. Forty-five minutes on a camel is longer than you’d think; my knees were talking by the end, but watching the sun melt into the sand made it worth every second.

The Bedouin camp was glowing with lanterns by the time we arrived. There’s this smell — sweet smoke from shisha pipes mixing with grilled meat and spices. Someone offers me dates and more coffee (I never say no). A henna artist waves me over and draws looping patterns on my hand while I try not to smudge it. Later, there’s music and swirling skirts from the tanoura dancer. I’m still not sure if I was supposed to clap along or just watch, but nobody seemed to mind either way. Dinner is a big buffet — smoky lamb, salads, things I can’t pronounce but want seconds of. Afterward, some people drift off to their tents early but I stay out under the sky for a bit. It’s colder than you’d expect; I wrap up in a blanket and stare at stars that don’t look real.

I woke up before dawn because someone nearby was already making tea — that sound of water bubbling over coals is weirdly comforting when you’re half asleep in a tent. The camels looked even more patient in the pale morning light as we climbed on for another trek across the sand dunes, this time toward sunrise. My hands were still stained with henna from last night (a little smudged now). After about 45 minutes we circled back for an Arabic breakfast — flatbread warm from the fire, olives, salty cheese. Not fancy but exactly right after riding through that chilly air. Then it was back to reality — Khalid loaded us into an air-conditioned car and drove us back toward Dubai city traffic like none of this had happened.

What’s included

Your overnight adventure includes pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah by air-conditioned car, two guided camel treks through the Red Dunes at sunset and sunrise, welcome drinks with fresh Arabic coffee, tea and dates on arrival at camp, open BBQ dinner buffet with vegetarian options plus live tanoura and belly dance performances, henna painting session if you want it (my hand still smelled like rosewater), shisha smoking available (extra charge if served privately), bottled water throughout your stay, comfortable bedding inside an Arabian tent for sleeping under desert stars, followed by an Arabic breakfast before heading back to city life.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oscar Knight Tours

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Top questions

How long is the camel ride during this overnight tour?

The camel trek lasts about 45 minutes at sunset and again at sunrise.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai Red Dunes camel caravan?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or location in Dubai or Sharjah is included.

What meals are provided during the overnight camel tour?

A BBQ dinner buffet (with vegetarian options) and an Arabic breakfast are included.

Do I sleep outside or in a tent at the Bedouin camp?

You’ll have accommodation with beds, mattress, pillows & blankets inside an Arabian-style tent at the camp.

Are there live performances during dinner?

Yes, there are tanoura dance and belly dance shows during dinner at the Bedouin camp.

Can children join this overnight camel caravan tour?

This tour is not allowed for children below 5 years old.

Is shisha smoking included in this experience?

Shisha is available at your place for an extra charge; otherwise you can enjoy it in common areas.

What should I bring for comfort during the night?

Bedding is provided but bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended as desert nights can be cold.