Dubai Red Dunes: Private Desert Safari, Shows & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Private red dunes adventure with live shows and desert BBQ in Dubai

You’ll ride across Dubai’s red dunes with a local guide, try sandboarding and camel rides, relax at a lively heritage camp with live belly dance and fire shows, then enjoy a full BBQ dinner under desert skies. Expect laughter, new flavors and moments that linger long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that deep, rusty red of the Fossil Rocks dunes outside Dubai. It’s almost unreal as you pull up in the Land Cruiser (they pick you up right at your hotel, which is nice because I’m always worried about getting lost). Our guide, Ahmed, grinned and asked if we were ready for “rollercoaster time.” I laughed but honestly? Dune bashing is wilder than it looks on Instagram. Sand everywhere, the car tilting just enough to make you grab the seat. The air smells dry and hot, but there’s this rush of cool wind every time we crest a dune.

We stopped for photos at sunset — I mean, everyone does — but standing there with sand in my shoes and that weird silence you only get in the desert made me feel small in a good way. Ahmed pointed out some animal tracks I’d never have noticed (he said they’re foxes; I nodded like I knew). Then we tried sandboarding. I fell twice before figuring out how to balance — my friend filmed it all and still teases me about it.

The camp itself felt lively — lanterns everywhere, music drifting around. There was this sweet smell from shisha pipes mixing with grilled meat from the BBQ dinner (veg options too; my partner was relieved). We tried Arabic coffee and dates while waiting for the shows to start. The fire dancer spun so close you could feel a little heat on your face if you sat near the front. There was belly dancing and something called Thanoura — a kind of spinning dance? Li laughed when I tried to say it in Arabic — probably butchered it.

I got henna done on my hand by a woman who barely spoke English but smiled a lot. Camels looked grumpy but patient during short rides around camp. By the end of the night, stars were just starting to show above us and honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet. That feeling stuck with me after — like maybe there’s more to deserts than just emptiness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari with Entertainment and Dinner

• Pick up by Toyota Land Cruiser
• Relax at base camp
• Dune bashing and sand boarding
• Sunset viewing and photos
• Camel ride experience
• Enjoy sheesha and henna for ladies
• Drink Arabic coffee, tea, soft drinks
• Feast on BBQ dinner with options
• Watch belly dance and thanoura show
• See fire show performance
• Unlimited water supply throughout
• Drop off at your location

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 7-8 hours including pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for this private safari?

Yes, private transportation with pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel is included.

What activities are part of this desert safari?

Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna for ladies, shisha, live shows (belly dance, Thanoura dance, fire show), plus BBQ dinner are included.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are offered at the BBQ dinner.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; however, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain medical conditions.

Where does dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens in the Fossil Rocks area known for its red dunes near Dubai.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are provided throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai by Land Cruiser SUV, adventurous dune bashing at Fossil Rocks’ red dunes followed by sandboarding and sunset photo stops. At camp you’ll enjoy camel rides, henna painting for ladies, shisha pipes, Arabic coffee with dates plus unlimited water and soft drinks. A full BBQ dinner (with veg/non-veg options) is served alongside live belly dance performances, Thanoura spinning show and fire dancing before heading back to your hotel at night.