Dubai Red Dunes: Quad Bike, Camel Ride & VIP Camp Dinner

Summary

Red Dunes adventure in Dubai with quad bikes camels and sunset camp

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red dunes by quad bike with a local guide, try your hand at sandboarding (falling is half the fun), meet camels and falcons at sunset, then relax at a Bedouin-style camp for BBQ dinner with live shows. Expect laughter, desert silence, new tastes — and probably some sand in your shoes on the way home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along in that big 4x4 before I’d even finished my coffee — the city sliding away behind us, glass towers swapped for dusty stretches. Our driver, Khalid, had this easy laugh and pointed out tiny desert plants as we drove deeper into Lehbab’s red dunes. It’s weird how the sand here really is more coppery than I expected. The wind kept shifting it across the road in little waves. After about 45 minutes, we stopped at a spot where you could hear almost nothing except the engine cooling down and some distant birds.

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the quad bike part (never driven one), but our guide just grinned and said “no license needed — just don’t overthink it.” The quad bike felt heavy at first but after a few bumpy turns I started to get it — dust in my teeth, sun on my neck. There was this moment when I crested a dune and just saw emptiness all around; kind of dizzying but good. Then came dune bashing — Khalid deflated the tires and suddenly we were sliding sideways down these steep slopes. Someone behind us let out a proper scream. Sandboarding after that was more awkward than cool for me (I fell twice), but honestly? Still fun.

Later, we tried riding camels — they’re taller than you think up close. The handler handed me the reins and said something in Arabic I didn’t catch; he smiled anyway. The light was getting softer by then, everything turning gold and pink. Holding a falcon felt stranger than I thought — its claws sort of prickly through the glove, eyes sharper than any animal I’ve met. Our guide helped take pictures while joking about my “desert hair.”

The camp itself smelled like grilled meat and cardamom tea. We sat on low cushions as dancers spun through fire shows and swirling skirts; someone painted henna on my hand while I tried not to smudge it eating BBQ chicken with one hand (not easy). There was shisha smoke curling up into the night sky and laughter from another table mixing with the music. When we finally drove back to Dubai under those blinking city lights, my shoes were full of sand — I still haven’t managed to shake it all out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and Bedouin camp experience

• Pickup from Dubai in luxury 4x4
• Drive 45 minutes to desert
• 30 minutes self-drive quad biking
• 45 minutes dune bashing drive
• 20 minutes sand boarding
• Camel ride at twilight
• Photos with falcon and sunset viewing
• Arrive at Bedouin style desert camp
• Enjoy BBQ dinner and dance shows
• Henna painting optional
• Return to Dubai drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Dubai red dunes tour last?

The tour lasts around 6-7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai.

Is quad biking experience required for this tour?

No experience or license is needed; guides give instructions before you start riding.

Are meals included during the desert safari?

Yes, a buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included at the camp.

What activities are included in this Dubai red dunes safari?

You’ll do quad biking, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, falcon photos, henna painting, shisha smoking, plus enjoy live dance shows.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your selected location in Dubai are included.

Can children join this desert safari?

The tour isn’t recommended for young children or travelers with spinal injuries or heart conditions.

Do I need special clothing or gear?

No special gear required—just wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy.

Will there be English-speaking guides?

Yes, professional English-speaking licensed safari guides lead the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai by air-conditioned 4x4 Land Cruiser; 30 minutes self-drive quad biking (no license needed); up to 45 minutes of dune bashing; sandboarding; camel ride at sunset; photo opportunities holding a falcon; unlimited soft drinks plus coffee and tea; henna painting by professionals; shisha smoking; an open buffet BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices; live belly dance, Tanoura and fire shows—all before being dropped back at your hotel late evening.