Dubai: Red Dunes Safari, Camel Ride & Al Khayma BBQ Camp

Summary

Evening desert adventure with dune bashing camels fire show and BBQ

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red dunes in a 4WD, try sandboarding or camel riding if you want, then settle into Al Khayma Camp for qahwa coffee, BBQ dinner, live shows, henna painting and shisha. Stargazing under clear desert skies wraps up the evening — don’t be surprised if you find yourself smiling at strangers by the end.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like when the sand under your shoes actually squeaks? That’s the first thing I noticed stepping out of the 4WD into the Lahbab desert — that and how the air felt warmer than I’d expected, even as the sun started dipping. Our driver, Kareem, grinned at us in the mirror before taking off across those red dunes. I’m not really a thrill-seeker (my sister is), but dune bashing was… well, let’s just say my stomach didn’t love it but my laughter surprised me. Sand everywhere — in my shoes, hair, probably still finding it weeks later.

We stopped for photos right as the light got soft and gold. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for wind brushing over the dunes. Then someone from another group tried sandboarding and wiped out spectacularly; everyone cheered. It was friendly — people from everywhere just kind of sharing this weirdly beautiful nothingness. Later at Al Khayma Camp, they handed us tiny cups of qahwa coffee (I tried to sip politely — it’s bitter but sort of comforting) with sweet gaymat and dates. The camp itself glowed with lanterns and smelled like grilled meat and spices drifting past every so often.

I rode a camel for maybe ten minutes (they’re taller than you think) and got a photo with a falcon that looked only mildly annoyed at me. Henna painting tickled more than I thought it would — and Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “shisha” properly (still not sure I got it right). The Yola dance had everyone clapping along, even if we didn’t know what we were doing. The fire show? Honestly wild — you feel the heat from meters away.

After dinner (the lamb skewers were my favorite), someone pointed out Jupiter through a telescope during stargazing. I didn’t expect to feel so small or so calm out there in the dark with strangers who suddenly felt like friends. It’s funny how quickly you forget your phone exists when there’s sand in your socks and stars overhead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari and evening camp activities

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive 60 minutes across desert
• Optional quad bike ride
• Dune bashing in Lahbab desert
• Enter Al-Khyama camp, enjoy Arabic coffee and sweets
• Camel ride and falcon photo session
• Arabian dress up and henna painting
• Smoke shisha and Arabian makeover
• Watch traditional Yola dance and falconry show
• Enjoy 5-star BBQ buffet and local desserts
• Watch mega fire show
• Stargazing session with telescope
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Red Dunes Safari last?

The tour typically lasts about 6-7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your selected hotel or location are included.

What food is served at Al Khayma Camp?

A 5-star open buffet with BBQ is served, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options along with local desserts.

Can I ride a camel during this safari?

Yes, short camel rides are included in the experience and can be repeated if you wish.

Are there live shows at Al Khayma Camp?

Yes, there are live performances such as Yola dance, falconry show, mega fire show, Arabian horse show and camel show.

Is quad biking included in the price?

No, quad biking is optional and only available if selected during booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?

Dune bashing is not allowed for pregnant women or children under 3 years old; they can wait at camp during that part.

Does this safari include stargazing?

Yes, evening time slots include a guided stargazing session using telescopes at camp.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel by licensed driver in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle; all dune bashing activities; sandboarding; unlimited water and soft drinks; Arabic coffee (qahwa), dates and gaymat sweets on arrival; short camel rides (repeatable); falcon experience with photos; henna painting for ladies; shisha pipe in designated area; access to all live shows including Yola dance, falconry display, mega fire show; a full open buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian options; plus an evening stargazing session led by guides before returning to your accommodation.