Dubai Red Dunes Safari: Sunset, BBQ Dinner & Camel Ride

Sunset over Dubai’s red desert dunes with camel rides, sandboarding, falcon photos and a smoky BBQ under the stars

You’ll ride through Dubai’s red dunes at sunset with a local guide, try sandboarding (or just laugh at your own attempts), meet camels and falcons up close, then relax at camp with coffee, henna art, shisha, and a smoky BBQ dinner under desert stars. The evening wraps up with live dance shows and that quiet feeling you only get far from city lights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Red Dunes Safari and Desert Camp

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Scenic drive with city sightseeing
• Arrive at Lahbab Red Dunes
• Enjoy dune bashing and sandboarding
• Take sunset photos
• Falcon photo experience
• Arrive at Al Awir desert camp
• Warm Arabic welcome with coffee and dates
• Short camel ride
• Henna painting and traditional dress photos
• Relax in shisha lounge
• Enjoy unlimited refreshments
• BBQ buffet dinner with live shows
• Return to Dubai hotel

The Experience

I honestly didn’t expect the sand to be so soft — it got everywhere, but in a good way. Our driver picked us up right from our hotel in Dubai (he had this playlist of old Arabic pop songs that made the drive feel like something out of a movie), and after about 45 minutes we hit the Lahbab Red Dunes. The color really is different out here — kind of rusty pink when the sun hits it. I could hear nothing but wind and the crunch of tires as we started dune bashing. I gripped the seat tighter than I’d admit.

There was this one moment when we stopped at the top of a dune for sunset photos. Everyone got quiet for a second — just that orange light and some distant laughter from another group trying sandboarding (I tried it too; fell immediately). Our guide, Khalid, showed us how to hold a falcon for photos. The bird was heavier than I thought, and he winked when I flinched — “Don’t worry, he likes tourists.”

At camp later on, they handed out little cups of cardamom coffee and dates — honestly, that combo is still stuck in my head. There were camels waiting nearby for short rides; mine was named Lulu and she kept turning her head to check if I was still there. Henna artists worked quietly in one corner while kids chased each other around the shisha lounge. The air smelled like grilled meat and sweet smoke.

The evening sort of blurred into music and firelight after that. Belly dancers spun past our table while we piled plates with BBQ (vegetarian stuff too), then came this wild Tanoura show where the guy spun so long I got dizzy just watching. Someone handed me a piece of baklava right before we left — sticky fingers all the way back to Dubai. Still thinking about those dunes.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Red Dunes Safari take?

The tour lasts from late afternoon until night, including pickup from your hotel in Dubai or Sharjah and drop-off after dinner.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, 4x4 SUV pickup and drop-off are included from hotels or residences in Dubai and Sharjah.

What activities are included in the Lahbab Desert Safari?

You’ll experience dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, falcon photo ops, henna painting, traditional dress photos, shisha lounge time, plus BBQ dinner and live shows.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served at the buffet dinner.

Can infants join this Dubai desert safari?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available for an extra fee.

What live entertainment is offered during the evening?

The camp features Belly Dance, Tanoura Show, Fire Show, Khaleeji Dance, and Dabka performances.

Where exactly are the red dunes located near Dubai?

The Lahbab Red Dunes are outside central Dubai; you reach them by a scenic drive arranged by your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes 4x4 SUV pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai or Sharjah; all activities like dune bashing for 30 minutes across Lahbab’s red sands; sandboarding; camel rides; falcon photo opportunities; henna painting; use of traditional Arabic dress for photos; unlimited tea, coffee & soft drinks throughout; plus entry to Al Awir premium desert camp where you’ll enjoy shisha lounge seating and a full BBQ buffet dinner with both vegetarian & non-vegetarian options alongside fresh fruit & sweets before heading back into town at night.