Dubai Red Dunes Safari with BBQ Veg Dinner & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Red Desert Adventure & Arabian BBQ Experience in Dubai

You’ll swap city noise for desert silence on this Dubai red dunes safari—think dune bashing thrills, camel rides at sunset, sandboarding fun, plus a veggie BBQ dinner under lantern light. It’s an easy escape with hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the quiet—the kind you only get far from the city. Our driver picked us up right at the hotel lobby, just after 3pm when the sun was still sharp but not unbearable. The ride out to Lahbab felt like leaving one world behind for another. Sand started showing up everywhere—on shoes, in the air, even on my phone screen. When we pulled over at the edge of those famous red dunes, I could smell warm sand and something sweet from a nearby tea stand.

Dune bashing was wild—forty minutes of sliding and bouncing over soft hills that looked endless. Our guide, Kareem, kept cracking jokes between gear shifts and pointed out how the sand changes color as the sun drops lower. I tried sandboarding too (not as easy as it looks!), then watched a couple of kids shriek with laughter as they tumbled down. By sunset, everything turned gold and pink—no filter needed.

Later at camp, camels waited near the entrance, chewing quietly while we took turns riding them around a small loop. Inside, lanterns flickered and there was this faint smell of grilled veggies mixed with shisha smoke. Henna artists worked fast—my hand smelled like eucalyptus for hours after. We dressed up in kandoras and abayas for photos; honestly, it felt silly at first but made for great memories. The buffet had more options than I expected—grilled paneer skewers were my favorite—and there was always someone offering more Arabic coffee or dates. The belly dance show got everyone clapping along, and by the time we left under a sky full of stars, I realized I’d barely checked my phone once all evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Desert Safari Adventure

• Dune Bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Sunset views and sandboarding
• Camel riding and Bedouin camp activities
• Arabian buffet dinner with entertainment

Top questions

Is this Dubai desert safari suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! The BBQ dinner includes plenty of vegetarian dishes alongside salads and desserts.

How long does dune bashing last?

Dune bashing lasts about 40 minutes across the Lahbab red dunes with an experienced driver.

Are infants or pregnant travelers allowed?

This tour isn’t recommended for infants or pregnant travelers due to safety during dune bashing.

What should I wear for the desert safari?

Light clothes are best; bring sunglasses and maybe a scarf for sand. You can try traditional Emirati outfits at camp too!

What’s included

Your experience covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai, 40 minutes of dune bashing on Lahbab’s red dunes, sandboarding fun, camel rides, unlimited water and soft drinks, Arabic coffee and snacks, shisha lounge access, henna painting, photo ops in local costumes, live belly dance/fire/tanoura shows—and a full BBQ veg dinner buffet under the stars.