Dubai: Red Dunes Safari with Quad Biking & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Quad biking on lahbab’s red dunes, dune bashing thrills, bbq dinner under desert sky

You’ll feel the adrenaline kick in as you ride a quad bike across Dubai’s red Lahbab dunes, then hold tight for dune bashing with your local guide. After sunset, unwind at a lively desert camp with BBQ dinner, henna painting, and live shows. Expect laughter, sandy shoes, and memories that stick around longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first thing I noticed — the fine red sand getting everywhere, even in my shoes before we’d even started the quad bikes. Our driver, Ahmed, had this easy way of making everyone relax (even though I was secretly nervous about driving a quad in the Lahbab desert). He handed us helmets and went through a quick safety talk — nothing too serious, but enough that I felt like I might not crash into a camel. The engine’s rumble under me was louder than I expected. Once we took off over the dunes, it was just this wild mix of wind and grit and laughter behind me. My hands were shaking for the first few minutes (don’t tell anyone), but after that it was honestly kind of addictive.

After the quad biking part — which felt both too long and too short at once — Ahmed rounded us up for dune bashing in his 4x4. That’s when I realized why they call it “bashing.” We slid sideways down these steep slopes while someone in the back kept shouting “again!” The sun started dropping lower and suddenly everything looked golden-red, like someone turned up the color dial on the whole desert. We stopped for photos at this one high spot; sand got in my mouth because I grinned too wide. There were camels nearby chewing lazily, totally unfazed by our chaos.

The camp after sunset was noisy in a good way — music playing, people lining up for henna or posing with a falcon (I tried that too; bird looked deeply unimpressed). The barbecue dinner smelled sweet and smoky; I piled my plate with grilled chicken and something spicy that Ahmed said was his favorite. Sitting there eating under strings of lights while dancers spun around on stage — it felt almost unreal but also sort of comforting? Maybe it was just being tired and happy after all that sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure with quad biking and BBQ

• Attend quad bike safety briefing
• Ride quad bike through desert dunes
• Enjoy dune bashing and other activities
• Travel to desert camp at sunset
• Have barbecue dinner buffet
• Experience shisha and henna tattoo

Top questions

Is quad biking included in this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, a 30-minute quad bike ride is included as part of the tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or residence in Dubai is included.

What activities are offered at the desert camp?

You can enjoy BBQ buffet dinner, live shows (belly dance, Tanura dance), henna painting, shisha pipe, camel rides, Arabic dress photography, and more.

How long does the dune bashing last?

Dune bashing lasts about 30-35 minutes with a licensed driver.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at the buffet dinner.

Is this tour suitable for infants or pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for infants or pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Can you try sandboarding during this safari?

Yes, sandboarding from high dunes is included as an activity.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Dubai hotel or apartment before heading out to Lahbab’s red dunes for guided quad biking and thrilling dune bashing. After sunset photography stops among sweeping sands, you’ll arrive at a desert camp for henna painting, camel rides, shisha tasting (apple flavor), Arabic sweets and fresh fruit plus a full BBQ buffet dinner—vegetarian options included—alongside live belly dance shows and fire performances before drop-off back at your location.