Dubai Red Sand Desert: ATV Quad, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Thrill rides, sunset dunes, live shows and BBQ under Dubai stars

You’ll ride through Dubai’s red sand desert in a 4x4 with a local guide, try your hand at ATV quad biking and camel riding, then relax with a BBQ buffet dinner as live shows light up the night. Expect laughter, real flavors and that feeling you only get watching sunset from a dune.

What’s the experience like?

We rattled out of Dubai in a 4x4 just as the city haze started to fade behind us. Our driver, Khalid, played some old-school Arabic pop — not what I expected but it kind of fit. The red sand looked almost unreal when we first hit the open desert. I remember gripping the seat as we started dune bashing; my stomach dropped on the steeper ones and everyone laughed at my face (I probably deserved it). The wind had that dry, warm bite you only get out here.

I tried the ATV quad biking next — honestly, I stalled twice before I got going. The sand was soft and kicked up everywhere, so by the time I stopped my shoes were full of it. There was this quiet moment after where we just stood watching the sun drop lower over the dunes. Our guide pointed out some tracks in the sand and tried to guess what animal made them — fox? Maybe. We took turns riding camels; mine kept turning its head like it was judging me.

After sunset, everything slowed down at camp. Someone handed me a tiny cup of cardamom tea while henna artists worked their magic on a few hands nearby (I skipped it — henna never looks right on me). The BBQ buffet smelled like grilled spices and smoke, and there was way more food than I expected — falafel, shawarma, all sorts of salads. The live shows kicked off right after dinner; belly dancers swirling so close you could see every sequin catch the firelight. At one point during the fire show, sparks actually landed near our table and everyone jumped back laughing. It felt good to just sit under all those stars with music in the background and nothing else to do for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick up from hotel/home
• Travel to Red Sand Desert
• Enjoy dune bashing in 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Ride quad bike for 60 minutes
• Take camel ride across sand dunes
• Get henna tattoos on hands
• Try sand boarding
• Watch sunset views and Arabic activities
• Enjoy BBQ buffet dinner with drinks
• Try shesha (adults only)
• Watch live entertainment shows
• Return to hotel/home

Top questions

How long is the Dubai desert safari tour?

The tour lasts about 6-7 hours including pickup and return.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, door-to-door hotel or home pickup is included in a luxury 4x4 vehicle.

What activities are included in this Dubai desert tour?

The tour includes dune bashing, ATV quad biking (60 mins), camel ride, sandboarding, henna tattoos, BBQ dinner and 10 live entertainment shows.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are served separately at the buffet.

Is this Dubai desert safari wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and areas are wheelchair accessible; infant seats are also available.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or home pickup by luxury 4x4 vehicle with an English-speaking local guide, thrilling dune bashing in Dubai’s red sand desert, 60 minutes of self-drive ATV quad biking at a special area, camel rides across the dunes, sandboarding sessions if you’re up for it, henna tattoo art for those who want to try it out, unlimited soft drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the evening. After sunset you’ll enjoy a full BBQ buffet dinner (with separate vegetarian options), snack starters like falafel and shawarma rolls, then settle in for ten different live entertainment shows including belly dancing and fire performances before heading back to your hotel late that night.