Dubai & Sharjah: Morning Desert Safari With Camel Ride

Summary

Morning in Dubai’s red dunes with camel ride and sandboarding

You’ll start your morning with hotel pickup in Dubai or Sharjah before heading into Lahbab’s red dunes for a 20-minute camel ride and wild dune bashing session. Try sandboarding down steep slopes and pause for photos at the desert’s edge. With a local guide handling everything (and plenty of water), you’ll get both thrills and quiet moments you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I saw the Land Cruiser waiting outside my hotel in Dubai at 6:45am. I’m not really a morning person, but our guide, Imran, greeted me with this huge grin and somehow made it feel like an adventure was about to start. The city faded behind us pretty fast, replaced by these endless stretches of red sand. It’s weird how quiet it gets out there — just the hum of the engine and that dry desert smell, like sun-baked earth and something sweet I couldn’t name.

At the meeting point (restrooms, thank god), Imran handed out water bottles and checked if we were all good for the camel ride. I’d never been on a camel before — they’re taller than you think! The camel’s fur felt rough under my hand, and when it stood up, I almost slid off (Imran laughed but didn’t make a big deal). We wandered for about twenty minutes. There was this moment where everything went still except for the soft crunch of hooves in the sand. The sun wasn’t too high yet, so the light made these long shadows across the dunes. It felt kind of ancient, honestly.

Then came dune bashing in Lahbab Desert — which is way more intense than I expected. Imran drove like he was born doing it; we slid down these steep red dunes and everyone in the back kept shouting half-laughing, half-panicked stuff (“Is this safe?” “Are we supposed to be sideways?”). Sandboarding after that was hilarious — I wiped out twice but didn’t care because everyone else did too. We stopped for photos at this high ridge where you could see forever. The wind picked up little bits of sand that stung my ankles but it felt good after all that adrenaline.

I still think about how quiet it got again on the drive back to Dubai — everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts or scrolling through photos. There’s something about seeing those empty spaces so close to such a busy city that sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning Desert Safari Activities

• Pick up from Dubai or Sharjah
• 20-minute camel ride
• Dune bashing in Lahbab Desert
• Photo stop at highest dune
• Sandboarding on red dunes
• Return drop off at location

Top questions

How long is the morning desert safari from Dubai?

The tour lasts several hours including pickup, activities like camel riding (20 minutes), dune bashing (35 minutes), sandboarding, photo stops, and return drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai or Sharjah are included.

Where does dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens in Lahbab Desert, also known as Red Dunes.

How long is the camel ride during the safari?

The camel ride lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, unlimited bottled water is available throughout the tour.

Are restrooms available during the desert safari?

Restrooms are available at the meeting point before entering the desert.

Can infants join this morning desert safari?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible; all areas and surfaces can accommodate wheelchairs.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah by 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional driver-guide, a 20-minute camel ride through Lahbab Desert’s red sands, 35 minutes of thrilling dune bashing, unlimited bottled water throughout your adventure, time for sandboarding down high dunes, restroom access at the meeting point, plus photo stops at scenic spots before returning to your starting point.