Dubai: VIP Desert Safari, Red Dunes, Camel Ride & Dinner

Red Dunes adventure with camel rides, live shows and dinner

You’ll ride over Dubai’s red dunes in a private 4x4, try camel riding, taste smoky grilled dishes at a VIP camp, and watch live performances under desert stars. With hotel pickup included and plenty of time to relax or try sand boarding, this desert safari is as much about small moments as big thrills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari with entertainment

• Pick up from hotel in Dubai
• Drive to Lahbab red desert
• Dune bashing for 30-35 minutes
• Arrive at VIP desert camp
• Enjoy Arabic tea, coffee, sweets, and fruits
• Experience sheesha smoking (apple flavor)
• Take camel ride and sand boarding
• Get henna painting and Arabic dress photography
• Watch fire show, tanoura dance, and belly dance
• Dine at Arabian VIP buffet with BBQ and unlimited drinks
• View falcon display
• Return to hotel in Dubai

The Experience

I’ll admit it — I was a little nervous about dune bashing in Lahbab’s red desert. The 4x4 picked us up right at our hotel in Dubai (which felt pretty fancy), and our driver Khalid cracked jokes the whole way out of the city. The air changed as we left the towers behind; you could smell sand and something sweet I still can’t place. When we hit those dunes, my stomach did flips — but in a good way. It’s louder and smoother than I expected, like being on a rollercoaster that never quite drops you.

We rolled up to this camp where someone handed me Arabic coffee before I’d even caught my breath. There were lanterns everywhere and low tables set just for us — apparently that’s part of the “VIP” thing. Our guide explained how Lahbab is famous for its color; he pointed out how the light turns everything almost orange at sunset. I tried on one of those headscarves (Khalid helped tie it so I didn’t look ridiculous) and watched a falconer show off his bird up close. The falcon’s feathers felt softer than I thought — not that it let me touch for long.

Camel riding was next. Honestly, camels are bigger than they look in photos, and mine made a weird grumbling sound when I climbed on. Sand boarding looked easy until you actually try it — let’s just say there was more sand in my shoes than under them by the end. Dinner was this buffet with smoky grilled lamb and spicy salads; they kept pouring tea before I could finish a cup. At some point there was belly dancing and a fire show (the kind where you feel the heat from your seat), but what stuck with me most was sitting back under all those stars with my shoes off, just listening to people laugh around me.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai VIP desert safari last?

The tour takes approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for the desert safari?

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

What activities are included during the safari?

Dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, henna painting, falcon viewing, live shows (belly dance, Tanoura dance, fire show), and more.

Is dinner provided during the tour?

Yes, an international buffet dinner with BBQ is included along with unlimited soft drinks and hot beverages.

Are there vegetarian options at dinner?

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

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants can join using specialized seats or strollers; families are welcome but dune bashing may not be suitable for pregnant travelers.

How many people share each vehicle?

Each 4x4 car accommodates up to six people.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip hotel pickup by air-conditioned 4x4 SUV from anywhere in Dubai, professional dune bashing through Lahbab’s red dunes with a licensed driver, traditional welcome at camp with Arabic tea and sweets plus fresh fruit, unlimited soft drinks and coffee throughout your stay, access to shisha (apple flavor), Arabic dress photography if you want it (I did!), camel rides across the sand, sand boarding fun (even if you wipe out), henna painting for anyone curious enough to try it out — then a full international buffet dinner with BBQ served at your reserved VIP table while live belly dancing, Tanoura spinning and fire shows light up the night before drop-off back at your hotel.