Ras Al Khaimah: Desert Safari, Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Desert winds, camel rides and fire dancers in Ras Al Khaimah

You’ll bounce across Ras Al Khaimah’s dunes in a 4x4, ride camels as sunset colors shift overhead, try your luck at sandboarding, and share a barbecue dinner under desert stars with live music and dance shows. Henna painting and warm Arabic coffee add local flavor — it’s less about perfection than letting go for an evening.

What’s the experience like?

You know that soft crunch when tires hit sand? That’s the first thing I noticed as our 4x4 rolled off the road outside Ras Al Khaimah. The driver grinned at us — “Ready?” — and then we were bouncing over dunes, my stomach somewhere near my throat. I kept laughing every time we dipped; it’s louder than you’d think out there, with the wind slapping the windows and someone’s playlist rattling from the front seat. My friend tried to film but mostly caught her own shrieks.

We stopped just as the sky started turning that weird gold-pink color you only get in the desert. There were camels waiting, looking both bored and dignified — I liked them immediately. Climbing on is less graceful than it looks (my shoe almost came off), but once you’re up there it’s oddly peaceful. Our guide, Ahmed, told us about Bedouin traditions and pointed out some plants whose names I’ve already forgotten. He laughed when I tried to repeat one in Arabic — pretty sure I butchered it.

The camp was already buzzing by the time we arrived. Someone handed me sweet Arabic coffee and dates (the coffee smelled smoky, almost spicy), and there was a low hum of voices mixing with music from somewhere behind the tents. Sandboarding was harder than I expected — fell twice, got sand everywhere — but honestly, who cares? Later, henna artists painted delicate patterns on our hands while kids chased each other around a fire pit. The air tasted like grilled meat and something floral from a nearby shisha pipe.

I didn’t expect to get so caught up watching the dancers after dinner — especially the fire guy spinning sparks into the dark. It felt both ancient and new at once. At some point I realized I’d stopped checking my phone completely. On the drive back to town (still sandy, still grinning), I kept thinking about how quiet everything felt for a minute out there between dances. If you do this day trip from Ras Al Khaimah… just let yourself get lost in it for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

• Pick up from Ras Al Khaimah
• Enjoy welcome treats
• Experience 30 minutes dune bashing
• Try camel ride and sand boarding
• Get henna painting
• Watch belly and fire dance shows
• Enjoy BBQ dinner with live cooking
• Drop off at original location

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ras Al Khaimah desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from any location in Ras Al Khaimah.

How long does the dune bashing last?

Dune bashing lasts about 30 to 45 minutes during this tour.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, a barbecue buffet dinner is included along with snacks like dates and Arabic coffee.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What entertainment is offered at the desert camp?

The camp features belly dancing, fire dance shows, Tanora dance performances, and henna painting.

Is this desert safari suitable for infants or people with health concerns?

Infants can join if they sit on an adult’s lap; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

Are drinks included during dinner?

Bottled water, tea, coffee, and some welcome treats are included; alcoholic drinks are not mentioned.

Can I rent a quad bike during this tour?

Yes, quad bikes can be rented at extra cost on site.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from anywhere in Ras Al Khaimah by 4x4 vehicle with a local driver-guide; all dune bashing sessions; camel rides; sandboarding; bottled water plus sweet Arabic coffee and dates on arrival; full buffet barbecue dinner; henna painting; live entertainment with belly dancing and fire shows; then drop-off back at your hotel after dark.