Ras Al Khaimah Desert Safari: Dune Bashing & BBQ

Ride the dunes at sunset, then settle into a Bedouin camp for dinner and live entertainment.

A private evening desert safari from Ras Al Khaimah combines dune bashing in a 4x4, a camel ride and henna at a desert camp, and a BBQ buffet dinner with five live performances: all with door-to-door pickup from your hotel. The experience runs 7 to 8 hours and includes Arabic coffee, dates, and your choice of vegetarian or meat options at dinner. Not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions. Moderate fitness is recommended, and eating lightly before dune bashing helps prevent motion sickness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening desert safari with BBQ dinner

• Private pick-up in 4x4 SUV
• Dune bashing across desert dunes
• Watch sunset over desert
• Arrive at desert camp
• Short camel ride
• Enjoy Arabic coffee and dates
• Get henna painting
• Eat BBQ buffet dinner
• Watch live dance and fire shows
• Private drive back to Ras Al Khaimah

The experience

You start with private pickup from your Ras Al Khaimah hotel in a 4x4 SUV. The drive to the desert takes time depending on traffic, so plan for that in your evening. Once the dunes begin, you spend about 35 minutes dune bashing: the vehicle climbs and descends the red sand slopes while you sit secured with seat belts and roll bars. The pace is thrilling but controlled. Licensed safari captains handle the driving and GPS tracking keeps the route safe.

As the sun drops toward the horizon, the driver stops at a high dune for sunset photos. The light shifts fast over the sand, and this is the moment most people take their best shots. From there you head to the Bedouin-style camp, where a short camel ride waits: children under 12 ride with an adult. You'll get henna painted on your hands while sipping Arabic coffee and eating fresh dates. Sandboarding on the golden slopes is optional and guided by trained staff. Closed sports shoes are required if you want to try it.

Dinner is a reserved-seat buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian BBQ options, plus unlimited soft drinks. As you eat, five live shows unfold: Khaleeji and Dabke folk dances, belly dance, Tanoura spinning, and a fire show. During Ramadan, some performances may be limited. After the final show, the driver takes you back to your hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. Henna is optional and should be skipped if you have sensitive skin. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 pickup and drop-off from your Ras Al Khaimah hotel.
• 35 minutes of dune bashing over the red dunes with a sunset photo stop.
• a short camel ride and henna painting at the camp.
• Arabic coffee and fresh dates.
• a reserved-seat BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and unlimited soft drinks.
• five live evening shows including folk dances, belly dance, Tanoura spinning, and a fire show.
• sandboarding on golden slopes with trained guidance (closed sports shoes required).

Options for this experience

2 options

Desert Safari Departing from RAK, PrivateUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Arabic · 13:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

Up to 2 people, including quad bikingUp to 2 per booking · Guide in English or Arabic · 14:00Quad Bike Adventure: Add an exciting 30-minute quad bike ride to your Private Evening Desert Safari and tackle the dunes! Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 13:30 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Desert Fun Tourism LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the full desert evening (dune thrills, cultural touches, and dinner entertainment) all arranged with one pickup. The private 4x4 means your group travels alone, and the fixed schedule fits the whole experience into one evening from your hotel.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

How long is the dune bashing part of the safari?

Dune bashing lasts about 35 minutes of thrilling 4x4 driving over the red sand dunes, with the driver stopping at a high point for sunset views before heading to the camp.

Can my child ride a camel at the desert camp?

Children under 12 must ride with an adult on the camel. Sandboarding is recommended for ages 12 to 50, and camel rides also suit that age range when riding independently.

What's included in the BBQ dinner?

The buffet dinner includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian BBQ dishes, plus unlimited soft drinks. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know your dietary needs when you book.

Is the pickup really from my hotel in Ras Al Khaimah?

Yes, private pickup and drop-off from your Ras Al Khaimah hotel is included. Pickup times vary by location and season, and you'll be notified if timings change due to traffic.

What should I wear for dune bashing and sandboarding?

Wear comfortable, light clothing. Bring a jacket for winter evenings. Closed sports shoes are required if you plan to sandboard. There's no formal dress code, and you can dress casually for the camp and dinner.

Who should not do this safari?

The safari is not recommended for pregnant travelers, infants under 3, or anyone with spinal, neck, or heart conditions. Moderate fitness is recommended. Eating lightly 2 to 3 hours before dune bashing helps prevent motion sickness.