Red Sand Desert Safari Dubai: Dune Bashing & Live Shows

Glide down red dunes by sandboard, capture sunset shots, then feast under desert stars.

A 6-hour desert safari from Dubai hotels combines dune bashing in a 4x4 across red sand toward the Hajjar Mountains, camel riding, sandboarding, and an evening camp with BBQ dinner, henna painting, and three live performances. Pickup from your hotel is included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and six other languages. The day runs from around 3 pm to late evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert Safari with Activities and Dinner

• Pickup from hotel/residence
• Drive to Hajjar Mountains red dunes
• Dune bashing with professional driver
• Sandboarding and sand skiing
• Camel riding experience
• Sunset photography opportunity
• Henna painting and Arabic sweets
• Enjoy Arabic coffee, tea, and dates
• Watch Tanoura, belly, and fire dance shows
• Buffet dinner with vegetarian options
• Transfer back to hotel/residence

The experience

The 4x4 picks you up from your Dubai hotel or residence around 3 pm and heads toward the red dunes. Once on the sand, the driver takes the vehicle over the dunes at speed: dune bashing is the core of the afternoon, and the vehicle does the work while you sit inside. A stop halfway through gives you time to try sandboarding on the slope and take photos as the light starts to shift. Camel riding comes next at the desert camp, along with henna painting if you want it.

Dinner is a buffet spread with both vegetarian and meat dishes, served at the camp. The shisha pipe is available in a designated area. Three live shows run through the evening: belly dance (two separate performances with a lead artist), a fire show, and the Tanoura dance. Cold water, Arabic coffee, tea, dates and Arabic sweets are served throughout. The 4x4 brings you back to your hotel or residence when the evening ends.

The guide is a professional driver who speaks your language: English, Spanish, Italian, French or one of six others. Children from age 1 are welcome. The ride is shared with other travelers in the same vehicle. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase at the camp if you want them.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Dubai hotel or residence.
• dune bashing in a 4x4 across red sand.
• sandboarding on the dunes.
• camel riding at the camp.
• henna painting.
• BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and meat options.
• shisha pipe smoking in the designated area.
• Arabic coffee, tea, dates and Arabic sweets.
• three live shows (belly dance, fire show and Tanoura dance).
• cold water throughout.
• return transfer to your hotel or residence.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:30, 15:00 and 15:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 75 years) · Youth (8 to 14 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Hindi, Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu

Audio guideArabic, Hindi, Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Desert Tours Dubai

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a car or a way to the desert. The 4x4 collects you and handles the drive, so the whole evening is arranged from start to finish. The shared vehicle keeps the cost down while the fixed schedule and included dinner settle the logistics before you go.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Punjabi, Arabic, Hindi, Pashto and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 14 years); Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is dune bashing and what do I do during it?

Dune bashing is driving at speed over the sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. You sit inside while the driver navigates the slopes and valleys of the red sand desert. It is a ride, not something you drive yourself. The vehicle's suspension handles the terrain. The experience is the motion and the views as the landscape rolls past.

Can I actually ride a camel, or is it just a photo with one?

Camel riding is included as an actual ride at the desert camp. You get on the camel and ride it, not just stand next to one for a picture, though photo stops are built into the day as well.

How long does the whole safari take from pickup to drop-off?

The safari runs 6 hours total. Pickup starts around 3 pm from your hotel, and the 4x4 brings you back late in the evening after the shows finish.

Is dinner included, and what if I'm vegetarian?

Dinner is a buffet included in the price, with both vegetarian and meat dishes available. You choose what you eat from the spread.