Red Dunes Safari with Sandboarding & Camel Ride: Ras Al Khaimah

Catch sunset from the highest peak, then unwind with BBQ and live dance in Ras Al Khaimah.

A 7-hour evening desert safari from Ras Al Khaimah combines 4x4 dune bashing and sandboarding across the red dunes with a camel ride and camp dinner featuring belly dance and Tanoura dance performances. The day starts with vehicle tire deflation and a thrilling ride through challenging sand, includes a sunset photo stop on the highest dune, and ends at the desert camp with BBQ, henna painting, shisha, and live entertainment under the stars. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Quad bike and dune buggy options are available for extra charge.

The Experience

The safari opens with a brief stop to deflate the vehicle's tires before the 4x4 heads into the dunes. Once on the red sand, you experience dune bashing. The vehicle climbs and descends steep slopes in rapid succession, delivering the adrenaline rush the operator calls a "roller coaster on the red dunes." The ride is built around the terrain itself: the vehicle's angle and speed change with every slope, and the physical sensation is what makes this different from watching the landscape pass.

Sandboarding happens on the high dunes, where you take a board and glide down the slopes yourself. After that comes the sunset photo stop on the highest dune available that evening, a moment to capture the 360-degree desert views as light fades. The operator notes this stop is not always guaranteed, so timing and conditions matter. From there, the group heads deeper into the desert toward the camp.

At the desert camp, the pace shifts. You ride a camel (short rides, repeatable if you want another), get henna painted if you're interested, and smoke shisha in the designated area. Dinner is self-service buffet with BBQ chicken, tikka, kabab, rice, vegetables, noodles and fresh fruit. Vegetarian options are available. The evening entertainment includes a Tanoura dance (a spinning skirt performance), belly dancing, and a fire show. Welcome snacks (falafel, Arabic dates, coffee and tea) arrive first. Water and soft drinks flow throughout. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price. Quad bikes and dune buggies can be rented for extra charge if you want to drive yourself instead of riding as a passenger.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• 4x4 dune bashing and sandboarding on the red dunes.
• sunset photo stop on the highest dune.
• camel ride at the desert camp.
• welcome snacks with Arabic coffee, dates and tea.
• self-service buffet dinner with BBQ chicken, tikka, kabab and vegetarian options.
• unlimited water and soft drinks at the camp.
• henna painting for women and shisha in the designated area.
• Tanoura dance, belly dancing and fire show performances.
• live guide in multiple languages.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Top 10 Dubai Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the quad bike or dune buggy rental option if you want to control the vehicle yourself through the dunes instead of riding as a passenger in the 4x4. The extra charge gives you the steering and the speed.

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Top questions

What is sandboarding like on the red dunes?

Sandboarding is a self-guided activity where you take a board and glide down the high dunes yourself. It happens during the middle section of the safari, after the 4x4 dune bashing and before the sunset photo stop.

Does the camel ride take a long time?

Camel rides at the desert camp are short, but you can repeat them if you want more than one ride during the evening.

What food and drinks are included?

Welcome snacks include falafel, Arabic dates, coffee and tea. Dinner is a self-service buffet with BBQ chicken, tikka, kabab, white rice, biryani rice, vegetables, noodles, potato wedges and fresh fruit with Om Ali for dessert. Vegetarian options are available. Water and soft drinks are unlimited at the camp. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately.

Is the sunset photo stop guaranteed?

The sunset photo stop on the highest dune is included in the itinerary but not always guaranteed, as timing and desert conditions affect whether it is possible on any given evening.

Can I drive a quad bike or dune buggy instead of riding in the 4x4?

Quad bikes and dune buggies are available to rent for an extra charge, allowing you to drive yourself through the dunes instead of riding as a passenger in the vehicle.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English, Hindi, Pashto, Filipino and one additional language.