The Ultimate Desert Safari Experience in Dubai
A desert safari is the most popular tourist activity in Dubai, and for good reason. In a single evening, you get adventure, culture, food, entertainment, and some of the most stunning scenery in the UAE. This guide walks you through exactly what happens on a typical evening desert safari with BBQ dinner - hour by hour - so you know what to expect.
Hour-by-hour itinerary
3:00–3:30 PM - Hotel pickup: An air-conditioned 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser picks you up from your hotel anywhere in Dubai. Pickup is included in the price - no extra charge whether you are in Dubai Marina, Downtown, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, or Deira.
4:00–4:15 PM - Arrive at the desert: The drive takes about 45 minutes from central Dubai. You arrive at the Lahbab Red Dunes area where the driver deflates the tyres for sand traction.
4:15–4:50 PM - Dune bashing: 30-40 minutes of high-adrenaline 4x4 driving over the dunes. This is the signature thrill of the safari.
4:50–5:15 PM - Photo stop at sunset point: The driver stops at a high dune for sunset photography. The golden hour light across the desert is genuinely spectacular.
5:15–5:30 PM - Sandboarding and camel riding: Try surfing down the dunes on a sandboard or take a short camel ride across the sand.
5:30–6:00 PM - Arrive at the desert camp: A traditional Bedouin-style camp with carpets, cushions, and low tables. Arabic coffee, dates, and cold drinks are served on arrival.
6:00–7:00 PM - Camp activities: Henna painting, shisha, falconry display, traditional costume photos. Everything is included.
7:00–8:00 PM - Live entertainment and BBQ dinner: Tanoura dance, belly dance, and fire show performances while a BBQ buffet dinner is served - grilled meats, salads, hummus, bread, and desserts.
8:30–9:00 PM - Hotel drop-off: Drive back to your hotel.
What is included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (anywhere in Dubai)
- 30-40 minutes of dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Sunset photography stop
- Camel riding and sandboarding
- Henna painting, shisha, Arabic coffee and dates
- Live entertainment (tanoura, belly dance, fire show)
- BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options
What is not included
- Professional photography (available to purchase at the camp)
- Quad biking and dune buggy rides (available as add-ons or separate tours)
- Alcoholic beverages
Other safari options
The evening safari with BBQ dinner is the most popular package, but we offer several other options depending on your interests:
- Sunrise desert safari with dune bashing - early morning departure, golden sunrise views, from AED 249
- Camel ride with quad bike adventure - combines two iconic desert activities, from AED 990
- Self-drive dune buggy - drive your own buggy across the dunes, from AED 950
- Quad biking in the desert - ATV rides for thrill seekers, from AED 249
Compare all desert safari packages and prices to find the right fit.
Prices and booking
The evening desert safari with BBQ dinner starts from AED 109 per person. Private safari options are available for groups who want an exclusive vehicle. All tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from any location in Dubai.
Book online for instant confirmation or message us on WhatsApp at +971 55 534 6567. We are a licensed Dubai tour operator (DET registered) with 485+ reviews and a 4.8 rating.
