Dubai Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride, Belly Dancing and sandboarding

Planning a trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its iconic desert. The Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ dinner and entertainment offers a vibrant and adventurous way to explore the sand dunes while enjoying authentic Middle Eastern hospitality. While the tour is quite affordable at just around $26 per person, it packs in plenty of activities and memorable moments.

What we really like about this tour is its intimate group size—capped at 14 people—which ensures a more personalized experience. The combination of dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel rides adds a real thrill, and the evening’s entertainment such as belly dancing and fire shows provides a lively cultural touch. However, some travelers point out that the overall experience can vary depending on the driver and timing, so managing expectations is wise. This tour is perfect for those seeking a fun, affordable taste of desert adventure with a touch of local flavor.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At approximately $26, this tour offers good value considering the number of activities included.
• Variety of Experiences: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and cultural shows make for a well-rounded desert adventure.
• Small Group: Limited to 14 travelers, which fosters a more personal and engaging atmosphere.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Entertainment & Dining: Enjoy live belly dancing, fire shows, and a BBQ dinner, with options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
• Some Variability**: Experiences like transport timing and driver quality can influence how smooth your day runs.

An in-depth look at what this tour involves

Picking Up and Timing

The tour begins at 3:00 pm, with pickup from your preferred location in Dubai. Having this included is a real plus, saving you the hassle of organizing transport. Most travelers can participate, and the pickup is typically near public transportation, making it accessible for many.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

The first major highlight is dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle. This is the core adrenaline activity of the tour—drivers often take bold turns and quick maneuvers that make your stomach flip in the best way. One review even called their driver “totally crazy and safe,” which hints at a lively ride, but safety is always a priority.

Next, you’ll get to try sandboarding—surfing down the dunes on a board. This is surprisingly easy to pick up, and it offers some excellent photo opportunities at sunset. Expect to spend a good chunk of time here, as sandboarding adds an extra layer of fun to the desert adventure.

Camel Ride & Cultural Touches

After the high-energy portion, you’ll head to a desert camp for a short camel ride. While some may find this more of a touristy activity, many appreciate the chance to see the desert from a different perspective. The camp also offers opportunities for photographs in Arabic costumes and henna painting for women, adding a cultural element to the experience.

Evening Entertainment & Dinner

As the sun sets, the desert camp transforms into a lively setting with belly dancing, fire shows, and traditional folk dances like the Tanoora. These performances bring a vivid taste of local culture, especially after a full day of adventure.

The BBQ dinner—a mix of continental buffet options (vegetarian and non-vegetarian)—is served at this point. Reviewers note that the dinner is generally good, although some felt it could be more refined. Expect a variety of Arabic sweets and fresh fruits to round out the meal, along with unlimited water and soft drinks, making the evening both fun and filling.

Additional Inclusions and Extras

Other included activities are welcome Arabic tea, coffee, dates, and shisha (hookah). The tour’s focus on hospitality and fun is evident here. Also, the tour provides sunset photography opportunities, so bring your camera early on for some stunning desert shots.

What Reviewers Say

While most reviews are positive, some travelers share constructive feedback. For instance, one reviewer appreciated their driver, Mr. Maqsood, calling him “totally crazy and safe,” which hints at a lively and entertaining ride. On the other hand, a guest expressed disappointment with poor customer service for refunds, highlighting that if someone in your group cannot attend, refunds are not provided if canceled less than 24 hours ahead.

Transport delays also occurred, with reports of waiting around in parking lots or experiencing late pickups, which can impact the overall experience. However, many found the activities and entertainment worthwhile, with one highlighting that it was “the best experience ever” and worth doing in Dubai.

Practicalities and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, allowing plenty of time for each activity without feeling rushed. The small group size (max 14) ensures your guide can give more attention, making the experience more engaging and less mass-market.

Cost and Value

At just over $26, this tour is a steal considering all included activities, food, and entertainment. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a comprehensive desert experience with added cultural flair.

What’s not included

If you’re craving quad biking or dune buggy rides, you’ll need to book those separately, as they are not part of this tour.

Cancellation & Flexibility

Cancelling is free up to 24 hours before the start, which is helpful if your plans change. Just remember that late cancellations mean no refunds.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Dubai who want a good overview of desert activities without breaking the bank. Adventure seekers will enjoy dune bashing and sandboarding, while those interested in cultural experiences will appreciate the entertainment and traditional elements. It’s also a good fit if you prefer small groups and personalized attention.

Travelers on a tight schedule or with limited budget will find the price and duration very reasonable. However, if you’re looking for a high-end, luxurious experience or want to avoid potential transport delays, you might want to consider other options.

Final thoughts

The Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ dinner offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment—all at an accessible price point. The combination of dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and lively performances makes for a memorable evening, especially if you value authenticity and engaging guides.

While there is some variability depending on driver and timing, most travelers leave with great stories and photos. It’s a solid choice for anyone eager to experience Dubai’s desert landscape in a fun, energetic way without overspending.

If you’re after a lively, engaging desert adventure that doesn’t skimp on activities or entertainment, this tour is worth considering.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your preferred location in Dubai is included, making it convenient to start your adventure.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 3:00 pm, giving you ample time to enjoy the sunset and evening activities.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts around 7 hours, allowing time for activities, entertainment, and dinner without feeling rushed.

What activities are included?
The tour features dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, shisha smoking, and cultural shows like belly dancing and fire performances.

Is the dinner buffet vegetarian?
Yes, the BBQ dinner includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, along with Arabic sweets and fruits.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Are there any extra costs during the tour?
Extras like quad biking or dune buggy rides are not included and would need to be booked separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, and consider bringing a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but check individual needs, especially for younger children or those sensitive to strong sun or bumpy rides.

Are photos allowed during the tour?
Absolutely, especially during sunset and at the camp, so bring your camera or smartphone to capture the moments.

This tour offers a fun, affordable, and authentic taste of Dubai’s desert life. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or just a memorable night under the stars, it’s a package that’s hard to beat.