Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Buffet Camel Ride and Arabic Shows

Dubai’s Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Buffet, Camel Ride, and Arabic Shows: A Complete Review

Trying to decide whether a desert safari in Dubai is worth your time? With so many options available, it pays to know what you’re signing up for. This tour, offered by Rulex Desert Adventure, consistently earns top marks—an impressive 5.0 out of 5 from 58 reviews—and is recommended by 97% of travelers. It combines adventure, cultural encounters, and a delicious dinner into a roughly six-hour package that promises both thrill and relaxation.

We love that this experience features dune bashing in a Land Cruiser, a short camel ride, and live Arabic entertainment, all set against the backdrop of stunning desert scenery. It’s perfect if you want a mix of excitement and authentic cultural moments, without feeling overly touristy. However, a consideration is that alcoholic beverages aren’t included, so those seeking a bar scene might find this a little limited.

This tour suits travelers who crave an adventure with plenty of photo opportunities, enjoy live performances, and appreciate good food after a day of exploring. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a memorable evening outing with a bit of everything.

Key Points

• Well-rounded experience offering dune bashing, camel riding, dining, and entertainment.
• Authentic cultural shows like belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows.
• Great value for the price, considering the multiple activities and buffet included.
• Smooth logistics with pickup options and a well-organized itinerary.
• Limited alcohol options, as no alcoholic beverages are included.
• Ideal for those craving adventure and culture in one evening.

What to Expect from the Dubai Evening Desert Safari

This tour is designed to give you a balanced glimpse of Dubai’s desert landscape and its lively cultural traditions. Starting at 2:00 pm, the experience typically lasts around six hours, making it a relaxed yet exciting way to spend an evening outside the city hustle. The tour is run by Rulex Desert Adventure, known for professional communication and friendly service, as reflected in glowing reviews.

Pickup and Transportation

Most travelers are picked up from their hotel or designated meeting points, with the tour providing pickup options for convenience. The transport is in a comfortable vehicle, and given the manageable group size—capped at 150 travelers—you won’t feel lost in the crowd. This setup ensures a smooth start and keeps the day from feeling rushed.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Dune Bashing in a Land Cruiser

The adventure begins with thrilling dune bashing—a high-energy ride over the rolling sands in a powerful Land Cruiser. Expect around 10 minutes of exhilarating driving that offers adrenaline and fantastic photo opportunities. Reviewers mention that the driver was skilled and careful, ensuring a safe yet exciting experience. Dawn_M’s review highlights the professionalism and friendliness of the team, making the ride even more enjoyable.

ATV Ride & Camel Ride

Following the dune bashing, you get a chance to explore on your own during a 30-minute self-drive ATV ride. This is a highlight for many, as it’s a chance to test your off-road skills while soaking in the desert vistas. Plus, there’s a short camel ride included—an authentic touch that gives you a traditional desert experience, often described as a fun and photo-worthy moment. Some reviews note that the short camel ride is a nice, relaxed activity after the high-speed dune bashing.

Sandboarding and Water Breaks

If you’re feeling adventurous, sandboarding down the dunes is included in the camp area. That said, reviewers appreciate the opportunity to try sandboarding—a fun, if slightly challenging, activity that adds a snowy-slope vibe to the desert. Drinking water, tea, and coffee are available, helping you stay refreshed amidst the desert heat.

The Cultural and Entertainment Highlights

As the evening progresses, you’ll be treated to live Arabic shows. Expect captivating performances such as belly dancing, which is often praised for its grace and energy—reviewers like Dawn_M mention the “great experience” with professional performers. The fire dance and Tanoura dance are equally mesmerizing, adding an authentic Middle Eastern flavor to the night.

Plus, you can opt to get a henna tattoo—a complimentary service many travelers find charming and souvenir-worthy. Dressing in traditional Arabic outfits and taking desert photos are popular activities, giving your experience a cultural depth beyond just the adventure.

The BBQ Buffet Dinner

No desert adventure is complete without a hearty meal, and this tour delivers with a BBQ buffet dinner featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Reviewers consistently mention the delicious food and the quality of the buffet, often highlighting the variety and flavor. It’s a satisfying end to an active evening, with unlimited soft drinks and drinks available (note that alcohol isn’t included).

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Timing: The tour begins at 2:00 pm, so plan to be ready for pickup on time. The six-hour duration makes it ideal for an evening activity, leaving your night free.
• Price and Value: At $136 per person, this experience offers a lot—adventure, cultural entertainment, and a buffet—making it a good value compared to booking separate activities.
• Weather: The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Refunds are available if the experience is canceled, which adds peace of mind.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 150 travelers, it maintains a lively yet manageable atmosphere. Smaller groups tend to get more personalized attention, so it’s worth noting for those who prefer intimacy.
• What’s Not Included: Alcoholic beverages are not part of this package, so if you’re seeking drinks beyond soft drinks, you’ll need to arrange that separately.
• Camera Gear: Bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of storage—there are incredible photo ops amidst the dunes, performances, and desert sunset.

Authentic Experiences Drawn from Reviews

Reviewers like Dawn_M emphasize professionalism and friendliness, praising the communication and care taken during pickups. Many mention feeling safe throughout the dune bashing, which is essential given the activity’s nature.

The live performances are a standout, with Dawn_M describing the belly dance as “great” and the fire show as “spectacular.” The cultural authenticity is clear, and many guests appreciate the opportunity to dress up in traditional outfits and have their photos taken in the desert setting.

The food quality is another highlight; the BBQ buffet offers a satisfying variety that keeps guests happy after a day of adventure. Several reviews note how much they enjoyed the delicious, plentiful food.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This evening desert safari is best suited for those looking for a balanced mix of adrenaline and culture. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who want a fun and engaging way to experience Dubai’s desert landscape without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. The organized logistics, professional guides, and variety of activities make it suitable for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

If you’re after thrills, great food, and lively performances in a single evening, this tour offers genuine value. It’s especially appealing for travelers who enjoy photography, cultural shows, and outdoor adventures in one comprehensive package.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, most bookings include pickup from your hotel or a designated location, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the desert safari?
The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, starting at 2:00 pm and ending in the evening, giving a full and satisfying itinerary.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not part of this package. Only soft drinks, tea, and coffee are available.

What activities are included?
Activities include dune bashing in a Land Cruiser, a self-driven ATV ride, a short camel ride, sandboarding, and enjoying live Arabic shows with a BBQ buffet dinner.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers of all ages participate, but parents should consider the activity levels and safety, especially during dune bashing and ATV riding.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This Dubai evening desert safari is a well-crafted blend of excitement and cultural charm. Whether you’re seeking adventure, stunning photos, or a taste of Middle Eastern entertainment, it’s a memorable way to end your day in Dubai.