Dubai Desert Safari with Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Dinner and Shows

Experiencing Dubai’s desert isn’t just about the scenery — it’s about adrenaline-pumping activities, cultural entertainment, and sharing memorable moments. This desert safari experience, offered by Royal Desert Tours, combines the thrill of dune bashing with the charm of traditional camel rides, a lively buffet dinner, and vibrant live performances. With over 200 reviews rating it a perfect 5 stars and a consistent 100% recommendation rate, it’s clear this tour hits the mark for many travelers.

What makes this safari stand out? First, the value for money—at just $55 per person, you get a full six hours of adventure-packed fun. Second, the variety of activities — from ATV rides to sandboarding, there’s no shortage of options. Third, the expert guides who make the experience both safe and engaging, often going above and beyond to ensure guests have a good time. One possible consideration? The dune bashing is quite thrilling and may not suit everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness or preferring a more relaxed experience.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment — whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone wanting a taste of local traditions with a side of excitement.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and live shows
• Excellent value at $55, including meals, entertainment, and transfers
• Knowledgeable guides like Ali and Waqar ensure safety and fun
• Authentic experiences such as dressing in traditional attire and henna tattoos
• Flexible options for vegetarians and special dietary needs
• Convenient pickup and drop-off from any Dubai or Sharjah hotel

Starting with Convenience: Pickup and Duration

One of the biggest pluses of this tour is the hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles. This means you can relax without worrying about navigating Dubai’s busy streets or arranging transport. The tour kicks off at 3:00 pm, giving you a full six hours of desert adventure, which is quite generous compared to shorter excursions.

In small groups of up to 20 travelers, you’ll get a more personalized experience, with attentive guides who often earn praise for their friendliness and knowledge. Many reviewers mention guides like Ali, Waqar, and Fazal, who seem to go out of their way to ensure the group feels comfortable and well-informed. From detailed explanations to patience with photo moments, they elevate the tour beyond just a series of activities.

The Dune Bashing: Heart-Pumping Fun

The dune bashing is often the highlight, with most reviews describing it as “thrilling” and “awesome.” The drive in the red dunes is led by experienced drivers, like Ali and Shahzad, who demonstrate skill and control, making the ride both exciting and safe. Reviewers note that the 30-minute ride offers enough adrenaline without feeling overly long.

Some reviews mention that dune bashing in this tour is “not for the inexperienced,” so if you’re sensitive to motion, you might want to prepare accordingly. Yet, for thrill-seekers, it’s a fantastic way to experience the desert’s natural landscape, with many capturing photos of the rolling dunes and the vastness around them.

Camel Rides and Sandboarding: Embracing Tradition and Adventure

Next, there’s the camel ride — a quick but charming experience lasting about 1-2 minutes, with longer rides available at an additional charge. Guests love the chance to sit atop these gentle animals, with many taking photos dressed in traditional Arabic attire. One reviewer mentioned that the dress-up is just for pictures, but it adds a fun cultural twist.

Sandboarding is also offered, and while some found it more challenging or even dangerous for the inexperienced, others had a blast trying to surf down the dunes. Staff are available to help, and you can ask for a sandboard to enjoy this activity.

The Camp and Dinner: A Taste of Local Flavors

After the adrenaline rush, you’ll be taken to a safari camp in the dunes for a buffet dinner with barbecue options. The food includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with some reviewers noting the delicious and plentiful offerings. Unlimited drinks — water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea — keep everyone refreshed.

The dinner setting is relaxed, with guests often commenting on the lively atmosphere and quality of the food. For those with specific dietary needs, vegetarian and Jain options are available if requested in advance, making this accessible for a variety of guests.

Live Entertainment: Adding Flair to the Evening

The evening is enlivened by live performances that include belly dancing, Tanura dance shows, and fire dancing. Many reviewers appreciate the professionalism and energy of the entertainers, noting that the shows are well-paced and add a real sense of celebration to the night.

Henna tattooing is also available, providing a fun souvenir, and the lounge area offers shisha for those who want to relax and socialize.

Cultural Dress and Photo Opportunities

Guests love the chance to dress in traditional Arabic attire for photos, often saying it adds a fun, memorable element to the experience. The guides assist with dressing up and taking pictures, so it feels natural rather than staged.

Many reviewers specifically mention Hassan, Fazal, or Ajmal as guides who are patient, informative, and friendly, often going above and beyond to ensure everyone’s comfort and enjoyment. Their local knowledge and personable approach significantly enhance the overall experience.

Extra Activities and Upgrades

While the included activities are quite comprehensive, there are options to upgrade to premium camp seating and food for an additional $20. Baby seats are also available at $35, but children under 2 can sit on laps for free. This flexibility helps tailor the experience for families or those seeking a more luxurious setting.

At $55 per person, this tour provides a lot of value. For six hours, you get not only adventure but also culture, entertainment, and meals. The inclusion of hotel transfers eliminates logistical stress, and the high review ratings suggest that most guests feel they receive a worthwhile experience.

Compared to other desert safaris, which might focus solely on dune bashing or include fewer activities, this package offers a comprehensive taste of desert life and adventure. The reviews highlight positive experiences with guides, which is crucial given the varied activities and the need for safety during dune bashing and quad biking.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your original ID, like a passport, especially for the ATV/quad bike ride, as it’s mandatory.
• Consider wearing comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dusty, and bring sunglasses or a hat for sun protection.
• To maximize comfort, arrive early for photo opportunities dressed in traditional attire.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, inform your guide; dune bashing can be quite intense.
• Book in advance; this tour is popular and generally booked 10 days ahead.
• For specific dietary needs, inform the staff beforehand to ensure vegetarian or Jain options are prepared.

This tour is an excellent choice for adventure lovers eager to experience the thrill of dune bashing and quad biking, combined with a taste of local culture through traditional dress and henna tattoos. It also offers great value for those wanting a full evening of entertainment, food, and fun without breaking the bank.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a well-organized, lively experience, the friendly guides and diverse activities make it a memorable outing. The inclusion of live shows and cultural elements ensures you get more than just a quick desert ride — it’s an immersive experience that captures the spirit of Dubai’s desert scene.

However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed excursion or have mobility concerns, the dune bashing and active components might be a bit much. Still, for most thrill-seekers and curious travelers, this safari offers a balanced blend of adventure, culture, and entertainment that’s hard to beat for the price.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from any Dubai or Sharjah hotel in an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately six hours, starting at 3:00 pm and including various activities, dinner, and entertainment.

Do I need to bring my ID?
Yes, you must bring your original ID, such as a passport, especially for the ATV/quad bike ride, which is mandatory.

What activities are included?
Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna tattooing, dressing in traditional attire, and enjoying live shows are all part of the experience.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can join, with infants under 2 sitting on laps for free. Baby seats are available at an extra charge of $35.

What kind of food is served?
A buffet dinner with barbecue options is included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Jain food can be arranged if advised in advance.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there are unlimited soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea throughout the evening.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guests highlight guides like Ali, Waqar, and Fazal, praising their friendliness, professionalism, and local knowledge.

Can I upgrade to a premium experience?
Yes, for an additional $20, you can upgrade to premium camp seating and food.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, this Dubai desert safari offers a lively, all-encompassing adventure that balances thrill, culture, and value. Perfect for those wanting to experience the desert’s magic without fuss, it’s a memorable way to finish your trip to Dubai.