Arabian Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Camel Riding

Planning a trip to Dubai often involves marveling at towering skyscrapers and luxury shopping, but stepping into the desert offers an entirely different vibe—raw, expansive, and full of surprises. This Arabian Desert Safari with BBQ dinner and camel riding promises a six-hour escape that combines adrenaline-pumping activities with cultural flavor, all within a beautifully curated environment.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle guarantees a thrill, especially for those who love a good adrenaline rush. Second, the opportunity to ride a camel and watch traditional performances like belly dancing provides a taste of local culture. Third, the barbecue buffet dinner paired with live entertainment makes it a well-rounded evening.

A potential consideration is that the tour is quite busy, packed with activities, which might leave some travelers wishing for more downtime. It’s best suited for those who enjoy action, cultural shows, and a lively atmosphere, rather than those seeking a tranquil, slow-paced experience.

This tour strikes a fine balance between adventure and culture, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors eager to get a taste of Dubai’s desert life.

Key Points

• Adventure-filled experience with dune bashing and sandboarding
• Cultural immersion through camel rides, henna, and traditional dress photography
• Evening entertainment includes belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows
• Inclusive transfers ensure a stress-free trip from Dubai hotels
• Value for money with a blend of thrill, culture, and excellent food
• Authentic desert environment with a rustic, premium Bedouin-style camp

What to Expect from the Desert Safari Experience

Seamless Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 3:00 pm with pickup from your Dubai hotel, an aspect many travelers appreciate for its convenience. The round-trip transfer is included, which means no worries about navigating the busy city or arranging transport—simply relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Al Aveer, where the desert adventure begins.

The Dune Bashing Thrill

Once in the desert, you’ll hop into a 4-wheel SUV driven by a licensed safari driver. Expect roughly 30-40 minutes of exhilarating dune bashing, skidding and climbing over the towering dunes that surround the camp. We loved the way the guides manage the ride, ensuring safety while maximizing fun. Reviewers like Sandrine_A mentioned that some parts of the trip didn’t meet expectations, particularly around the sandboarding and photo stops, but overall, the dune bashing remains the highlight for adrenaline lovers.

Sandboarding and Photo Stops

While the tour touts sandboarding as a key feature, actual experiences seem variable. Some reviews hint that certain activities like sandboarding or photo opportunities on high dunes may not always be as prominent as described. Nevertheless, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to capture stunning sunset views and scenic desert landscapes during the drive and stop for photos.

Arrival at the Desert Camp: An Oasis in the Dunes

The desert camp is described as a “premium ethnic Bedouin camp,” offering an immersive experience without feeling commercialized. It’s set in an exclusive area with isolated dunes that lend a sense of privacy and tranquility. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a traditional Gahwa (Arabic coffee), dates, and refreshing towels. The camp’s rustic yet comfortable look sets the scene for an authentic Bedouin atmosphere.

Cultural Activities and Authentic Experiences

The camp offers a variety of activities to get you closer to Bedouin traditions, including henna tattooing, camel rides, and photo opportunities dressed in traditional attire. For an extra charge, you can also try falconry or quad biking—adding a layer of adventure if you’re feeling more energetic. One review highlighted that the photo studio area allows guests to dress in Dishdashas and Abayas, a fun way to make memories.

Live Entertainment

The evening features a lineup of Middle Eastern performances. Expect a Tanoura dance with colorful lighting, a daring fire show, and a mesmerizing belly dance, all performed to lively Arabic music. These shows are well-executed, with many reviews describing the entertainment as captivating and a highlight of the evening. The ambiance is further enhanced by sound and light displays, creating an immersive experience.

Dining Experience

Dinner is a three-course buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Expect hot grills, freshly baked breads, and local desserts. Reviewers often mention the quality and freshness of the food, along with the variety, which ensures everyone finds something to enjoy. Complementing the meal are soft drinks, tea, and coffee, with alcohol available at an additional charge.

Additional Touches

Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy shisha, sip on soft drinks, or explore the souvenir stalls. The photo corner with traditional attire allows guests to dress up and take memorable photos. The camp’s overall setup reflects a thoughtful balance of authenticity and comfort, avoiding the feel of a typical tourist trap.

Return to Dubai

As the evening winds down, a vehicle takes you back to your hotel or preferred location. The entire experience typically lasts around 6 hours, making it a comprehensive yet manageable adventure.

Practical Insights and Tips

Pricing and Value
At just $33 per person, this tour offers great value considering the range of activities, entertainment, and included transfers. It’s an all-in-one package that balances adventure, culture, and cuisine.

Timing
Starting at 3:00 pm, you’ll catch the sunset, which is often considered the most scenic time in the desert. The tour’s timing is perfect for capturing stunning photos and experiencing cooler temperatures.

Group Size and Atmosphere
With a maximum of 499 travelers, the tour can be lively but generally remains manageable. Smaller groups may find it easier to connect and enjoy personalized moments.

Physical Fitness
The tour involves moderate physical activity—dune bashing, camel rides, and optional quad biking—so a moderate fitness level is recommended. Reviewers noted that the activities can be physically demanding but are generally suitable for most.

Accessibility and Convenience
Being near public transportation, it’s convenient for many travelers to access the meeting point or have their hotel pick-up arranged.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive desert adventure, blending thrill rides with culture. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking a lively evening with entertainment and good food. The inclusion of traditional performances makes it especially appealing for those interested in Arab culture.

Travelers who enjoy adrenaline activities like dune bashing or photo opportunities will find plenty to love. However, those looking for a quieter, more contemplative desert experience might find the busy schedule a bit overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

This Arabian Desert Safari with BBQ dinner offers a well-rounded glimpse into Dubai’s desert landscape, combining exciting dune bashing, cultural activities, and lively entertainment. The inclusiveness of door-to-door transfers, generous activity lineup, and quality food make it a solid value for the price.

While some activities may not always meet every expectation—as some reviews have pointed out—the overall experience is immersive and fun, especially if you enjoy a mix of adventure and tradition. The camp’s authentic yet comfortable setting means you’ll leave with memorable photos and stories.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to tick off a must-do Dubai experience, this tour is a vibrant, energetic choice. It’s best suited for those who crave excitement, cultural flavor, and a lively atmosphere in their desert outing.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 3:00 pm, which allows you to enjoy the sunset and evening entertainment.

Is pickup included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Dubai hotels are included, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, covering activities, dinner, and entertainment.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available for the barbecue buffet dinner.

Can I participate in activities like sandboarding or quad biking?
Sandboarding is included, but some activities like quad biking are available for an extra charge.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased at an additional cost.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual attire is suitable. During the evening, bringing a light sweater or jacket is advisable as desert temperatures can drop.

Is this suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness. Activities like dune bashing may be intense for very young children or those with mobility concerns.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just your camera or phone for photos. Extra cash for souvenirs or additional activities like falconry is optional.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case plans change.

To sum it up, this desert safari is a lively introduction to Dubai’s desert charm, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment at a fair price. It’s an excellent choice for those eager to experience Dubai beyond its urban splendor and want a fun, memorable evening that covers all the essentials.