Desert Safari With Bab Al Shams Dinner

Travelers seeking a true taste of Dubai’s desert culture often find themselves drawn to this desert safari coupled with a Bab Al Shams dinner. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what to expect. From exhilarating dune bashing to immersive Arabic entertainment, this tour offers a comprehensive desert adventure.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the combination of adventure and cultural entertainment, the quality of the included dinner, and the knowledgeable guides who help create a memorable outing. A possible snag is that some activities, like sandboarding or falcon photography, might incur extra costs or require prior clarification—so it’s wise to check what’s included upfront. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of thrills, tradition, and beautiful desert scenery, especially if they’re eager to explore beyond Dubai’s city limits.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with pickup, dinner, and entertainment
• Dune bashing and sandboarding provide adrenaline-fueled fun
• Cultural shows like belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and falcon photography
• Authentic dinner at Bab Al Shams’ Al Hadheerah restaurant
• Small group size enhances personal attention (max 14 travelers)
• Highly rated for value and immersive desert atmosphere, though some activities might have extra charges

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This desert safari adventure is designed to blend exciting activities with traditional Arabic hospitality. Starting with convenient hotel pickup in Dubai, you are whisked away by a 4×4 vehicle into the expansive Red Desert. The roughly 8 to 9-hour itinerary offers plenty of time to soak in the scenery, participate in activities, and enjoy a hearty dinner with entertainment.

The tour’s core highlight is a 40-45 minute dune bashing session, where your driver expertly navigates the ups and downs of Dubai’s iconic sand dunes. If you’re into adrenaline rushes, this part is definitely a crowd favorite. Reviewers note that guides are generally skilled and friendly, making the ride both safe and exhilarating—though some mention that guides can be quite quiet and reserved, so if lively commentary is your thing, it’s worth asking ahead.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Bab Al Shams Resort and Desert Drive

The journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or residence, followed by a scenic drive into the Dubai desert in a comfortable 4×4. The driver will take you over high dunes, where you’ll experience the thrill of dune bashing. One reviewer, Kathleen B., describes it as a “heart-stopping dune bash” that exceeds expectations, noting the expertise of the driver and the spectacular views of the sunset glowing over the sands.

This part of the tour isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about witnessing a landscape that’s both vast and mesmerizing. Expect to stop at a high dune for some photo opportunities, capturing the orange hue of sunset against rippling sands. Keep your camera ready, as the scenery here offers beautiful moments that make for unforgettable photos.

The Authentic Arabic Experience at Al Hadheerah

After the dune adventure, you’ll head to Al Hadheerah, the region’s first open-air traditional Arabic desert restaurant located at Bab Al Shams. Here, you’ll find yourself immersed in a scene straight out of an Arabian legend, with live belly dancers, Henna painters, a live Arabic band, and an impressive display of falconry.

Reviewers highlight the entertainment options—particularly the falcon display—as a unique touch that elevates the experience beyond just dining. One guest mentioned that they loved the opportunity to pose with a falcon, providing a memorable photo moment. The setting is designed to evoke a traditional desert village, creating an atmosphere that transports you away from Dubai’s modern skyline.

Activities on the Dunes

Following the meal, there’s ample opportunity for sandboarding, a fun and slightly challenging activity for those wanting to try something different from skiing or snowboarding. The camel and horse rides on the dunes are also included, offering a gentle, scenic way to explore the landscape. Reviewers note that camel rides can sometimes be less engaging if the operator isn’t particularly enthusiastic, but the overall experience is still charming.

Photography with a falcon is a popular activity, although some reviewers mention that it might come with an extra charge—so, check if it’s included or available for purchase. The horse and camel caravan adds to the authentic desert vibe, and the guides are generally helpful in making sure everyone gets a good shot.

Cultural Shows and Live Entertainment

The evening continues with live performances, including a Tanoura dance, Dabka folkloric dancers, and belly dancing. These shows are designed to entertain and provide a taste of traditional Middle Eastern culture. One reviewer appreciated the “very entertaining” show, noting that it added a lively, lively atmosphere to the dinner.

What to Expect from the Overall Experience

The duration of approximately 8-9 hours makes this tour a full evening out, and the small group size (max 14 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience. The transportation** is reliable, with pick-up and drop-off included, so you won’t have to worry about navigating Dubai’s busy streets.

Pricing at $300 per person reflects a comprehensive experience that combines adventure, culture, and cuisine. When evaluating the value, consider that activities like dune bashing, live entertainment, and traditional dinner are included, which would cost significantly more if booked separately.

One of the best aspects is the quality of the guides. Reviewers mention that guides are knowledgeable and helpful, creating a smooth and enjoyable experience. A few reviews, however, note that some guides can seem a bit reserved, so if lively commentary is important, requesting that might enhance your trip.

Possible Drawbacks

Some activities, like sandboarding or falcon photography, may incur extra charges, which could catch some travelers off guard if they’re expecting everything included upfront. Also, the camel ride might not be as engaging for all, especially if the operator’s enthusiasm isn’t high.

On top of that, as with any desert tour, weather conditions can affect the experience—sunset views are stunning, but rain or wind could alter plans. Booking in advance and confirming details is recommended to ensure you get the full experience.

The Sum Up

This desert safari with dinner at Bab al Shams offers a well-rounded taste of Dubai’s desert environment, combining action, culture, and cuisine. The thrill of dune bashing, the charm of traditional entertainment, and the opportunity to capture stunning desert scenery make it a strong choice for those wanting an authentic adventure outside the city.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small group tours and are eager to enjoy a full evening of activities without the hassle of organizing multiple bookings. The inclusion of a traditional dinner and lively shows provides good value, though some extras might be additional costs.

If you’re looking for a way to connect with the region’s culture while experiencing its famous sands firsthand, this tour could be just what you need. Remember to confirm what’s included, especially for activities like falconry photos, and come prepared for a fun, full evening under the stars.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers round-trip transfers from your hotel or residence in Dubai, which simplifies logistics.

How long is the entire tour? Expect around 8 to 9 hours, including transportation, activities, and dinner.

What activities are included? Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel and horse rides, photography with a falcon, and cultural shows are part of the package.

Are meals and drinks included? Yes, a traditional dinner at Al Hadheerah, along with soft drinks, snacks, water, and tea or coffee, are provided.

Can I bring extra money? Activities like falcon photos might have extra costs, so it’s good to have some cash on hand if you wish to purchase souvenirs or special photos.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, making for a more personalized experience.

Is this experience suitable for children? While most travelers can participate, it’s best to check with the provider if you’re booking with young children, especially considering the activities involved.

This tour strikes a nice balance between adventure and culture, making it a worthwhile option for anyone wanting to experience Dubai’s desert in style.