Dubai Desert Safari with Dance show, Sand Boarding, Camel & BBQ

A taste of the Arabian desert — with a lot of fun built in

This Dubai desert safari promises an action-packed half-day escape that combines adventure, culture, and entertainment. While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, the reviews and itinerary paint a clear picture of a lively, well-rounded experience.

What really appeals to us are the blend of adventure activities like dune-bashing and sandboarding, the opportunity to meet Bedouin nomads, and the colorful evening entertainment with belly dancing and fire shows. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a group experience with a maximum of 499 travelers, so it’s not a secluded, luxury affair but rather a lively, inclusive tour.

It’s perfect if you’re after an affordable, fun-packed introduction to the desert, especially if your main focus is on adventure and culture. However, if you’re very particular about food quality or looking for a more personalized experience, the reviews suggest that might be a small caveat.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a full afternoon and evening adventure.
• Multiple activities including dune-bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and cultural encounters.
• Vibrant entertainment with belly dancing, fire shows, and lighting displays.
• Comfortable transport provided, with pickup and drop-off included.
• Crowd size can be large but well-organized.
• Limited food quality in the VIP area, so don’t expect gourmet dining.

An In-Depth Look at the Dubai Desert Safari with Dance Show, Sand Boarding, Camel & BBQ

What’s included and what’s not?

For just $29 per person, this tour offers a good bang for your buck, especially considering the 6-hour duration. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is incredibly convenient if you’re staying in Dubai — no need to worry about transportation to a meeting point.

Once you’re in the desert, the experience begins with a 30-40 minute dune-bashing session in an air-conditioned 4×4. This part is the highlight for many — a thrilling ride over the dunes that gives you that classic desert adventure feel. Reviewers have described it as “seamless” and “fun,” with some noting the driver’s skill makes a noticeable difference.

Beyond that, you’ll enjoy sandboarding, which involves sliding down the dunes on a board — a surprisingly fun way to embrace the desert landscape. There’s also the opportunity to ride camels, which adds that quintessential desert vibe. Travellers have appreciated the Bedouin camp visits, where you get to meet local nomads and learn about their traditions, making the experience more authentic.

The sunset and evening activities

As the day winds down, you’ll witness a beautiful sunset over the dunes, perfect for photos. After sunset, the drive continues to the desert camp, where the real entertainment kicks in. Here, the atmosphere is lively with live fire shows, colorful tanura dances, and belly dancing performances set against a stage illuminated with vibrant lighting.

Many reviews highlighted the fire show and belly dancing as being impressive and fun. One reviewer even mentioned their guide, Alem, was especially friendly and patient, making the evening more enjoyable. The stage is set for a full spectacle of dance, music, and light — a highlight if you love lively, culturally infused entertainment.

Food and cultural experiences

A BBQ buffet dinner is included, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The food is regarded as decent for the price, but some reviewers expressed that the quality could be better, especially in the VIP area where they felt the food was lacking. Still, the dinner offers a good variety of Arabic sweets, fresh fruits, and drinks like soft drinks, tea, and sheesha if you want to relax with a hookah.

Additional activities at the camp include henna painting and dressing up in traditional Arabic costumes for photos, which adds a memorable touch to your evening.

How does this compare in value?

Given the $29 price point, this tour offers excellent value for what’s included: transport, multiple activities, cultural encounters, and entertainment. The reviews suggest that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly — a huge plus when navigating the busy desert environment.

But be aware that some guests found the VIP food options lacking and noted that quad biking is an optional extra with additional charges. So, if you’re mainly after the thrill of the desert and engaging shows, this tour delivers.

The Experience Itself: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Pickup and transportation

The tour kicks off in Dubai at 2:30 pm, with hotel pickup included. The transport is in an air-conditioned Toyota Land Cruiser, which ensures comfort as you head into the desert. The group size can be large, up to 499 travelers, but reviews mention that the pickup process is generally smooth.

Dune-bashing – the adrenaline rush

Once in the desert, your driver takes the wheel for a dune-bashing session lasting about 30-40 minutes. Reviewers describe it as “thrilling” and “well-executed”, with some highlighting the driver’s skill. If you love a bit of adrenaline, you’ll appreciate the rollercoaster ride over the dunes.

Sandboarding and photo stops

Apart from the dune-bashing, you can enjoy sandboarding — a simple yet exhilarating activity. Travelers have mentioned throwing their hands in the air, screaming with joy as they slide down the dunes. There’s also a photo stop at high dunes, often during the sunset, which results in stunning vistas and memorable snapshots.

Camel rides and Bedouin visits

Next, you’ll visit a Bedouin camp, where you can ride camels and meet local nomads. The reviews indicate that these cultural stops add authenticity to the experience. You get to learn about Bedouin traditions and even dress up for photos in traditional attire.

Evening entertainment and dinner

As the sun sets, you’ll be driven to the camp, where the entertainment begins. Expect a live fire show, belly dancing, and colorful Tanura dance with lighting effects. Many guests enjoyed the performances, calling them “impressive” and “vibrant.”

Dinner is served buffet-style, with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. While some found the food mediocre, most appreciated the overall value given the experience and entertainment included.

Wrap-up and return

After the evening festivities, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in Dubai, concluding the 6-hour adventure — a well-paced, full-bodied taste of the desert.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This desert safari suits travelers who want a fun, affordable introduction to Dubai’s desert landscape without sacrificing variety. It’s great for those interested in adventure activities like dune-bashing and sandboarding, as well as cultural experiences such as camel rides and Bedouin encounters.

If you’re after lively entertainment and don’t mind a large group, you’ll find this tour engaging. However, if gourmet food or personalized service is a priority, you might find the included dinner and VIP options somewhat lacking.

This tour offers great value for those who want to maximize their desert experience within a limited budget, especially as it combines adventure, culture, and entertainment seamlessly.

Final thoughts: Is this desert safari worth it?

Absolutely, if you’re seeking a cost-effective, fun-filled day and evening in the desert. The adventure activities like dune-bashing and sandboarding are memorable highlights, especially with the experienced guides and stunning sunset views. The cultural elements — camel rides, Bedouin camp visits — enrich the experience beyond just fun and games.

The entertainment is lively and engaging, perfect for travelers who enjoy music, dance, and bright lights. Plus, the included transport makes this a hassle-free way to explore the desert without renting a vehicle or navigating the vast dunes on your own.

While the food quality might not satisfy gourmet expectations, it’s more than sufficient for a casual dinner after a day of adventure. For those on a budget or wanting a comprehensive desert experience, this tour stands out as a balanced, lively, and enjoyable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels, making it very convenient.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 2:30 pm, giving you ample afternoon and evening for activities.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, from pickup to return.

Are activities like dune-bashing and sandboarding suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but if you have mobility issues or health concerns, you might want to check with your guide.

Is the dinner included in the price?
Yes, a buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included.

Can I do quad biking as part of this tour?
Quad biking is available but at an additional charge.

What entertainment is included?
The evening features fire shows, belly dancing, Tanura dance, and lighting displays.

Are drinks included?
Soft drinks, tea, and water are provided, but alcoholic drinks are extra and not included.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and possibly cooler evening temperatures are recommended.

To sum it up, this Dubai desert safari offers a lively, affordable, and comprehensive taste of desert life, adventure, and culture. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, culture lover, or simply want a fun day outside the city, this tour could be a great choice to consider.