Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner

Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner offers a comprehensive look into the desert’s thrill, culture, and hospitality. With a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 31 reviews, this tour has clearly struck a chord with travelers eager for a memorable desert adventure. We love how it combines adrenaline-pumping activities with cultural touches and authentic entertainment. From dune bashing to a traditional BBQ dinner, it’s a well-rounded experience.

One small consideration is that it runs for about 7 hours, so it’s best suited for those prepared for a full evening out. Perfect for families, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting a taste of desert life with a touch of luxury, this tour promises both fun and value.

What makes this experience stand out? We’re already fans of the seamless pickup service, the variety of activities packed into the itinerary, and the quality of the live entertainment. Plus, the inclusion of cultural elements like henna tattoos and traditional dress-up offers a more immersive feel.

However, if you’re not keen on long drives or a busy schedule, this might feel a bit full-on. Still, for an authentic, action-packed desert excursion, it covers all the bases.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Includes pickup, activities, dinner, and entertainment for around $50, making it an excellent budget-friendly option.
• Diverse Activities: Combines dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, falcon photos, and cultural experiences.
• Cultural Touches: Henna tattoos, traditional dress, shisha, and Arabic coffee enrich the desert experience.
• Top-Notch Guides: Reviewers praise guides like Rashid and Taj for their professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge.
• Stunning Scenery & Photography: The red dunes, sunset views, and photo stops make for memorable visuals.
• Exciting Live Shows: Belly dancing, Tanoura spinning, and fire shows add Vegas-style entertainment to the desert backdrop.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Seamless Pickup and Transportation

Your adventure begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 pickup from your Dubai hotel, residence, or key locations like the airport or cruise terminal. This part is crucial because it sets the tone—professional, hassle-free, and personalized. Most travelers are picked up between 2:30 and 3:00 PM, giving ample time to enjoy the evening’s activities. The ride itself cuts out the usual stress of finding your way and allows you to relax before hitting the dunes.

Lahbab Desert: The Heart of the Dunes

Once you arrive at Lahbab Desert, the first stop is the quad bike station, which is a great way to unwind or get a quick thrill before the main activities. Reviewers mention the short camel ride as a highlight—perfect for a quick taste of traditional desert life. “We rode camels and took photos with a falcon perched on our arms,” one reviewer shared, emphasizing how these unique photo opportunities are true highlights.

For those craving more adventure, optional quad biking or dune buggy rides are available (extra charges), adding a layer of excitement. The 35-40 minute dune bashing on the red dunes is a major crowd-pleaser, with some reviewers noting the driver’s expertise, especially Rashid’s “crazy-good dune driving skills.” This segment offers adrenaline and spectacular views that are well worth the experience, especially during sunset.

Cultural and Relaxation Stops at Al Awir

Next, you’re escorted to the Premium Desert Camp at Al Awir, which exudes traditional hospitality. Here, the warm welcome includes Arabic coffee and dates, immersing you in local customs. The camp offers lots of activities—get intricate henna tattoos, try shisha in a dedicated lounge, or don traditional attire for fun photo ops.

The BBQ buffet dinner is a major highlight for many reviewers, with a plentiful spread of grilled meats, salads, and local delicacies. Unlimited soft drinks keep everyone refreshed, and the quality is praised—one reviewer even mentioned that the food was “surprisingly good for being out in the middle of the desert.” The dinner becomes more lively with live performances featuring belly dancers, Tanoura whirling, and a fire show—adding a lively, Vegas-style vibe that keeps the energy high.

Evening Entertainment & Stargazing

Post-dinner, the night is filled with cultural performances that truly elevate the experience. Several reviewers highlight the professionalism and enthusiasm of the entertainers, making the desert feel vibrant and alive. After the shows, there’s plenty of time to gaze at stars—an enchanting way to end the evening.

Return Journey

Finally, a comfortable drive takes you back to your original pickup point, often around 10 PM or later, depending on how long you spend at each stop. The entire journey is about 7 hours, balancing adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it a full but rewarding evening.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Guides like Rashid and Taj receive consistent praise for their professionalism, friendliness, and storytelling skills. “Rashid was the best guide we could have asked for,” one reviewer noted, appreciating his deep knowledge of UAE’s history and food, plus his skillful driving through dunes. Guests mention that guides go out of their way to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable, even with the more daring activities like dune bashing.

The scenery is another key draw—vivid red dunes, spectacular sunsets, and incredible photo stops that visitors will cherish long after the trip. Many mention how the sunset views during dune bashing and sandboarding are picture-perfect, and the guides are happy to help with photography tips.

Food and entertainment add a layer of richness. The BBQ dinner is praised for its variety and quality, while the live shows bring a lively, festive atmosphere to the desert camp. Reviewers frequently mention belly dancing and fire shows as unforgettable highlights.

Value for money is another theme—at around $50 per person, with all activities included, this safari offers a comprehensive experience that doesn’t skimp on quality. Whether it’s the camel rides, falcon photos, or cultural activities, the tour balances fun and authenticity well.

What Could Be Better?

Some travelers might find the long duration a bit tiring, especially if they prefer shorter excursions. Plus, extra charges apply for quad biking or dune buggies, so keep that in mind if you’re eager for those activities. Weather can also influence the experience—if poor weather cancels the tour, a full refund or alternative date is offered, but it’s worth checking the forecast beforehand.

Final Thoughts

This Dubai desert safari offers a well-rounded, value-packed adventure that combines thrill, culture, and entertainment. The guides’ professionalism, the breathtaking scenery, and the quality of food and performances make it a standout choice for many travelers. The tour is particularly suited for those who want a full evening of diverse activities without the hassle of organizing each element separately.

It’s a great way to see the desert’s natural beauty while enjoying traditional hospitality and lively entertainment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a desert veteran, this experience promises unforgettable moments, excellent value, and plenty of photo-worthy sights.

FAQ

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers a pickup service from your Dubai hotel, residence, airport, or cruise terminal, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 7 hours, typically starting around 2:30–3:00 PM and returning later in the evening.

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, quad biking and dune buggy rides are available for an additional fee if you want extra adrenaline.

What food is included?
A BBQ buffet featuring grilled meats, salads, and local delicacies is included, with unlimited soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Can I take photos with a falcon or camel?
Absolutely. Most stops include opportunities to take photos with a falcon and enjoy a short camel ride—perfect for capturing memories.

What entertainment is provided?
Live cultural performances like belly dancing, Tanoura spinning, and fire shows are part of the evening, adding vibrant entertainment.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the activities and entertainment are family-friendly, and many reviews mention enjoying the experience with children.

In sum, this Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari delivers a satisfying mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment, all at an accessible price point. It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting a lively, authentic desert experience packed with memorable moments.