Dubai: Quad Bike Safari, Camels & Al Khayma Camp BBQ Dinner

Planning a desert adventure in Dubai? This tour offers a lively mix of adrenaline, culture, and delicious food. We’ve read countless reviews and here’s what you can expect from this highly-rated experience by OceanAir Travels.

What we love about this trip: the thrilling quad biking over red dunes, the chance to meet graceful camels, and the authentic Arabian BBQ dinner — all packed into one day. We also appreciate how the guides make everything smooth and safe, often going the extra mile to ensure you have a good time.

One thing to keep in mind is that quad biking is a self-driving activity, so it comes with risks and requires a level of comfort with driving. If you’re after a relaxing, purely observational experience, this might not be for you. But if you enjoy a blend of adventure and culture, this tour is a fantastic value for the price, especially given the included activities and shows.

This tour suits travelers who want a full day of genuine desert fun with a strong local flavor — perfect for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for an adrenaline rush combined with cultural insights.

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Key Points

Thrilling quad biking over steep red dunes offers adrenaline and fun.
Authentic Arabian camp experience with falcon photos, henna, and shisha.
Delicious BBQ buffet dinner with live entertainment including fire shows.
Knowledgeable guides like Salman Khan and Humayun make the day flow smoothly.
Multiple activities such as sandboarding, camel rides, and live shows enhance value.
Good reviews highlight excellent organization, friendly staff, and memorable moments.

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A Complete Look at the Desert Adventure Experience

When considering a desert tour that combines adventure, culture, and entertainment, this Dubai experience by OceanAir Travels hits many of the right notes. At just $65 per person, it packs in a variety of activities that make it a standout choice for travelers seeking full-value, fun, and authenticity.

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Easy and Comfortable Transportation

The tour kicks off with pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Dubai, with air-conditioned shared transportation. Reviewers frequently mention the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Salman Khan and Abdul Wahab, who ensure the journey is relaxed from start to finish. Knowing your transport is comfortable and punctual helps set a positive tone for the day.

Starting at the Red Dunes: Quad Biking & Sandboarding

Reaching the Lahbab desert, often called the Red Dunes, the highlight for many is the quad biking activity. Guided safety briefs prepare you for the self-driving thrill over the steep, soft sands. Multiple reviews praise the quality of this activity, with some mentioning guides like Tahir making sure everyone feels safe while having a blast.

Sandboarding is also included, offering a fun way to glide across the dunes. Reviewers like Helen and Tammy noted that the sandboarding was a highlight, with one describing it as “gliding through soft sands,” adding to the adventurous feel.

Camel Rides & Falcon Photos

Next, you’ll get the chance to climb aboard a camel — a quintessential Middle Eastern experience. Many reviews indicate that camel riding is repeated, and feeding the camels is also offered. Be aware that if you have back problems or are over 60, you might want to reconsider this activity, as suggested by the tour info.

Photos with falcons are a common highlight, as visitors get a chance to pose with these majestic birds, capturing memorable moments. The reviews mention guides taking the time to assist with photo opportunities, making these moments special.

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Desert Camp at Al Khayma

Transported to the Al Khayma desert camp, the atmosphere shifts to authentic Arabia. Guests are greeted with Arabic coffee and sweets, and the camp itself is described as spacious, well-organized, and welcoming. The camp is lively, with activities like henna tattoos for women, shisha smoking, and camel feeding.

Reviewers such as Anna and Sasha appreciated the well-structured camp environment, with plenty of photo ops, traditional performances, and the chance to relax after the adrenaline rush. The Arabian Buffet dinner with BBQ is a big draw, often praised for its variety and quality, with some describing it as “some of the best food” they’ve had in Dubai.

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Live Entertainment & Shows

No desert experience is complete without entertainment. Expect a Mega Fire Show, Yola dance, Falconry, and even an Arabian Horse Show. Reviewers highlight how these performances add a cultural touch to the night, making the experience more memorable.

Guests like Darragh and Ryan pointed out that the fire show was “great,” and others appreciated the atmosphere created by traditional music and dance. It’s a lively, colorful addition that keeps guests entertained well into the evening.

Extra Activities & Flexibility

The tour offers additional activities such as falcon photos, shisha, and even optional camel rides, often repeated based on guest preference. Such flexibility allows guests to tailor the experience to their interests.

Value for Money

At $65, this tour offers excellent value considering the variety of activities, transportation, meals, and entertainment included. Reviewers consistently mention that the experience exceeds expectations and is worth every dirham spent. The inclusiveness of drinks, sweets, henna tattoos, and photos further enhances the perceived value.

Practical Details and Considerations

Timing and group size appear well-managed, with pickups scheduled to accommodate Dubai’s summer heat, and most activities arranged in smooth succession. The tour lasts a full day, with some reviewers noting that the drive to and from the desert can involve a fair bit of time in the car, but the comfort and professionalism of the guides make this fly by.

Safety is emphasized, with participants signing indemnity forms and guides like Sufyan and Tahir being praised for their attentiveness. Quad biking is a self-driving activity, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with vehicle operation, and insurance coverage is not included, so travelers should consider additional coverage if needed.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen are essential. Since large bags aren’t allowed and minors under 10 are not permitted to ride ATVs alone, packing light and adhering to guidelines is advised.

Who Should Avoid Certain Activities

Guests with back issues, disabilities, or over 60 should reconsider camel rides and other physically demanding activities. Pregnant women also aren’t advised to participate in quad biking or camel rides.

Authentic Experiences that Keep Guests Coming Back

The reviews paint a picture of well-organized, professional tours with guides like Salman Khan, Humayun, and Tahir earning high praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and safety. Many reviewers highlight the personal touches—extra photos, support during activities, and genuine enthusiasm—that elevate the experience from a simple tour to a memorable adventure.

Guests also value the diverse entertainment at camp, from live fire shows to traditional dances, which provide a taste of Arabian culture alongside the thrill of the day’s adventures.

The Food: A Highlight

The BBQ buffet at Al Khayma Camp receives near-universal praise. Reviewers describe the food as “absolutely brilliant,” with a good variety that caters to different tastes. The evening shows are often paired with the meal, creating an immersive experience.

The Guides: The Unsung Heroes

Many testimonials emphasize that guides like Abdul Wahab, Sufyan, and Tahir weren’t just drivers but sources of knowledge and comfort, making the day enjoyable and safe. Their friendly demeanor and professionalism are a common theme in positive reviews.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

For those seeking a full-day desert adventure that combines thrill, culture, and entertainment, this tour provides fantastic value. The mix of activities keeps the day lively, and the guides’ friendly support ensures everyone feels comfortable. The included shows and authentic camp atmosphere make it a well-rounded experience that’s hard to beat at this price point.

While it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adrenaline along with culture, those with mobility issues or seeking a purely relaxed experience might find it a bit too energetic. Nevertheless, the overall positive reviews and high rating confirm this is a reliable, fun, and memorable outing.

If you’re in Dubai and want a taste of the desert’s adventure and charm without breaking the bank, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with shared air-conditioned transportation that ensures comfort throughout the day.

Can I participate if I’m a beginner?
Quad biking is self-driving, so some comfort with riding a vehicle is recommended. Guides provide safety instructions, but awareness of the risks involved is important.

Are there age restrictions?
Children aged 10-15 need to be accompanied by an adult for ATV rides, while ages 16-55 can ride alone. Minors under 10 are not permitted on ATVs.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen are advisable. Large luggage or bags aren’t allowed at the camp.

Is the tour suitable for people with health issues?
Guests with back problems, disabilities, or those over 60 should reconsider camel rides and other physically demanding activities.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This desert tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience in Dubai’s iconic landscape. With a blend of adventure, culture, and great food, it’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting more than just a selfie in the dunes.