Dubai: Sunset Camel Trek, Al Khayma Camp, Stargazing & BBQ

Traveling to Dubai offers a chance to explore futuristic skyscrapers and luxury shopping, but for a taste of true Arabian culture, this tour stands out. It promises a blend of scenic rides, cultural activities, and evening entertainment—all in the stunning backdrop of the desert. While it’s a packaged experience, the variety of activities, the skilled guides, and the overall ambiance make it a worthwhile outing.

What we love most about this trip is the 45-minute camel ride through shimmering dunes at sunset, the authentic Bedouin camp atmosphere, and the stargazing session that reveals the night sky far from city lights. The delicious BBQ buffet and lively performances add to the genuine desert vibe. However, a note to consider is that it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or young children under five, so it’s best for travelers in good health looking for a cultural and scenic experience.

This tour is perfect for those wanting to combine adventure with cultural touches, and for travelers who appreciate well-organized activities with authentic entertainment. If you’re seeking a memorable evening that’s different from Dubai’s glitz and glamour, this trip could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences with henna, falcon photos, and dress-up opportunities
• Longer camel ride (around 40-45 minutes) for a true desert adventure
• Stargazing through telescopes in a clear desert night sky
• Delicious BBQ buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options
• Excellent guides like Tahir, Hammid, and Wajahat are praised for their professionalism and friendliness
• Well-organized logistics, including hotel pickup/drop-off and transportation

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Seamless Pickup and Comfortable Transport

Your adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, a feature travelers consistently praise. Guides like Tahir, Hammid, and Nadeem are known for their professionalism and friendly attitude, making the journey through Dubai’s outskirts into the desert smooth and engaging. Expect to be picked up roughly an hour before sunset, with timing adjusted in summer to beat the heat—an important detail to keep in mind.

The Camel Ride: A Dune-Backed Highlight

The camel trek is a central part of the experience, with most reviews emphasizing its length—around 40 minutes—which is considered generous compared to shorter rides offered elsewhere. Riders are paired with one camel each, and guides are attentive, helping with photos and ensuring safety. Multiple reviews describe the camels as gentle and well-behaved, making the ride suitable even for first-timers.

Guests often share that the sunset views from the dunes make this part especially magical. As one reviewer noted, “The drive to the desert was smooth, and his professionalism and kindness made the whole experience unforgettable.” Riding across the dunes during sunset offers a perfect blend of serenity and stunning scenery, ideal for memorable photos.

Visiting the Bedouin Camp: Culture and Activities

Upon arriving at the Al Khayma Camp, the scene shifts to a lively yet authentic Bedouin setting. The camp is decorated to evoke traditional Arabian hospitality, featuring tents, lanterns, and local treats like Arabic coffee, dates, and Luqaimat sweets. Guides like Tahir and Hammid bring the camp alive with their knowledgeable commentary and enthusiasm, making newcomers feel welcomed.

Traditional activities include henna painting (particularly for women), dressing in local attire for photos, and posing with a falcon—a favorite among visitors. Several reviews mention how guides help guests capture perfect moments, noting that “they took lots of photos on our devices” and “made us feel safe and comfortable.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Entertainment and Food: A Feast for the Senses

As the evening unfolds, guests can enjoy live performances such as traditional Yola dance, falconry shows, fire displays, and even a horse show. These add a lively, authentic touch that enhances the overall experience. The BBQ buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options receives high praise, with reviews describing the food as “delicious,” “fresh,” and “more than enough.”

Guests can indulge while watching the entertainment, which includes traditional music and dance, creating a festive desert atmosphere. One reviewer described it as “an evening full of laughter and building memories,” which sums up the overall mood.

Stargazing: The Night Sky Unveiled

As the camp lights dim, the highlight for many is stargazing through powerful telescopes. Away from Dubai’s city lights, the clear desert sky allows for spectacular views of planets, stars, and even Saturn or Jupiter, as reported by visitors. One guest mentioned, “I saw the moon through a telescope for the first time, which was pretty impressive,” emphasizing how this adds a touch of wonder to the night.

Drop-Off and Overall Logistics

After a full evening of activities, guides ensure guests are comfortably returned to their hotels or designated locations. The entire tour is considered well-organized, with timely pickups and friendly staff making the journey hassle-free.

Assessing the Value for Money

Priced at $88 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package of activities, food, and entertainment. When you consider the length of the camel ride, the cultural activities, and the quality of food and shows, many reviewers agree it’s a good value. Not only do you get to experience Dubai’s desert landscape, but you also gain insights into Bedouin traditions, captured in photos and memories.

The flexibility to book now and pay later adds to the convenience, especially if your plans are not yet set in stone. Be aware that infants under five, pregnant women, or those with health issues should probably skip the camel ride, but the camp offers plenty of other visual and cultural delights.

What to Keep in Mind Before Booking

• Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and sunglasses are recommended, given the outdoor nature of the experience.
• Luggage or large bags are not permitted at the camp for safety and space reasons.
• The duration varies based on pickup and drop-off times, so plan accordingly.
• The tour is not suitable for children under five or pregnant women, and those with back problems should consider whether camel riding is appropriate.
• The evening timing in summer shifts slightly earlier or later due to heat, so keep an eye on notifications.

Authentic Touches and Reviewer Insights

With over 2,400 reviews averaging 4.9/5, this experience clearly resonates with many travelers. Numerous reviewers praise their guides—such as Tahir, Hammid, Wajahat, and Babaa—for making everyone feel safe, comfortable, and informed. Several mention that they were encouraged to take photos with falcons or dress in traditional attire, making the experience more personal and memorable.

Several guests highlight the quality of the food, describing the BBQ buffet as “amazing,” “delicious,” and “enough to satisfy everyone,” with vegetarian options also available. The entertainment—including fire shows, falconry, and traditional dance—adds cultural richness that many travelers find captivating.

The stargazing experience receives special mention, with guests appreciating the opportunity to view planets and stars through telescopes, an activity often missed in other desert tours.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a taste of Bedouin culture while enjoying a scenic desert ride. It’s also perfect for families and couples looking for a relaxed yet lively evening outside the city. If you’re after authentic activities and high-quality entertainment, this tour won’t disappoint.

However, if you prefer extreme dune bashing or wild adventure, other options might suit you better. Likewise, those with mobility concerns or pregnant women should consider the camel ride carefully, but many of the camp’s other activities remain accessible.

FAQs

How long is the camel ride?
Most reviews mention a 40-minute camel trek, making it a substantial and enjoyable experience rather than a quick ride.

What is included in the tour?
The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a guided camel trek, visit to the Bedouin camp, henna painting, falcon photos, shisha pipe, traditional shows, and a BBQ buffet with drinks.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, the BBQ buffet caters to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences, with many guests praising the quality and variety of the food.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under five, and pregnant women or those with back issues are advised against camel riding. However, the camp offers many cultural activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), sunglasses, and perhaps a camera or phone for photos—luggage or large bags are not permitted at the camp.

What if I don’t want to do the camel ride?
While the camel trek is a highlight, guests can still enjoy the camp, food, and shows. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand if you have specific concerns.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, with flexible booking options, you can reserve your spot and pay later, making last-minute plans easier.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is conducted mainly outdoors, so extreme weather might lead to rescheduling or cancellation, but this is rare. Always check with the provider if weather conditions are a concern.

This Dubai desert experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Bedouin traditions, paired with scenic rides and spectacular night skies. It’s a fantastic way to break away from Dubai’s modern buzz and connect with the desert’s timeless beauty. The guides’ friendliness, the high-quality food, and the variety of activities ensure that you’ll leave with plenty of memories—and photos—of your Arabian adventure.

While it’s not for everyone, especially those with mobility concerns or expecting, it’s a trip that those seeking cultural authenticity, natural beauty, and lively entertainment will find rewarding. Priced at just $88, it’s a surprisingly accessible way to add a unique chapter to your Dubai trip.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned desert explorer, this tour combines the essentials of desert life with the comforts and safety of a professional operator, creating a memorable experience you’ll cherish well beyond your trip.

Note: Always confirm the latest details and timings with the tour provider, as schedules may adjust seasonally or due to weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: