High Red Dunes with Camel Ride, Sandboarding, Falcon Show and VIP BBQ Dinner

Traveling to Dubai often means marveling at its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, but the desert offers a different kind of magic. This tour promises a full evening of exhilarating activities, culture, and delicious food—all within around 7 hours. Based on dozens of rave reviews, it’s clear this experience hits the right notes for many travelers.

What we love about this tour is the mix of adrenaline and culture, the attention to detail from guides, and the luxurious VIP treatment during dinner. The tour’s accessibility is also a major plus—hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics stress-free. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the upselling tactics at the start, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious travelers.

This experience suits those looking for a comprehensive desert adventure with a touch of luxury—families, couples, and groups of friends who want a genuine taste of Dubai’s desert life will find it especially appealing.

Key Points

• Authentic cultural activities like falcon shows, henna painting, and belly dancing add a special touch.
• Multiple adventure options including dune bashing, sandboarding, and optional quad biking provide adrenaline and fun.
• Comfortable transportation and guided tours ensure a stress-free experience from start to finish.
• Delicious BBQ dinner with VIP service offers a relaxing end to a day full of excitement.
• Authentic guides like Abdullah and Iqbal are praised for their knowledge and friendly approaches.
• The tour offers great value for money considering the variety of activities, transportation, and included meals.

An Introduction to the Desert Safari Experience

We’ve reviewed many desert tours in Dubai, but this one stands out for its balanced blend of adventure, culture, and comfort. It’s designed to give travelers a taste of everything in a single day—making it ideal for those who want a full, authentic experience without the hassle of booking multiple activities separately.

What makes this tour especially appealing are the well-organized itinerary and attentive guides. Plus, the value is hard to beat at just $80 per person, considering the inclusions like hotel transfers, meals, and entertainment. For first-timers or those wanting a memorable desert adventure, this tour offers a comprehensive package.

That said, it’s not suited for those who prefer a quiet, contemplative experience or travelers with mobility issues, as some activities involve moderate physical effort. Also, the upselling tactic at the start might be a turnoff for some, but most reviews confirm the core experiences are well worth it.

What We Love About This Tour

1. The Variety of Activities
From the adrenaline rush of dune bashing to the tranquil beauty of a sunset camel ride, this tour packs in diverse experiences. The sandboarding is surprisingly fun—reviewers mention how soft, silky sands make sliding down a thrill. The optional quad bike rides are a favorite among adventure lovers, and guides tend to encourage participation without pressure.

2. Cultural Highlights
The falcon show is a standout, offering a glimpse into native Emirati traditions. Several reviews note that you can hold a falcon on your shoulder—a real highlight for photo lovers. Henna painting and belly dancing performances add authentic touches that enrich the evening, making it more than just a thrill ride.

3. The Guides and Service
Many reviewers praise guides like Abdullah, Iqbal, and Shabir for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to create a relaxed atmosphere. Their local insights and careful driving help maximize safety and enjoyment. One reviewer even called Iqbal “the best dunes driver in the world,” which speaks volumes about the quality of the ride.

4. Quality Dining and Entertainment
The VIP BBQ dinner with a skyroof view stands out as a luxurious ending. The food is described as delicious and plentiful, with vegetarian options available. Nighttime shows like belly dancing and tanoura dance keep the energy up, while the star-lit sky creates a magical ambiance.

5. Hassle-Free Logistics
Pickup and drop-off from your hotel make the experience seamless. The tour typically lasts about 7 hours, meaning you get a full day of fun without the stress of planning. The small group size (up to 50 travelers) helps keep the atmosphere intimate and engaging.

6. Value for Money
Considering all the activities, meals, transportation, and professional guides, many reviews agree this tour offers excellent value. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines adventure, culture, and comfort—all for a reasonable price.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Dubai Hotel Pickup

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Dubai. The air-conditioned Land Cruiser ensures comfort during the roughly 50-minute drive to the desert. Some reviewers mention that the staff is punctual and friendly—making the start of your day smooth.

Stop 2: Lahbab Desert and Dune Bashing

Once in the desert, the guide adjusts tire pressures for optimal dune driving. This is where the adrenaline kicks in. The dune bashing lasts around 30-45 minutes, with drivers expertly conquering high, soft red dunes. Reviewers describe this as “thrilling” and mention feeling safe thanks to professional guides like Abdullah and Hamid.

The guide often encourages guests to try sandboarding afterward—sitting on a board and surfing over the dunes. The sand’s silky texture makes sliding surprisingly smooth and fun, even for beginners. Multiple reviews highlight how enjoyable and safe this activity is, especially with clear instructions.

Optional Quad Biking

Some travelers opt for an additional thrill with quad biking, which is available as an upgrade. Guides are generally accommodating, and many reviews praise the opportunity to try this fun activity. However, it’s worth noting that the upselling process at the start might catch some off guard, so be prepared if you’re not interested in extra costs.

Stop 3: Sunset Camel Ride and Cultural Activities

As the sun begins to set, you’ll enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style seating area. Many guests say the sunset views are breathtaking and perfect for photos. Camel rides are typically around 15 minutes and are designed to be gentle, making it suitable for most guests.

Following this, the falcon show offers insight into Emirati falconry—an ancient tradition. Guests often mention how friendly the falcons are and how special it is to hold one. During this time, henna artists are available for those wanting a temporary tattoo, adding a fun, cultural touch to your evening.

Dinner and Evening Entertainment

The final hours are dedicated to a VIP BBQ buffet, served under the stars. The food is described as delicious, with a variety of options including vegetarian dishes. Many reviewers mention the attentive service and generous portions.

Live entertainment, such as belly dancing and Tanoura shows, keeps the energy lively. Some reviewers note that the VIP setup means you sit right in front of the stage, with your food served at your seat—enhancing the luxury feel.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour:

• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel
• Licensed safari guide and transportation in a comfortable Land Cruiser
• Red dune bashing in Lahbab Desert
• Sandboarding and camel rides
• Sunset Bedouin seating with drinks, coffee, tea, and dates
• Falcon show and optional henna painting
• Belly dance and Tanoura dance performances
• VIP BBQ dinner with vegetarian options
• Bottled water, snacks, and tea/coffee

Not included:

• Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
• Quad biking (optional upgrade)
• Shisha (can be substituted locally at an extra charge)

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure and culture, this tour delivers in spades. The dune bashing is exhilarating, yet it’s paired with authentic activities like falconry and henna painting that ground the experience in local traditions. The guides’ friendliness and professionalism come through strongly in reviews, making the trip feel safe and personalized.

The VIP dinner and evening entertainment elevate the experience, making you feel pampered while soaking in the desert’s natural beauty. The value for money is clear, especially considering the wide range of activities, quality meals, and seamless logistics.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an all-in-one desert adventure, families seeking fun and cultural insights, or couples looking for a memorable outing. If you prefer a more relaxed experience or dislike upselling, it’s worth being aware of the initial sales approach.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel, making it easy to join without additional arrangements.

Can I try quad biking?
Yes, quad biking is available as an optional upgrade during the desert drive. It’s popular among thrill-seekers, though it involves an extra cost.

How long does dune bashing last?
Dune bashing typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, providing an adrenaline rush while ensuring safety with professional guides.

What cultural activities are included?
Guests can enjoy a falcon show, henna painting, and watch belly dancing, giving a taste of Emirati traditions and hospitality.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for outdoor activities is recommended. Some prefer layers, as desert temperatures can vary from hot daytime to cooler evenings.

Are meals included?
Yes, a delicious VIP BBQ buffet is part of the experience, with vegetarian options available. Drinks like alcohol are not included but can be purchased separately.

To sum it up…

This desert safari combines the thrill of dune bashing and sandboarding with rich cultural experiences, all wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package. The guides are highly praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day feel personalized and safe. The VIP BBQ dinner and live entertainment create a relaxing, memorable finale to an action-packed day.

It’s best suited for travelers who want to experience Dubai’s desert with a full palette of activities and a touch of luxury. Families, couples, or groups looking for a fun, authentic adventure will find this tour offers excellent value and lasting memories.

If you’re after a lively, engaging desert experience that balances fun, culture, and comfort, this tour should be at the top of your list. Just be prepared for some upselling at the start—and embrace the adventure that follows.