Dubai Desert Safari: 4x4 Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Shows

4.86

(417 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“If you close your eyes for just a second, you’ll miss the best part,” our driver Rashid grinned as he let some air out of the Land Cruiser’s tires. I didn’t really get what he meant until we hit the first dune—suddenly my stomach dropped and everyone in the back burst out laughing (nervous or excited? Hard to tell). The sand was everywhere, even in my shoes somehow. Dubai’s city noise felt a million miles away. The sun was already low and the light made everything look kind of gold and soft around us.

We stopped at this camp that looked almost unreal against the sand—lanterns hanging from ropes, people pouring tiny cups of Arabic coffee. I tried a date (sticky sweet) while an older woman drew a swirl of henna on my hand. She smiled when I tried to thank her in Arabic—I think she understood me, or maybe she was just being polite. There were families and couples all around, some folks trying on those long flowing robes for photos. I gave it a go too but honestly looked more like someone lost at a costume party.

The camel ride was shorter than I expected but bumpier—my friend nearly slid off when the camel stood up (we laughed so hard even Rashid cracked up). Afterward, we found ourselves just sitting quietly for a minute watching the sky change colors over the dunes. The air smelled like grilled meat and something sweet—maybe cardamom? When dinner started it was this huge spread: BBQ chicken, rice, salads, veggie stuff too if you want it. I probably ate too much but whatever—it’s not every day you’re eating under desert stars.

Later there were these wild performances—belly dancing with jangling coins and a guy spinning in circles so fast his skirt turned into a blur of color. Someone handed me shisha; I coughed once and gave up (not my thing). By then it was dark except for the fire show lighting up everyone’s faces. On the drive back to Dubai I kept thinking about that moment right before sunset—quiet except for wind and laughter somewhere behind me. It sticks with you longer than you’d think.