Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

4.99

(234 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try?” our driver grinned as he pointed at the line of quad bikes just outside Dubai. I hesitated (I’m not exactly an off-road type), but my friend was already bargaining with the owner — in Arabic, which got him a thumbs-up. The air smelled like warm sand and petrol. We didn’t go for the bikes in the end, but it set the mood: everyone out here seemed up for a laugh or a little risk.

The 4x4 dune bashing was louder than I expected — tires squealing over ridges, everyone sliding into each other on the seats. Our guide, Amir, kept checking if we were okay (“Too much?” he joked). I tried sandboarding after that; mostly fell on my backside but the sand was surprisingly cool under my hands. The light changed fast — one minute harsh yellow, then suddenly everything went soft and gold. You don’t really get silence until you’re out there. Even the camels looked bored by us city people wobbling around on their backs.

By sunset we reached this camp where they handed out tiny cups of gahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates — tasted earthy and sweet at once. There were henna artists swirling designs onto hands (I smudged mine almost immediately), and later, dancers spinning so fast their skirts blurred. The fire show made everyone gasp; sparks flying into the dark while someone nearby tried shisha for the first time and coughed so hard even the locals laughed. The BBQ buffet was better than I’d expected — smoky lamb, flatbreads warm from the grill, salads with mint I still remember.

I didn’t expect to feel so far from Dubai after just an hour’s drive — or to notice how quiet it gets between all that music and laughter. Sometimes you catch yourself looking up at stars you never see back in town. That’s what stuck with me most, honestly.