Into the Dunes: A Day of Camel Rides, Quad Biking & BBQ in the Desert

Into the Dunes: A Day of Camel Rides, Quad Biking & BBQ in the Desert

Last updated on March 17, 2026 by W R

Dune bashing and everything related to the desert are what Dubai is all about. No adventure is complete without trying some of the amazing activities and adventures in the desert. Everything from camel riding to quad biking and having a BBQ in the desert is all part of the desert experience you must try when you are in Dubai. It is what many people wish to experience when they go to desert cities like this. These are unique activities that you could only do in the dunes. Here is what a day out in the dunes would be like in Dubai.

Into the Dunes: A Day of Camel Rides, Quad Biking & BBQ in the Desert

Tour Overview: Into the Dunes

The tour starts with a convenient hotel pick up where your tour agent arranges a fully air-conditioned vehicle for the journey. It takes you to the stunning desert region, renowned for its red dunes. In this excursion, you get to venture into the dunes and stay in a desert camp. After nibbling on some dates and coffee, you can take off on an adrenaline-pumping quad bike ride across the dunes. Next, you can go on a camel ride, get a henna tattoo, and experience many more fun and interesting activities when you step into the dunes. Read on to find out what’s typically included in a tour in the dunes.

What’s included in a typical tour: Into the Dunes

Desert Adventure: Into the Dunes

Desert Adventure

A typical tour into the dunes includes the following:

  • Desert safari with quad ride and BBQ dinner
  • Ride on a four-wheel drive as the sun sets over the desert
  • A warm welcome with Arabic coffee and dates at a Bedouin-style camp
  • A ride on a camel
  • Feast on a BBQ dinner under the stars
  • Enjoy a performance by belly dancers
  • Watch a tanoura folk dance
  • Watch henna artists at work and get a beautiful henna tattoo on yourself

Itinerary

Your ride from the hotel into the dunes will be quite interesting when you hear fascinating stories about Dubai from your drivers and tour guides. As you head to the desert, you will be in for dune bashing. So, make sure you hold tight as the four-wheel drive ploughs up the slopes before sliding back down.

 

After that, you head on to sip on some Arabic coffee and nibble on some dates at Bedouin-style camps. Also, you can try piping on aromatic shisha while sipping on your coffee. These are unique experiences to try when you are in Dubai. Next, if you are off for a quad bike ride, you have to pay attention to the safety briefing. Wear the helmet they provide for the adventure, and zoom around the desert in style. Feel the breeze hitting you while you move around the desert at high speed.

 

After that, you can visit a camel farm and even ride one of these desert species. Moreover, you can admire beautiful sand art and watch henna artists at work. When darkness falls, it’s time to indulge in a delectable meal. This includes shawarma, Arabic kebabs and salads, along with complimentary sodas and drinks. Wrap up the night while watching an amazing performance by belly dancers and the fantastic spins of tanoura dancers. Satisfy your taste buds and your senses by watching an intensifying performance at the dunes.

Desert Safari BBQ Dinner: Into the Dunes

Desert Safari BBQ Dinner

Additional Information

Here are some extra details to keep in mind with regard to the journey into the dunes.

  • Make sure you receive a confirmation at the time of booking the tour.
  • Children under 4 years may not be allowed on the tour.
  • This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back pain, or those suffering from heart conditions or any other serious medical complications.
  • Other than the above, most people can enjoy this tour to the fullest.

What to expect in a typical tour into the Dunes

Desert Safari

Desert Safari

Here is a brief of what you can expect as inclusions in your tour into the dunes. All of this comes with the tour package, so you don’t have to worry about arranging them separately.

  • Pickup and drop-off by four-wheel drive vehicles
  • Dune bashing
  • Quad biking
  • Camel riding
  • Sandboarding
  • Henna painting
  • Shisha pipe in a shisha tent
  • Belly dance show
  • Tanoura dance show
  • Arabic folk dance
  • Fire show
  • Unlimited water & drinks
  • Tea & coffee
  • Buffet dinner with both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options

 

You should bear any other expenses apart from what is mentioned above. These additional amenities and features could be requested based on your preferences.

Meeting and Pickup

Most tour operators pick up guests from almost every hotel in Dubai. If the hotel you are staying at is not mentioned in the list of pickup points, you may mention the hotel name in the remarks section. Your vehicle will arrive at the said location accordingly. You must note that tour guides will not pick you up from private residences and apartments. So you need to find the closest hotel or pickup point from the allocated lists. You must be ready at the hotel lobby at least 5 minutes before the allocated pickup time.

Information before booking

Here are some details about the tour that you must know before going on it.

  • An average level of physical activity is involved in dune bashing and sandboarding, so be prepared for it.
  • Quad biking is a self-driven activity, and you must wear the safety gear and follow the safety instructions.
  • Notify the tour operators of any dietary restrictions in advance.
  • Children should at all times be under the supervision of adults throughout the tour.
  • The tour is subject to change based on the weather or other operational conditions.

Into the Dunes: Activities

Here are the activities that you will be engaged in during your journey into the dunes.

Quad Biking

Quad Biking

Quad Biking

Quad biking is a thrilling activity which involves navigating a powerful quad bike on the rugged terrain of the Arabian Desert. Quad biking on the towering red dunes promises an exhilarating experience, whether you are a beginner or an expert in the activity.

SandBoarding

Sandboarding

Sandboarding

Sandboarding is another thrilling desert adventure which involves gliding down the soft dunes. This thrilling adventure combines gliding down the sand while enjoying the unique and stunning beauty of the Arabian Desert.

Camel Riding

Camel Riding: Into the Dunes

Camel Riding

A peaceful ride on a camel is the best option for those who want a quiet desert adventure. Moreover, it could even be a great option for thrill seekers to try out a different activity altogether. This traditional mode of transport gives you a feel of how the Arabs moved on and about back in the day. It gives you a taste of the Bedouin lifestyle with picturesque views of the desert at sunset.

 

Finally, you get to enjoy a delicious meal at the tent and watch some amazing performances like belly dancing, tanoura shows, fire shows, and more.

Wrap-Up

Your journey into the dunes is definitely going to be something that you remember from your holiday in Dubai. It’s something that anyone who goes to Dubai must experience at least once. Step into the dunes for a mesmerising lineup of events and wrap it up with a delectable meal under the stars.