Premium Desert safari With Dune buggy camel ride BBQ dinner

Sand, speed, and camel smiles in one trip. This Premium Desert Safari in Dubai mixes dune-buggy thrills with a classic desert camp night, all with hotel pickup and a sunset slot.

I love that you get real hands-on time in the sand, not just a passenger seat. The 30-minute self dune buggy ride at Lahbab is led by an English-speaking instructor, and the vehicles are described with safety features like a roll cage, plus 4-wheel drive and adjustable suspension.

I also love the full camp experience at Al Awir, where you get a Bedouin-style BBQ dinner with live entertainment after a camel ride and sand time. The one thing to keep in mind is that the self-drive buggy portion is timed, so if you want nonstop adrenaline, plan for the rest of the evening to be more relaxed and social.

Key highlights at a glance

• Self-driven dune buggy time in Lahbab: about 30 minutes with instruction, safety gear, and 4-wheel drive.
• Sandboarding at The Edge of Desert: a photo stop built in, plus a fun way to move fast downhill.
• Camel ride included at the Al Awir camp: a gentle cultural touch right before sunset.
• BBQ dinner plus live dance entertainment: served as an international buffet with veg and non-veg options.
• Small group size: up to 30 travelers, with pickup and drop-off by SUV from Dubai and Sharjah.

Premium Desert Safari, 7 Hours of Desert Energy and Camp Calm

This is the kind of day where you stop thinking about your schedule and start following the rhythm of the desert. Pickup gets you out of the city, then you swap traffic for dunes, followed by camp dinner and live entertainment as the light fades.

The value here is that the tour is built around variety. You’re not only doing dune bashing vibes, you’re driving a buggy, trying sandboarding, and then switching gears to a camp evening with food and shows.

Because it runs about 7 hours (starting at 2:30 pm), it also fits nicely if you want one big activity without taking your whole day. It’s perfect for couples who want a romantic sunset, friends who want to trade photos on the dunes, and anyone who likes action but also wants an actual dinner afterward.

Lahbab Dune Buggying: Your 30 Minutes of Real Control

Lahbab is where the tour turns into a hands-on adventure. This is the sand playground the operators use for buggy sessions, and the set-up matters because you’re not just watching the desert, you’re steering through it.

Your buggy time is about 30 minutes, and it’s positioned as a self-drive experience with professional instruction. That’s a big deal for value. In many desert trips, most people spend their time being driven around, which is fun, but it doesn’t scratch the same itch as controlling your own vehicle.

The vehicles are described as 4-wheel drive with adjustable suspension, adjustable seating, and a roll cage. You also get features like GPS navigation and a high-end stereo system mentioned in the description, which tells me the goal is to keep the ride comfortable and less chaotic, even when the terrain gets bumpy.

What you can do to get the most out of your session

You’ll enjoy it more if you treat the buggy ride like a skill, not a stunt. Hold on firmly during climbs and turns, follow the instructor’s line choices, and ask for quick tips if you feel unsure about where you should aim.

Also, if your guide is someone like Hashim, you might get a calm, safety-focused style plus help with great photos. Several experiences highlight guides like Hashim, Majid, Ali, and Abdul Rahman for making the trip feel well managed and friendly, so it’s worth being ready with questions.

The Edge of Desert Sandboarding and Photo Stop That Actually Helps

Sandboarding is one of those activities that sounds simple until you’re standing on the slope and realize gravity has opinions. Here, you get sandboarding with a stop at The Edge of Desert for sandboarding and a photo stop.

What I like about this is that it’s built as a quick, doable add-on, not a long class. You get enough time to try it, then you move on instead of losing the whole sunset window to instruction.

A sandboard session also has a practical benefit: it gives you an excuse to slow down and look around. You’ll want to grab photos of the dunes once you’re off the board and standing still. That photo stop timing can matter, because desert light is best when the sun is low and the sand starts to glow.

A small consideration before you go

Sandboarding can be a bit messy. If you’re planning to wear something that stains easily or you hate getting sand in your shoes, be prepared. Light, washable layers and shoes you don’t mind cleaning are your friends.

Al Awir Camp: Camel Ride, Sunset Timing, and Live Entertainment

After the buggy time, the tour shifts into camp mode at Al Awir. This is where the evening becomes more about atmosphere than speed, and you’ll feel that right away.

The camp experience includes a camel ride, described as a gentle ride that offers a glimpse into traditional desert life. It’s a nice pacing change after the dunes, and it also gives you a slower way to enjoy the scenery right before sunset.

The sunset part matters more than people think. In the desert, the sky lighting is a total mood change, and it’s one of the most photogenic moments of the night. If you care about photos, this is the time to be ready, not hunting your phone five minutes later.

Live entertainment: what it feels like

Once night falls, you’ll enjoy live entertainment shows featuring traditional dance performances. The overview specifically mentions belly-dancing, and the camp entertainment is framed as rhythmic, costume-driven performances meant to entertain you as you eat and relax.

This section is also where having a small group size (up to 30) can help. You’ll usually find it easier to move around, get a seat, and enjoy the show without feeling like you’re in a giant conveyor belt of people.

Bedouin-Style BBQ Dinner and Showtime Details You’ll Appreciate

Dinner is served in a Bedouin-style camp, and it’s not treated like a quick snack. You get live BBQ plus an international buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

One practical touch: dinner is served on your table. That’s helpful because you can focus on eating and enjoying the evening instead of playing buffet soccer with a crowd.

You’ll also have cold drinks and mineral water included. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you’re the type who likes a drink with dinner, you’ll want to plan around that ahead of time.

What makes this dinner portion feel worth it

Plenty of desert safaris offer a generic meal, but here the package is designed to be a full event. You’re pairing food with live entertainment, so even if you’re not in a dancing mood, there’s still an ongoing show to make the time pass comfortably.

The camp setting also works well if you’re traveling with mixed energy levels. The adrenaline crowd can talk dune driving details, while quieter folks can enjoy the camel ride memories and desert night vibe.

Pickup, Timing, and Group Size: The Logistics That Make It Feel Smooth

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence in Dubai and Sharjah by SUV. That’s a practical win because getting to the desert on your own can be the part of Dubai that feels most like work.

Start time is 2:30 pm, and the total experience is about 7 hours. That timing lines up well with the desert rhythm: late afternoon for the action, evening for sunset and dinner, then entertainment as it gets dark.

The maximum group size is 30 travelers. That matters for two reasons. First, it usually keeps the buggy and camp experience from feeling overcrowded. Second, it gives the staff a better chance to keep things organized and safe when everyone arrives around the same time.

Price and Value: Is $175.89 Fair for What You Get?

At $175.89 per person, this safari isn’t the cheapest option in Dubai. But you are paying for structure and activity density, not just scenery.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which saves you transport headaches.
• You get 30 minutes of self-driven dune buggy time, which is one of the most costly activities to operate safely and logistically.
• You also get sandboarding, a camel ride, and a camp dinner with live entertainment, plus cold drinks and mineral water.

When you compare it to a basic desert trip where you might only be a passenger for the thrilling part, the buggy time is the differentiator. That’s the main reason I see this as a premium option rather than a standard outing.

Also, the dinner is included as a buffet with live BBQ and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. That’s another cost center you don’t have to think about during the evening.

A drawback to factor into your decision

The self-drive buggy portion is timed. If your personal definition of a premium safari is hours behind the wheel, you might find 30 minutes on your own isn’t enough. If your definition is a balanced mix of driving, sand fun, and a full camp dinner, then it fits well.

What to Wear, What to Bring, and How to Enjoy the Ride More

Desert days are all about friction, sand, and comfort. Keep it practical and you’ll enjoy everything more.

• Wear closed-toe shoes you can tolerate getting sandy.
• Bring a light layer for the evening as temperatures shift.
• If you care about photos, wipeable phone cases and a small towel help.

For the buggy portion, pay attention to the instructor’s safety instructions. The best rides come from smooth control and good line choices, not from fighting the dunes.

And if you’re sensitive to intense movement, keep your body loose and grip firmly. Some people find dune driving exciting in a way that feels intense, but the safe-driver style from guides like Hashim, Ali, and Abdul Rahman is repeatedly associated with a calm, organized feeling.

Who Should Book This Safari, and Who Might Skip It

This is a great fit if you want:

• Active desert time with real driving, not only being carried around.
• A camp evening that includes dinner and traditional entertainment.
• A smooth day with pickup from Dubai or Sharjah.

You might want a different option if:

• You only want dune driving and nothing else, because the day includes camp time and dinner.
• You expect alcohol to be part of dinner, since alcoholic beverages are not included.
• You want very long buggy sessions, since your self-drive time is about 30 minutes.

Best match: couples, small friend groups, and anyone who wants a well-rounded desert “day to night” plan without having to organize multiple separate activities.

Should You Book Royal Excursion Tours Premium Desert Safari?

If you like the sound of driving a dune buggy yourself, trying sandboarding, and finishing with a proper BBQ buffet and live entertainment, this is an easy yes. The included pickup, the structured camp evening, and the value created by stacking multiple desert experiences into one package make it feel like money spent with purpose.

Book it if your priority is a full desert day where action and atmosphere both matter. Skip it if you only want nonstop thrills behind the wheel, or if you specifically want alcohol included with dinner.

If you do book, come ready to get sandy, listen to the instructor, and plan your photos for sunset and camp time, not during the busiest moments.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Premium Desert Safari with Dune Buggy and Camel Ride?

The tour runs for about 7 hours.

What time does the safari start?

The start time is 2:30 pm.

Is pickup and drop-off included, and where does it operate?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or residence in Dubai and Sharjah by SUV.

What activities are included in the experience?

It includes a 30-minute self dune buggy ride, sandboarding and a photo stop at The Edge of Desert, a free camel ride, and live entertainment shows. Dinner is also included.

Is dinner included, and what kind of meal is it?

Yes. Dinner is included as live BBQ plus an international buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, served on your table.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Do I get a ticket, and is it mobile?

You receive a mobile ticket.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum is 30 travelers.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.