Red Dunes Sunset Safari with Camel Farm Visit & BBQ Dinner Dubai

Sunset in the red dunes of Lahbab

The whole programme is built around the sunset. Lahbab, about 45 minutes south-east of Dubai off the Hatta road, is known for its tall dunes of iron-rich red sand, and in the last hour of daylight they turn from copper to deep red and finally to soft purple. With no buildings on the horizon, the sun drops straight into the dunes, which is why this is one of the best places for a sunset desert safari in Dubai.

Your guide picks a high ridge away from the busiest tracks and gives you time to walk the crest, take photos and simply watch. Sunset falls between about 5:30 pm in winter and 7:10 pm in summer, and the 2:30 pm pickup leaves plenty of margin. Bring a charged phone: the guide also films and photographs the group during the activities.

Desert safari station and the 35-minute quad bike ride

The first stop is a desert safari station on the edge of the red dunes, with air-conditioned rest tents, modern restrooms, shops for drinks, snacks and scarves, and outdoor seating. While you rest, the guide lets air out of the tyres to prepare the 4x4 for the soft sand.

This default option includes a 35-minute self-drive quad bike ride, long enough to get confident on the machine and enjoy the open sand. After a safety briefing and helmet fitting you follow the marshal along a dedicated track through the dunes, with time to stop for photos. Quad biking is undertaken at your own risk, any damage to the bike is your responsibility and the activity is not covered by the provider's insurance, so international travel insurance is recommended.

Dune bashing and sandboarding on the red sand

Back in the air-conditioned 4x4, your licensed guide drives across the red sand for 30 to 40 minutes of dune bashing, cresting the ridges, sliding along their faces and dropping into the bowls between them. It is a rollercoaster on sand, and the drivers are trained to keep it controlled; tell them if you would like a gentler ride.

Then the car stops on a long smooth slope for sandboarding in the middle of the red sand. You can lie, sit or stand on the board and slide down as often as you like, and climbing back up is part of the fun. Sports shoes are useful here. Because of the motion, it is best not to eat for two or three hours before the safari.

Camel farm visit and camel ride

What sets this safari apart is the visit to a camel farm in the desert. Here you see how camels are raised today, from mothers with their calves to the slim racing camels trained for the winter races, and your guide explains their role in Emirati life: transport, milk, wool and pride. It is a favourite stop for children and photographers alike.

You then ride a camel across the sand. The camel kneels for you to climb on, rises in two swaying movements and walks calmly over the dunes; you can repeat the ride on request. If you are looking for a camel farm in Dubai to visit as part of a full evening, this is one of the easiest ways to see one.

Desert camp: dinner, Tanoura and folk shows

The evening ends at a traditional desert camp, where you are welcomed with a sprinkle of rose water, Arabic coffee, dates and sweets. Soft drinks, Arabic snacks and fruit salad are served, and you can have henna painted, try on Arabic dress for photos or relax in the free shisha corner in the designated area.

Dinner is a halal BBQ with an open buffet of grilled meats, rice, salads, breads and mezze, with vegetarian dishes. On stage, the fire show lights up the dark, folk dancers perform and the Tanoura dancer spins for minutes on end in layered, glowing skirts. Dance shows are not held during Ramadan and on some religious days. You are back at your hotel about seven hours after pickup.