1. . Hotel Pick-up and Drive to the Desert (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

Your evening starts with a hotel pick-up in a 4×4 vehicle—often a Land Cruiser or Jeep—operated by experienced drivers who will take you to the Lahbab Desert or Al Awir Desert, popular regions known for their scenic red dunes. The journey from the city to the desert takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the driver may give a brief introduction to the safari’s activities and safety guidelines.

2. Dune Bashing and Sunset Photography (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

The first major highlight of the safari is dune bashing—a thrilling 20 to 30-minute drive over the rolling sand dunes. Professional drivers maneuver the vehicle through steep slopes and sharp turns, giving participants an adrenaline-pumping ride through the desert’s natural landscape. The experience is exciting but safe, with the vehicles equipped with roll cages and air-conditioning for comfort.

After the exhilarating drive, there’s a stop at a scenic viewpoint to capture the sunset. This is the perfect opportunity for photographers to document the sun dipping below the horizon, creating breathtaking views over the sand dunes.

3. Arrival at the Camp and Activities (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Upon arrival at the Bedouin-style camp, you are welcomed with traditional Arabic hospitality, which includes dates, Arabic coffee (Gahwa), and tea. The camp serves as the heart of the evening, offering a variety of activities designed to give visitors a taste of Emirati culture.

Some of the most popular activities include:

• Camel Rides: Short but delightful camel rides around the camp.
• Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a board—a favorite among adventure lovers.
• Henna Painting: Get intricate henna tattoos applied by local artists.
• Shisha Smoking: Relax in the shisha lounge and enjoy flavored tobacco.

Optional activities such as quad biking or dune buggy rides are available for an additional fee. You can also dress up in traditional Emirati clothing and take photographs as a keepsake.

4. BBQ Dinner and Cultural Entertainment (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

As night falls, the focus shifts to the camp’s open-air stage, where live performances take center stage. While enjoying the entertainment, guests are served a lavish BBQ buffet featuring a variety of Arabian and international dishes. The buffet usually includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with popular dishes like grilled meats, salads, hummus, and fresh bread.

The cultural shows are a highlight of the evening:

• Tanoura Dance: A whirling dervish performance, where dancers spin in colorful skirts.
• Belly Dance: A traditional Arabic dance performed to upbeat music.
• Fire Shows: Spectacular fire juggling acts to captivate the audience.

The combination of food, music, and dance offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.

5. Return to Hotel (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

After the dinner and entertainment, the safari concludes with a comfortable return transfer to your hotel. As you journey back to Dubai, you can reflect on the evening’s experiences under the starry desert sky. The drop-off typically occurs between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM, depending on your location in the city.