Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks

REVIEW · DUBAI

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks

  • 5.038 reviews
  • From $100.00
Book on Viator →

Operated by Royal Vision Tourism · Bookable on Viator

Desert time gets real when you have a VIP table. This VIP Desert Safari in Dubai blends 4×4 dune bashing in Al Lahbab with a stage-front private table experience, plus live performances and dinner under the stars. I like that the day is packed but still organized, with welcome refreshments right away. One catch: add-ons like quad bikes/dune buggies and shisha are not included in the $100 price.

The trip also runs late afternoon into the evening, and the opening window is 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. I appreciate the human touch too, since the operator’s team has named staff member Asif in past responses to feedback. If you want the full VIP vibe, plan for a long but fun 6 to 8 hours.

Key things to notice before you go

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - Key things to notice before you go

  • Al Lahbab 4×4 dune bashing with pickup by 4×4 Land Cruiser
  • VIP stage-front seating with table service that includes 4 alcoholic drinks
  • Camel riding + sand boarding plus sunset photo stops in the desert
  • Henna painting and Arabian outfit photo moments built into the flow
  • A full show lineup: Tanura, belly dance, Dabke, Ayala, and multiple fire shows
  • Unlimited BBQ dinner buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options (international style, reported as 70 dishes)

VIP front-row desert time in Al Lahbab: what you’re really paying for

The main thing you’re buying with this VIP Desert Safari is position and comfort. Most desert safaris have a similar core recipe: ride into the dunes, do a camel moment, watch performances, then eat. Here, the difference is that you’re seated at a VIP private table in the stage-front area, and you’re not just standing around hoping you can see over someone’s head.

The second big value point is the meal setup. You get a live BBQ dinner with unlimited serving, plus an international buffet and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. Based on an update shared by the operator, the buffet has been expanded to about 70 dishes served daily. That matters because desert-safari dinners can be hit or miss. A bigger selection also means you can build your own plate without making the meal feel rushed.

The last reason this costs more than the basic desert trips is table service. Your table includes 4 alcoholic drinks, and you also get soft drinks and mineral water as part of the included refreshment list. If alcohol is part of your Dubai night out, this is one of the more straightforward ways to get it tied to the dinner and show schedule instead of buying separately.

You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Dubai

Pickup, timing, and how the 6 to 8 hours flows at night

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - Pickup, timing, and how the 6 to 8 hours flows at night
This safari runs about 6 to 8 hours, and the operating window is listed as 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. In real-world terms, that’s perfect for people who want daylight desert moments for the ride and sunset photos, then full evening entertainment and dinner under the lights.

Pickup is included, and it’s handled by professional safari drivers in 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicles. You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which is useful because you’re not juggling paper confirmations late in the day.

Here’s the practical thing to remember: it’s a long block of time, not a quick half-hour stop. Your schedule will move from the drive and dune-bashing segment into camel and photo moments, then into the campsite shows and dinner. If you get hungry easily, it’s comforting that the welcome refreshments (Arabic coffee and dates) are built in early, before dinner.

The desert ride: Al Lahbab dunes, sand boarding, and the snack-before-the-chaos plan

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - The desert ride: Al Lahbab dunes, sand boarding, and the snack-before-the-chaos plan
Your first big moment comes during the dune ride. You’ll drive through the dunes of Al Lahbab and then take part in thrilling dune bashing in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. The dunes here are big enough that the ride feels like a real desert experience, not a short sightseeing drive.

One smart touch in the pacing is the welcome refreshment stop. You get Arabic coffee, tea, and dates, plus additional soft drinks and mineral water included. This makes the start smoother, especially if you’re arriving hungry and a little hyped from the travel across Dubai.

Next comes the “slow down for photos and fun” portion:

  • Sunset photo stops in the desert
  • Camel riding
  • Sand boarding

The camel ride and photo moments are a classic desert-safari highlight, but what I like about this version is that they’re slotted into the flow before the shows. You won’t feel like you’re racing from one activity to the next while the performances are already starting.

Also, sand boarding is included. That’s the kind of activity people tend to either love or skip. If you’re even a little curious, it’s worth doing once during your Dubai trip because it gives you a hands-on desert moment beyond just the 4×4 ride.

Dress up, henna, and Arabian photo time without the awkwardness

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - Dress up, henna, and Arabian photo time without the awkwardness
This safari leans into the cultural-leaning photo moments in a practical way. You can dress up in Arabian outfits, get photos during that time, and also do Arabic henna painting on your hands.

I like these stops because they’re optional in the sense that you can choose how long you want to spend. Henna is usually a slower moment, and dress-up is more active. Putting them into the same block means you’re not constantly switching gears.

One thing to keep in mind for expectations: these are photo and activity experiences, not a museum-style deep cultural lesson. The value is in fun, memory-making, and the chance to look the part while you’re in the desert setting.

If you care about the photos, go in with a simple mindset: tell your driver or host what kinds of shots you want before you step into the outfit and henna segment. That helps keep the time smooth so you’re not scrambling when your moment is already happening.

Live entertainment lineup: Tanura, belly dance, Dabke, Ayala, and multiple fire shows

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - Live entertainment lineup: Tanura, belly dance, Dabke, Ayala, and multiple fire shows
The campsite part of the night is built like a mini show schedule. You get several different performance styles, so your evening doesn’t feel like one act repeated three times.

Included shows are:

  • Ayala Dance Show (New)
  • Tanura Dance Show
  • Dabke Dance Show (New)
  • Belly Dance Show
  • Dune Fire Show (New)
  • Stage Fire Show

If you’re trying to decide what to watch first, here’s what makes sense based on how these types of shows usually work and what this safari includes. Save your energy for the fire moments because they’re visual and higher-intensity. Then watch the dance acts in order so you can compare styles back-to-back: Tanura focuses on fast spinning, belly dance is more controlled and rhythmic, and Dabke tends to be group-driven with bigger movement.

The VIP stage-front table matters here. Fire shows and stage performances are best viewed from the front area, and it’s a lot easier to enjoy the whole lineup when you’re not fighting for sightlines.

The BBQ dinner and drinks: unlimited serving that actually changes the meal experience

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - The BBQ dinner and drinks: unlimited serving that actually changes the meal experience
Dinner is a major part of why this safari feels “premium.” You’ll get a live BBQ dinner with unlimited serving, plus an international buffet dinner. There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, which helps if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t eat everything.

A helpful note from the operator’s update: the buffet has been expanded, with reports of around 70 dishes served daily. Even if you’re not trying to eat everything, that kind of selection reduces the stress. You can find familiar foods, plus you can sample the local-leaning items without feeling like you have one lonely plate option.

Drinks are also handled differently here. Table service includes 4 alcoholic drinks, and the broader refreshment list includes soft drinks and mineral water. So the dinner feels like a proper seated evening rather than a buffet line plus waiting around.

If you’re the type who wants your night out to feel like dinner-and-a-show, this structure fits well. If you’re the type who mainly cares about the dune ride, you’ll still be glad the meal is substantial—because it’s usually what determines whether the whole experience feels worth it when you’re tired from the desert.

Who this VIP desert safari suits best

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - Who this VIP desert safari suits best
This tour is a good fit if you want:

  • A comfort-forward desert evening with VIP stage-front seating
  • A full package: dune bashing, camel ride, sand boarding, henna, outfit photos, and a lot of show variety
  • A dinner that’s more than a small buffet plate

It’s especially appealing for couples or small groups who want the “Dubai night” feeling without hopping between multiple activities all night. It also helps if alcohol is part of your plan, since the safari ties 4 alcoholic drinks to your table and the dinner timeline.

If you’re looking specifically for high-adrenaline extras, note what isn’t included. Quad bikes and dune buggies are not included in this price. And shisha on the table is not included either. If those are your must-dos, you’ll want to budget separately or choose a package that explicitly includes them.

Value check: is $100 per person a fair deal?

Premium Desert Safari, food Service with 4 alcoholics drinks - Value check: is $100 per person a fair deal?
At $100 per person, this safari sits in the “premium but not crazy” zone, mainly because the inclusions are unusually full for one ticket. You get:

  • Pickup by 4×4 Land Cruiser
  • VIP front-area table seating
  • Table service plus soft drinks/water and 4 alcoholic drinks
  • Dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, sunset photo stops
  • Henna painting and outfit photo time
  • A wide show lineup, including fire performances
  • Unlimited BBQ dinner buffet with veg and non-veg choices

When you price it by components, the VIP seating and the dinner alone help justify the cost. Drinks add even more value if you would otherwise pay for them separately at the campsite or on your own after dinner starts.

I’d book this when you want a smooth, seated night. If you’re trying to maximize adrenaline only, you might feel limited by the fact that quad bikes and dune buggies are extra. But if you want a full cultural-meets-entertainment desert evening, this is good value.

Should you book this VIP desert safari with Royal Vision Tourism?

Book it if you want a classic Dubai desert safari with a VIP twist: front-row views, a bigger dinner spread, and a show lineup that keeps moving. I’d also choose it if you care about convenience—pickup is included, you get a mobile ticket, and your evening is built around one campsite rather than multiple handoffs.

Skip or reconsider if you’re specifically chasing add-ons like quad bikes/dune buggies or if shisha on the table is a must-have for your group. Those are explicitly not included here, so you’d need to plan for extra spend.

If you’re still on the fence, look at the simple decision rule: this tour makes the evening easier to enjoy. The VIP table and unlimited buffet setup are built for comfort and pacing.

FAQ

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $100.00 per person.

How long does the VIP Desert Safari last?

The duration is about 6 to 8 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pick & Drop is included, using professional safari drivers with a 4×4 Land Cruiser.

Does the tour include a mobile ticket?

Yes, a mobile ticket is included.

Are drinks included, and what kind?

Yes. Table service includes 4 alcoholic drinks, plus soft drinks and mineral water are included. Arabic coffee, tea, and dates are also included.

What activities are included besides dune bashing?

Included activities are camel riding, dress-up in Arabian outfits with photo time, Arabic henna painting, sand boarding, and sunset photo stops in the desert.

Are quad bikes, dune buggies, or shisha included?

No. Quad bikes, dune buggies, and shisha on the table are not included in this price.

What dinner is included?

You’ll have a live BBQ dinner with unlimited serving, plus an international buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

What shows are included in the campsite program?

Included shows are Ayala Dance Show, Tanura Dance Show, Dabke Dance Show, Belly Dance Show, Dune Fire Show, and Stage Fire Show.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount is not refunded.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Dubai we have reviewed

Explore the UAE