Dubai deserts feel like another planet once you hit the sand in a dune buggy and then slow down in a Bedouin-style camp. I like how this trip mixes hands-on adrenaline with a proper evening setup, not just a quick photo stop.

What I especially like is the structure: you get a self dune buggy ride plus sandboarding and a camel ride, then the night turns into dinner and live entertainment. One thing to consider: the self-driving time is 30 minutes, so if you want hours behind the wheel, you may want to plan an add-on (or book a longer buggy/ATV-focused option).

What you’ll actually do (and what it means)

You’ll spend part of your afternoon heading to the dunes, then play in the sand, and finally settle in for a BBQ dinner and dance show. I also like that dinner includes an international buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and drinks like cold water are part of the package.

A fair heads-up: alcohol is not included, so if you want drinks beyond soft beverages, you’ll need to sort that separately.

Quick highlights

• 30 minutes of self dune buggy riding with an instructor and safety-focused gear like a roll cage
• Sandboarding plus a photo stop at the Edge of Desert
• Free camel ride as the light drops toward sunset in Al Awir
• Live BBQ dinner with an international buffet and vegetarian options
• Live entertainment and belly-dancing-style show in the camp atmosphere
• Smaller group limit (max 30) plus hotel pickup/drop-off by SUV in Dubai and Sharjah

From 2:30 pm pickup to sunset: why the timing works

The start time is 2:30 pm, which is ideal for a desert day that doesn’t eat your whole evening. You’ll get picked up from your hotel or residence in Dubai and Sharjah by SUV, and you’ll have enough daylight to enjoy the dunes without rushing the camp portion.

Here’s the practical advantage: the dunes are fun when the sand is textured but not burning-hot, and sunset gives you that classic desert glow for photos and for the camp mood. The experience runs about 7 hours, so you’re not just “doing stuff,” you’re also getting the rhythm right: action first, then dinner and shows.

Also, the tour is capped at 30 travelers. In this kind of evening activity, smaller groups usually mean less waiting around between stations, and it can help with photos—especially when you’re moving from buggy to boarding to camel rides.

Lahbab dune buggying: hands-on sand riding with real safety features

Your first stop is Lahbab, the place where the dunes feel big and active. The included highlight is a 30-minute self dune buggy ride, led with an English-speaking professional instructor. The point isn’t just to be driven; you’re behind the wheel and steering your own line over the dunes.

From the experience description, the buggies are set up for off-road work with a powerful engine, four-wheel drive, adjustable suspension, and a roll cage. Seating is adjustable, and there’s even mention of a GPS/navigation system and a stereo setup—the practical takeaway is that this is designed to feel controlled, not like a random backyard ride.

This is the moment most people come for, and it’s also where you’ll feel the “premium” difference if the operator keeps groups organized and safety briefings clear. The best way to get the most out of your 30 minutes is simple: pay attention during the instructor briefing, keep your movements calm as the buggy bounces, and don’t try to fight the sand—work with it.

One consideration: 30 minutes goes fast. You’ll feel the thrill, but you might want more time if you’re the type who loves repeating one perfect dune run again and again.

The Edge of Desert: sandboarding and a photo stop that earns its spot

After the buggy portion, you’ll head to The Edge of Desert for sandboarding and a photo stop. Sandboarding is included (and so are a few basic extras like a sandboard), which matters because it lowers the risk of “surprise costs” when you arrive.

Why this stop is worth it: it changes the desert from a driving experience into something playful and visual. Even if you’re not a confident boarder, the sand makes everything forgiving in a way that’s hard to replicate on snow. It’s also a strong photo moment, because you can catch the line of dunes and the angle of sunset light right after the adrenaline part.

Practical advice: sandboarding can be messy. Bring a plan for it—something you don’t mind getting sand in, and expect that you’ll want to wipe down or change after. If you wear anything you care about, keep that in mind.

Al Awir camp time: camel ride, sunset views, and live entertainment

Your next stop is Al Awir, where the pace slows. You get a camp experience lasting about 2 hours, and it includes a gentle camel ride. The description emphasizes the classic photo backdrop: you ride with the desert scenery in view as the sunset shifts the colors.

I like this part because it gives contrast. After time in the buggy, camel riding feels calmer and more “local-life” themed, even though you’re still in a tourist camp setting. It’s a good moment to breathe, take photos without bouncing around, and get ready for the evening show.

Entertainment is also part of Al Awir: live performances with traditional dance styles, plus the overall experience description includes a belly-dancing show. In plain terms, don’t book this expecting silence and study-time culture. You’re here for a night program that combines music, movement, and crowd energy.

One more practical note: since dinner follows, plan to pace your camel ride and boarding photos so you don’t rush through your food later. This is the part where you feel the “camp atmosphere” more than the outdoor activity.

BBQ dinner at a Bedouin-style camp: buffet + live grilling, served on your table

Dinner is one of the big reasons this safari feels complete. You’ll get a live BBQ along with an international buffet dinner, and it’s specifically described as having vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The dinner is served on your table, which tends to feel more organized than buffet-only setups where everyone funnels through the same line.

In value terms, this matters because you’re not just paying for the desert activities and then hoping dinner is an afterthought. Here, you get a full meal at the end, plus soft drinks like cold drinks and mineral water are included.

The package does not include alcoholic beverages. If that’s important to you, plan accordingly rather than expecting it to be part of the included meal.

Also, since the schedule runs around 7 hours, your dinner timing usually lands after the shows start or just around show time. Either way, it’s the kind of dinner setup where you can eat without feeling you have to sprint back to your hotel immediately.

Guides like Hashim and Abdul Rahman: what “premium” looks like in real life

In feedback tied to this tour provider, certain guide names show up again and again—people call out leaders like Hashim, Abdul Rahman (also spelled Abdur Rahman), Ali, and Mr Majid. The common thread in what’s praised is service style: clear guidance, friendly hospitality, safe driving, and taking helpful photos.

Even if your guide isn’t one of those exact names, the pattern is useful for you. When a desert safari works well, it usually comes down to two things:

1) the driver/instructor knows the dunes and keeps the experience smooth and safe, and

2) they manage the group so you’re not stuck waiting while others have fun.

You’ll feel that in the flow from buggy to sandboarding to camp. When guides are doing their job, the schedule feels tight but not stressful.

A small extra detail from feedback: some people appreciated that the team offered advice and tips beyond the ride itself. That can help you decide what to add if you want more adventure time after your main buggy and camel experience.

Price and value: is $175.89 a fair deal?

At $175.89 per person, this safari isn’t the cheapest thing on Dubai desert menus. But it also isn’t trying to be. It’s priced like a package that includes a full evening: pickup/drop-off, a meaningful self-driving buggy slot, sandboarding, camel ride, drinks, dinner, and live entertainment.

Here’s the value logic I’d use if I were comparing it to booking pieces separately:

• If you want the “classic Dubai desert night” with more than one activity, you’ll pay extra when you break it into standalone bookings.
• This includes both the outdoor time and the “show + dinner” time, so you’re not scrambling for food after the dunes.
• The small group size (up to 30) is also part of the value feel—less waiting is real value when you’re in a schedule-heavy experience.

If you’re only interested in one thing—like camel rides only, or sand photos only—then you might feel this is too much. But if you want a full evening with multiple experiences, the price starts to make sense.

Who should book this safari, and who might not love it

This experience fits best if you want a balanced desert day:

• You enjoy active moments like dune buggying and sandboarding
• You want a real camp dinner with live BBQ and entertainment
• You prefer a planned schedule with hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai or Sharjah

It might not be the best choice if:

• You hate the idea of bumpy rides (you’re doing self buggy control, so you’ll feel the sand)
• You’re expecting hours of driving behind the wheel rather than 30 minutes of self riding

For couples, friends, and small groups, this often hits the sweet spot: enough excitement to feel like you did something big, and enough structure to enjoy dinner and photos without chaos.

Should you book Royal Excursion Tours’ premium buggy desert safari?

If you want a single package that combines dune buggying, camel ride, sandboarding, and a proper BBQ dinner with live entertainment, I’d say this is a strong pick. The experience is built for an afternoon-to-evening flow, and the guide focus shows up repeatedly in how people describe service and safety.

Book it if you’re excited by the idea of splitting your time between action and camp atmosphere. Consider another option (or ask about extra driving time) if your main priority is longer time behind the wheel rather than a balanced full-night experience.

FAQ

What time does the desert safari start?

The tour start time is 2:30 pm.

How long does the experience take?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included, and where?

Yes. Pick up & drop off are included from your hotel or residence in Dubai & Sharjah by SUV.

Do I drive the dune buggy myself?

You do. The tour includes 30 minutes of self dune buggy ride, plus an English-speaking instructor.

Is sandboarding included?

Yes. You’ll stop at The Edge of Desert for sand boarding and a photo stop.

Do you also get a camel ride?

Yes. A free camel ride is included at the camp experience.

What’s included in dinner, and is alcohol part of it?

Dinner includes live BBQ and an international buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, served on your table. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What’s the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

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