Al Khayma Camp is a Bedouin-style desert camp in Dubai’s Lahbab red dunes best known for combining dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and traditional Arabian hospitality in one experience. The camp offers three main formats: a half-day safari from Dh 206 with dune bashing and refreshments, a premium evening safari from Dh 393 with a 3-cuisine buffet and live entertainment, and an overnight safari from Dh 794 with a private tent, stargazing, and a sunrise camel ride. A separate vintage G-Class Heritage Safari line runs through Al Marmoom Oasis for travelers seeking a wildlife and conservation-focused pace instead of dune bashing. Guests are welcomed with rose water, Arabic coffee, and dates, then enjoy Tanoura and fire show performances after dinner. Reviews consistently praise named guides and camp staff, though experience quality varies by which licensed operator handles the booking, making that choice as important as the package itself.
The camp brand is owned and operated by OceanAir Travels, a DTCM-licensed tour operator that also runs Al Marmoom Oasis, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Badya Village, and Al Khayma Lounge.
What Is Al Khayma Desert Camp?
Al Khayma Camp sits in the Lahbab red dunes (also spelled “Lehbab” on some booking platforms), one of the two main dune regions used for organized Dubai desert safaris, the other being the flatter terrain closer to the city. The name “Al Khayma” means “the tent,” reflecting the camp’s layout of individual Khayma-style tents rather than one shared hall.
Guests are welcomed with rose water, Arabic coffee (Gahwa), local sweets (Gaymat), and dates as a traditional greeting before moving into the camp’s activities. The dining side of the operation, branded Al Khayma Heritage, is associated with Michelin Star recognition and serves a rotating buffet across Emirati, Moroccan, and Arabian cuisines with live bread and BBQ stations.
Al Khayma Desert Safari Packages and Prices
Half-Day Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Falcon & Refreshments (Dh 206 per person)
A morning-only format lasting roughly 4 hours. Includes dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, falcon photo opportunities, and refreshments (Arabic tea, coffee, dates, water) in an air-conditioned tent with restroom facilities. This package runs on multiple fixed daily time slots rather than a single departure time: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 8:00 AM to 11:59 AM, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and a shorter 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM slot. No dinner or evening entertainment is included. Quad biking is available as a paid add-on and restricted to guests 14 and older. Roar Adventures runs a comparable morning desert safari, with a quad-bike-inclusive version also available.
Red Dunes with Shared Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Sandboarding and BBQ (Dh 385 per person)
A shared 1-hour quad bike experience bundled with dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner at the camp. This sits between the half-day and premium evening packages in both price and inclusions, and is the package to choose specifically for travelers who want quad biking included in the base price rather than paid separately. Roar Adventures offers a direct equivalent with its Dubai desert safari with quad bike, and a standalone quad bike tour for travelers who want the ride without the full safari itinerary.
Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 3-Cuisine Dinner at Al Khayma Camp (Dh 393 per person)
The core evening package. Includes hotel pickup, 30 to 45 minutes of dune bashing in the Lahbab dunes, a sunset photo stop, sandboarding, the full camp welcome (rose water, Gahwa, Gaymat, dates), a camel ride, henna painting, shisha, falcon photo opportunities, and the 3-cuisine buffet dinner (Emirati, Moroccan, Arabian) with live entertainment including Tanoura dance, Ladies’ Khaliji Dance, a fire show, and a Yola show performance. Stargazing with a telescope is included on evening slots only. Quad biking is available as a paid add-on at approximately USD 41 (roughly AED 150) per 15-minute ride and is restricted to guests 14 and older. The equivalent format on Roar Adventures is the evening desert safari, also available as an evening desert safari with BBQ dinner, or as a step up, the premium desert safari.
Morning Heritage Safari with a Vintage G Class Mercedes (Dh 492 per person)
A separate product line from the standard Al Khayma dune-bashing safari, run at Al Marmoom Oasis rather than the Lahbab dunes. Guests transfer by modern air-conditioned vehicle, then continue the safari aboard a vintage Mercedes G-Class for a 30 to 40 minute drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, with stops to view native desert plants (including the Al Ghaf tree) and wildlife such as Arabian oryx, gazelle, and falcons. This is a heritage and conservation-focused format rather than a dune-bashing adventure format. Travelers specifically looking for this slower, non-dune-bashing pace can compare it against Roar Adventures’ desert safari without dune bashing.
Evening Heritage Safari with a Vintage G-Class Mercedes Ride (Dh 694 per person)
The evening version of the same vintage-vehicle heritage format at Al Marmoom Oasis, timed to include a sunset photo stop during the drive.
Private Heritage Safari with a Vintage G Class Mercedes (Dh 2,459 per group)
A private, non-shared version of the vintage G-Class heritage safari at Al Marmoom Oasis, priced per vehicle or group rather than per person.
Overnight Red Dunes Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, BBQ & Breakfast (Dh 794 per person)
The longest format, running roughly 17 hours from a 2:00 to 3:00 PM pickup through to a mid-morning drop-off the following day. Includes everything in the evening package plus a private air-conditioned tent for the night, a campfire session with an Arabic coffee-making demonstration, a full night’s stay at the camp, a sunrise camel ride, and a hot Arabian breakfast before departure. This is the only Al Khayma format that includes both sunset and sunrise in the desert. Roar Adventures runs the equivalent overnight desert safari, and for travelers who only want the sunrise portion without the full overnight stay, a dedicated sunrise desert safari is available separately.
Quad Biking Add-On Pricing
Where not bundled into the base package, quad biking costs approximately USD 41 (roughly AED 150) per 15-minute ride, charged separately at the activity. Riders must be 14 or older. All-terrain vehicle options are available at the rider’s own expense on several package variants. For travelers who want a dune buggy instead of a quad bike, Roar Adventures offers a dune buggy experience, a dune buggy adventure, and the higher-powered Polaris RZR 1000cc dune buggy for more experienced riders.
Group and Vehicle Options
Travel platforms selling Al Khayma packages note that a group of six can book an entire jeep exclusively for the standard shared price, since the standard 4×4 vehicles used for dune bashing seat six passengers. Travelers who want this level of exclusivity as the default, rather than an occasional group perk, can book a private desert safari or a VIP desert safari directly through Roar Adventures, including a VIP desert safari with quad bike for a fully private, activity-inclusive booking.
What’s Included at Al Khayma Camp
Transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle with an English-speaking Safari Captain, plus cold mineral water during transfers. Complimentary pickup covers Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman hotels and apartments, plus the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal and Port Rashid. Airport pickup for Dubai International Airport is available from the Holiday Inn Airport hotel. Pickup from Bab Al Shams, Al Maha Resort, and Jebel Ali is available for an additional fee. Travelers based in Sharjah who want to explore the emirate itself before or after the safari can also book a separate Sharjah city tour.
Dune activities: 30 to 45 minutes of dune bashing across the Lahbab red dunes, plus sandboarding with boards provided, and a sunset photo stop on evening and overnight packages. This core activity matches Roar Adventures’ own dune bashing adventure and red dunes safari, both run in the same Lahbab desert region.
Camp welcome: Rose water, Arabic coffee (Gahwa), local sweets (Gaymat), and dates, served on arrival at the camp.
Cultural activities: Henna painting, shisha smoking (hookah, multiple flavors), falcon photo opportunities, and the option to dress in traditional Arabian clothing for photos.
Dining: A 3-cuisine buffet dinner (Emirati, Moroccan, Arabian) with live bread and BBQ stations on premium and overnight packages, prepared under the Al Khayma Heritage restaurant brand, which carries Michelin Star recognition. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are both available. Unlimited water and soft drinks are included.
Entertainment: Tanoura dance, Ladies’ Khaliji Dance, a fire show, belly dancing, and a Yola show, staged after dinner on evening and overnight packages. Stargazing with a telescope is included on evening slots only, not on morning or half-day packages.
Overnight-only inclusions: A private air-conditioned tent for the night, a campfire session with a live demonstration of Arabic coffee and tea preparation, a sunrise camel ride, and a freshly prepared Arabian breakfast before hotel drop-off.
Not included on any package: Quad biking or dune buggy rides (paid add-on, approximately AED 150 per 15 minutes), alcoholic drinks, falcon photography on some listings (check the specific package), and pickup from Bab Al Shams, Al Maha Resort, or Jebel Ali without the additional transfer fee.
Entertainment restrictions: During Ramadan, Tanoura and fire shows continue at Al Khayma camp, but the Ladies’ Khaliji Dance is restricted for the duration of the holy month. On other UAE religious holidays, no entertainment activities are staged at the camp at all, in line with UAE law.
Age and health restrictions: Pregnant guests and children 3 years old and younger are not permitted to take part in dune bashing. Guests with back problems are advised to carefully consider participation before booking. Quad biking requires a minimum age of 14. International travel insurance is recommended for all self-driving activities, since the activity provider’s insurance does not cover self-driving accidents and responsibility for any damage or injury falls on the rider.
Al Khayma vs. Other Dubai Desert Experiences
Al Khayma sits within two distinct comparison categories that are often conflated: camp brands with their own distinct venue and identity, and tour operators or resellers who route guests into shared camps (including Al Khayma itself) without running a proprietary venue of their own.
Camp-level comparison, where each name refers to a distinct physical venue with its own positioning:
| Al Khayma Camp | Platinum Heritage | Sonara Camp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Lahbab red dunes, Al Aweer | Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve | Private desert setting outside Dubai |
| Vehicle style | Modern 4×4 Land Cruiser for dune bashing | Vintage Land Rover Series | Standard 4×4 transfer |
| Starting price (shared) | Dh 206 (half-day) to Dh 794 (overnight) | Priced at a premium tier, typically starting well above AED 1,000 for private tours | Premium fine-dining tier pricing |
| Core activity | Dune bashing and sandboarding | Guided wildlife and conservation drive, minimal or no dune bashing | Fine dining and design-led ambience |
| Dining format | 3-cuisine buffet with live BBQ stations | Guided heritage dining experience | Fine-dining desert restaurant format |
| Wildlife viewing | Not a feature | Arabian oryx, gazelle, and falcons within the protected reserve | Not a feature |
| Best suited for | Travelers wanting the classic dune-bashing plus full evening program in one booking | Travelers prioritizing conservation, wildlife, and a slower heritage pace | Travelers prioritizing dining and atmosphere over adventure activities |
Al Khayma also runs its own separate vintage-vehicle heritage format (the Morning and Evening Heritage Safaris at Al Marmoom Oasis, Dh 492 and Dh 694 respectively) that competes directly with Platinum Heritage’s positioning rather than with its own standard dune-bashing packages. This means Al Khayma, as a brand, offers both the adventure-focused format and a heritage-focused format under one operator, while Platinum Heritage and Sonara each specialize in a single format.
Reseller-level comparison is a separate matter. Names such as Arabia Horizons, Rayna Tours, Desert Crescent Tourism, and Platinum Adventure Tours appear alongside Al Khayma in local directory listings, but these are booking agencies and tour operators rather than camp venues. They frequently sell trips into the same shared camps, including Al Khayma, rather than operating a distinct destination of their own. When comparing these names to Al Khayma, the relevant question is not “which camp is better” but “which operator delivers the advertised inclusions reliably,” since the camp experience itself may be identical regardless of which reseller sold the ticket.
Why Choose Al Khayma Camp
All core activities in one package. Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and a full evening of dining and entertainment are bundled into a single booking across the half-day, premium, and overnight tiers, without needing to combine separate tours. Travelers who want camel riding as a standalone activity rather than bundled into a full safari can book it directly through Roar Adventures’ camel riding safari.
Two distinct experience formats under one brand. Travelers can choose the adventure-focused Lahbab dune-bashing format or the heritage-focused vintage G-Class format at Al Marmoom Oasis, depending on whether the priority is adrenaline or a slower, conservation-oriented pace.
Availability and time-slot flexibility. The half-day package alone runs four separate daily time slots, and morning, evening, and overnight options are all built around the same core camp, giving travelers real scheduling flexibility rather than a single fixed departure.
Authentic Lahbab red-dune setting. Dune-bashing packages operate in the Lahbab red dunes rather than flatter desert areas closer to the city, which is the more visually distinctive terrain most travelers associate with a Dubai desert safari.
Consistent large-scale service. Guest reviews describe the camp organizing groups of up to 200 people for dinner service without significant delays or confusion, crediting a structured buffet and seating flow.
Al Khayma Desert Safari Reviews
Consistent praise across TripAdvisor, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Headout reviews:
- Individual Safari Captains are named directly and credited for safe driving, punctuality, and cultural knowledge shared during the transfer
- The dune-bashing session itself is repeatedly described as the trip highlight, with guests specifically noting it felt safe despite the intensity
- The 3-cuisine buffet is rated highly, including for vegetarian options, with several guests noting good food quality despite serving large groups
- Camp staff are credited by name for hospitality, including specific mentions of the Gahwa and herbal tea service
- Families report the experience as safe and enjoyable for children, particularly camel rides and the evening shows
- Guests visiting in summer specifically note that the air-conditioned tents made the heat manageable once the sun set
Recurring criticism worth stating directly:
- A minority of reviews, concentrated in premium-tier bookings, describe a gap between marketed “luxury” positioning and the delivered experience, with one TripAdvisor review characterizing this as feeling misled relative to the price paid
- Some guests report reduced activity time (a shorter dune-bashing or sandboarding session than expected) during high-volume nights
- Shisha quality is occasionally flagged as a weaker inclusion relative to food and entertainment
- Because multiple resellers sell the same Al Khayma packages, guests booking through less transparent third-party listings report more inconsistency than those booking directly
The pattern across reviews indicates that satisfaction correlates more with which operator and package tier was booked than with the camp itself. Bookings made directly with OceanAir Travels, or through resellers that clearly disclose OceanAir as the operator of record, show more consistent outcomes than premium-tier bookings through unclear third-party resellers.
How to Book Al Khayma Desert Safari with Roar Adventures
Roar Adventure Tourism LLC is a DTCM and DET-licensed desert safari operator in Dubai that runs guided tours into the Lahbab red dunes, including packages that route into the Al Khayma camp experience. Booking through a directly licensed, transparent operator addresses the exact consistency gap identified in the reviews above, where outcomes vary more by operator than by camp.
What booking through Roar Adventures provides:
- Verified licensing: Dual DTCM and DET approval, with RTA-certified drivers for all dune-bashing vehicles
- Transparent inclusions: A clear, itemized list of what each package tier includes before checkout, with quad biking and private-vehicle upgrades priced separately rather than bundled into vague premium tiers
- Full format range: Morning, evening, and overnight safaris into the Al Khayma camp, plus private vehicle options for travelers who want more control over pacing
- Hotel pickup coverage: Complimentary pickup across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, with clearly stated pricing for pickup from outlying locations
- Instant confirmation and stated cancellation terms: Bookings confirm immediately by email, with the cancellation window stated upfront rather than buried in fine print
To book, select the package format (half-day, premium evening, or overnight), confirm the pickup hotel and date, and complete checkout online. Confirmation is issued by email with pickup instructions sent ahead of the tour date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Al Khayma desert safari cost? Based on Al Khayma’s own pricing, the half-day safari starts at Dh 206 per person, the premium evening safari with 3-cuisine dinner is Dh 393 per person, the quad-bike-inclusive package is Dh 385 per person, and the overnight safari with breakfast is Dh 794 per person. The vintage G-Class heritage safaris at Al Marmoom Oasis are priced separately at Dh 492 (morning), Dh 694 (evening), and Dh 2,459 for a private group booking.
What’s the difference between the packages? The half-day safari (4 hours) covers dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, and refreshments with no dinner. The premium evening safari (roughly 7 hours) adds the full camp program: dinner, entertainment, henna, shisha, and falcon photos. The overnight safari (roughly 17 hours) extends this into a full night in a private tent with a campfire session, stargazing, a sunrise camel ride, and breakfast. The Heritage Safaris at Al Marmoom Oasis are a separate, vintage-vehicle format focused on conservation and wildlife rather than dune bashing.
Is Al Khayma desert safari worth it? For travelers who want dune bashing, camel rides, a full buffet dinner, and cultural entertainment in one accessibly priced package, the standard evening and overnight tiers deliver on their advertised inclusions according to the majority of reviews. Satisfaction is more inconsistent on premium-tier bookings made through unclear third-party resellers, so booking directly with a transparent, licensed operator reduces that risk.
How far is Al Khayma camp from Dubai? The Lahbab desert location is approximately 40 to 60 minutes from central Dubai depending on pickup point and traffic.
Can I skip dune bashing if I have back problems or motion sickness? Guests with back problems are advised to carefully consider participation before booking rather than skip the activity on-site, since dune bashing is a core, non-separable part of the itinerary. It is recommended not to eat 2 to 3 hours before the safari to reduce the risk of motion sickness.
Do I get my own tent for the overnight safari, or is it shared? The overnight package includes a private air-conditioned tent per booking group, not a tent shared with other travelers.
What time is pickup and drop-off for Al Khayma desert safari? The half-day safari runs on four fixed daily time slots: 7:30 to 11:30 AM, 8:00 AM to 11:59 AM, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and 2:00 to 2:30 PM. Evening and overnight safaris depart with pickup between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. Pickup timing may shift earlier during summer heat, with advance notice sent to guests.
Are showers or restrooms available at Al Khayma camp? Yes, restroom and freshening-up facilities are available at the air-conditioned tent on arrival, confirmed on the half-day package listing.
Is Al Khayma desert safari good for families and kids? Yes. Reviews consistently describe the experience as family-friendly, with camel rides and evening shows popular with children. Quad biking requires a minimum age of 14.
Can pregnant women or young children join dune bashing? No. Pregnant guests and children 3 years old and younger are not permitted to participate in dune bashing.
Is quad biking included, or is it extra? It depends on the package. The “Red Dunes with Shared Quad Bike” package (Dh 385) includes a 1-hour shared quad bike ride in the base price. On other packages, quad biking is a paid add-on at approximately AED 150 per 15-minute ride, restricted to guests 14 and older.
What is the cancellation policy for Al Khayma desert safari? Cancellation terms vary by reseller and should be confirmed at checkout. Some third-party listings state tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled, while others offer free cancellation up to a set window before the tour date, so this should be verified on the specific booking page before purchase.
Which hotels are eligible for free pickup? Complimentary pickup is available from hotels and apartments in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, as well as the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal and Port Rashid. Airport pickup for Dubai International Airport is available from the Holiday Inn Airport hotel.
Is pickup available from Bab Al Shams or Al Maha Resort? Yes, but at an additional fee, since these are outside the standard complimentary pickup zone. The same applies to Jebel Ali.
Is Al Khayma also available from Abu Dhabi? Yes. Al Khayma is sold as a combined transfer plus camp experience for guests based in Abu Dhabi, packaged separately from the standard Dubai pickup safaris.
What should I wear or bring to Al Khayma camp? Comfortable, breathable clothing for the daytime activities, with a light jacket or scarf for evening and overnight tours since desert temperatures drop noticeably after sunset. A camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended. International travel insurance is recommended specifically if participating in quad biking or other self-driving activities.
Is Al Khayma camp real desert, or is it close to the city? Al Khayma’s dune-bashing packages operate in the Lahbab red dunes, a genuine dune region roughly 40 to 60 minutes from the city, distinct from flatter desert areas closer to Dubai used by some budget operators.
Who operates the Al Khayma desert safari? OceanAir Travels operates Al Khayma Camp directly and is the licensed tour operator behind every Al Khayma package, regardless of which platform (Klook, GetYourGuide, Expedia, Viator, and others) the ticket is purchased through.
Is it spelled “Al Khayma” or “Al Khaimah” desert safari? “Al Khayma,” meaning “the tent,” is the correct name for this camp in the Lahbab dunes. “Al Khaimah” is a common misspelling, sometimes confused with Ras Al Khaimah, a separate emirate in the UAE with its own unrelated desert safari offerings. Separately, at least one listing has mislabeled an Al Khayma product under the title “Ras Al Khayma,” which is not a real place name and should not be confused with either the correct camp name or the Ras Al Khaimah emirate.
What cuisines are served at the Al Khayma buffet? The premium and overnight packages include a 3-cuisine buffet spanning Emirati, Moroccan, and Arabian dishes with live BBQ and bread stations, prepared under the Michelin Star-recognized Al Khayma Heritage restaurant brand.
Is Al Khayma camp better than Platinum Heritage or Sonara Camp? Neither is universally better. Al Khayma’s standard packages suit travelers wanting dune bashing plus a full evening program at accessible pricing. Platinum Heritage suits travelers prioritizing a slower-paced, wildlife and conservation-focused drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve at a higher price point. Sonara Camp suits travelers prioritizing fine dining and design-led ambience over adventure activities. Al Khayma’s own Heritage Safari format at Al Marmoom Oasis is the closer direct comparison to Platinum Heritage, since both use vintage vehicles and a conservation-area setting.
How long is the Al Khayma desert safari? The half-day safari runs about 4 hours, the premium evening safari about 7 hours, and the overnight safari about 17 hours including the overnight tent stay.
Explore More Roar Adventure Tours
Beyond the Al Khayma-style desert safari formats covered above, Roar Adventure Tourism runs a full range of Dubai experiences worth combining with a desert safari booking:
Desert Safaris: All-inclusive luxury desert safari for travelers who want every add-on bundled into one price without separate charges.
City Tours: Dubai city tour for a full-day overview of the city’s main landmarks, alongside the Abu Dhabi and Sharjah city tours linked earlier in this guide.
Day Trips: Hatta day trip with mountain tour for travelers who want a mountain and reservoir excursion as a contrast to the desert.
Dinner Cruises: Dubai Marina cruise dinner and Dhow cruise dinner for a dining experience on the water, as an alternative or addition to the desert’s BBQ buffet format.
Aerial Experiences: Hot air balloon ride for a sunrise view over the desert from the air, a fitting pair with a sunrise-focused overnight safari.
Final Takeaway
Al Khayma Camp, operated directly by OceanAir Travels, offers two distinct experience formats: a classic dune-bashing and cultural-evening format in the Lahbab red dunes, priced from Dh 206 to Dh 794 depending on duration, and a separate vintage G-Class heritage format at Al Marmoom Oasis priced from Dh 492 to Dh 2,459. Both are consistently well-reviewed when booked through a transparent, licensed operator, with named guides and camp staff repeatedly credited across independent review platforms. The main risk factor identified across reviews is not the camp itself but inconsistency introduced by less transparent third-party resellers on premium-tier bookings, which makes the choice of operator, such as a directly licensed provider like Roar Adventure Tourism, as important as the choice of package.
