Desert Drive
Several visitors enjoyed the dune-bashing drive, with one calling it an “awesome” first desert experience.
Al Marjan Desert Safari Camp
Ras Al Khor
Al Marjan Desert Safari Camp in Ras Al Khor combines desert drives with an evening camp programme. Reviews highlight dune bashing and live entertainment, including fire and belly-dance shows, while food quality and organisation vary sharply between visits.
Reputation Score
3.6
★★★★☆
224 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Live Shows
Fire, belly-dance and Tanura performances are recurring highlights, even among reviews that criticised other parts of the visit.
Barbecue
One review specifically praised the barbecue served at the spacious camp.
Desert Setting
The location and sunset appealed to visitors who enjoyed the desert atmosphere more than the camp arrangements.
Quad Bikes
A visitor rated the quad-bike experience highly alongside the food and VIP service.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm Inclusions. Before paying, confirm dune-bashing duration, sandboarding and VIP food inclusions; one booking review said all three were missing or refused.
Allow Time. Build in a substantial buffer for queues and the return journey rather than planning a tight evening schedule.
Check Shows. Ask which shows will run on your date and whether Ramadan or other cancellations affect the programme before booking VIP.
Fix Prices. Agree prices before accepting camel, horse, falcon-photo or ATV offers, as visitors reported being pressured after starting an activity.
Plan Parking. Ask about parking arrangements in advance; one visitor received a Sharjah police fine after finding no designated spaces.
Pack Supplies. Consider bringing water and snacks if permitted by your booking terms, since one family reported being left with very limited food and drinks.
Plan the visit
Practical details
5JCG+HJR
Al Awir Second, Dubai
Common Concerns
Long Queues
Queues can consume much of the evening; one visitor reported spending 2.5 hours waiting for dune bashing and food.
Poor Food
Food complaints include cold, uncooked, stale or below-average meals, with barbecue quality often criticised.
Return Delays
Transport back to the city can be slow, including a reported wait of more than 1.5 hours for cars.
Crowded Seating
Reviews describe crowded seating and unclear food queues, including families being separated while staff redirected people.
Extra Charges
Visitors reported pressure to pay separately for add-ons such as drinks, fries, rides and photo experiences.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
50-100 Dirhams
sand dune bashing by Land Cruiser
“If you pay extra 50-100 Dirhams for sand dune bashing by Land Cruiser, it will be the most thrilling experience in your life”Google review · July 2023
250AED
VIP seating
“250AED for VIP searing to eat food”Google review · January 2023
AED100 per person
extras like diet soda and fries
“Expect to easily pay another AED100 per person for "extras" like diet soda and fries, because the food sucks”Google review · November 2022
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Al Marjan Desert Safari Camp in Ras Al Khor is built around a desert outing followed by an evening at the camp. The main draw is the drive: several visitors enjoyed dune bashing, desert sunset views and, in one case, quad biking. Fire, belly-dance and Tanura shows are also recurring attractions, although some guests found the performances dated or lacklustre.
The food is the biggest gamble. One review called the barbecue the best part of dinner, and another found the buffet tasty with vegetarian options. Others described cold, uncooked, stale or below-average food, along with limited drinks and slow serving.
VIP upgrades did not always translate into the promised service, so confirm exactly what your package includes. Organisation is the more serious practical concern. 5 hours for return vehicles.
Parking has also led to a reported Sharjah police fine. Ask about transport, parking, show schedules and paid extras before committing. This may suit visitors mainly seeking a low-cost desert drive and live shows, but the mixed service record makes a carefully checked booking important.