Classically involving pick-up in a 4WD from a city hotel, a drive out to the desert, adrenalin-pumping rollercoaster up and over the dunes, a stop at a camel farm to get close up and personal with these denizens of the sands, and culminating in a serene sunset miles from any urban cares...
Combined with an atmospheric Arabian tented encampment, barbecue, belly dancing, henna-painting and a 10-minute circuit aboard a camel for the requisite picture, it's the epitome of Dubai's appeal - exotic, fun and just a spot of soft adventure.
But, given the creative DNA of the city's professionals, the basic package can be augmented and extended according to budget and preference.
For smaller groups, participants can take a lesson in gear changes and free-wheeling at the controls of a 4WD; a chill-out lounge can be set up atop a dune with chilled champagne and bean bags to enhance the setting sun; full evening dress gala dinner with white glove service, or there's the excitement of fancy dress with local robes and head-dresses to accompany the party finale.
And, entertainment is not limited to the ubiquitous belly dancing - a solo harpist spot-lit on the sands under a starry sky has memorable appeal while the frenzy of a whirling dervish troupe can add a frisson of the unexpected, and magicians, souks, falconry display or a Bollywood disco are among other options.
Day-time excursions offer up something completely different with perhaps sand ski-ing or sand-boarding for the young of limb or heart, or maybe a ride on a sand buggy or treasure hunt through the desert and into shaded valleys cutting in to the stark mountains beyond, ending up with a spot of abseiling or mountaineering to work up an appetite for that sumptuous picnic lunch.
