Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ

Ride the high dunes, then settle into the desert camp for the evening

A 6-hour desert safari from Abu Dhabi that starts with hotel pickup and a 4x4 drive through the dunes, then moves to a camp where you ride a camel, watch traditional belly dance and fire shows, eat a BBQ dinner and spend 10 minutes star gazing. The guide is English-speaking and all transport, meals and entertainment are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pick up from hotel in Abu Dhabi
• Drive to desert camp with desert views
• Safety instructions from guide
• Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicle
• Photo stop during dune bashing
• Camel ride and welcome drinks with dates
• Sand boarding on high sand dunes
• Try local costume for photos
• Enjoy tea, coffee, and water
• Watch belly dance and tanura dance
• Watch fire show performance
• BBQ dinner and fruits served
• Relax with shisha at designated area
• Star gazing for 10 minutes
• Return to pick up point

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel or residence between 3 and 3:30pm. A 4x4 vehicle and English-speaking guide collect you from Abu Dhabi city and drive toward the desert. Once you reach the camp, you'll get a welcome drink with dates and a short camel ride before the main event begins.

Dune bashing is the centerpiece: the 4x4 tackles the high desert dunes with a 10-minute photo stop built in so you can step out and take in the scale of it. Safety instructions come first from your guide. Back at the camp, you can try sand boarding, wear a free local costume for photos, and sip complimentary tea, coffee or water. The evening unfolds with live belly dance, a tanura show (spinning skirts and drums), and a fire performance. BBQ dinner, fresh fruit and shisha are included. A bar counter inside the camp sells alcohol at an extra charge. The night ends with 10 minutes of star gazing once the camp lights go down.

Pickup and drop-off to your starting point are part of the booking, so you don't need a car. Children under 3 travel free. Those 3 and older are charged at the adult rate. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available on request if you mention it when booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi city.
• dune bashing in a 4x4 with a safety briefing.
• camel ride and welcome drinks with dates.
• sand boarding.
• free local costume for photos.
• belly dance, tanura show and fire show.
• BBQ dinner with fruit.
• tea, coffee, soft drinks and water.
• shisha in the designated area.
• 10 minutes of star gazing.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:30 and 14:45

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (11 to 70 years) · Senior (71 and older) · Youth (6 to 10 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2)

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Desert Wings Travel & Tours LLC

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a rental car or a ride to the desert, and the 6-hour window fits easily into an afternoon and evening without eating into the next day. The fixed 3pm start works well if you want to spend your morning exploring Abu Dhabi city before heading out.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 10 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2).

What's the dune bashing actually like in a 4x4?

Dune bashing is a high-speed drive across the desert's steep sand dunes in the 4x4, with your guide handling the vehicle. A 10-minute photo stop lets you get out and see the landscape up close before returning to the camp.

Is the camel ride included, or do I pay extra?

The camel ride at the desert camp is included in the tour price. It's a short ride, not a long trek, and happens after you arrive at the camp in the late afternoon.

What time does the tour end and when do I get back to my hotel?

The tour runs for 6 hours total, starting at 3pm. You're dropped back at your hotel or residence after the star gazing ends, typically around 9pm or later depending on the camp's schedule.

Can I buy alcohol at the camp?

A bar counter inside the camp sells alcohol at an additional charge. Shisha is free in the designated area. Note that during April 2–30, alcohol and belly dance are not available at the camp.

What should I wear for dune bashing and the evening?

The dress code is formal for the evening at the camp. Bring a light layer for the desert after sunset, as temperatures drop. Closed-toe shoes are practical for dune bashing and sand boarding.