Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: ATV Ride, BBQ & Live Shows

Summary

Evening desert adventure in Abu Dhabi with quad biking and dinner

You’ll ride ATVs across golden dunes near Abu Dhabi at sunset, try sandboarding or camel riding with local guides, watch live fire and dance shows at a desert camp, and share barbecue under starlit skies. With hotel pickup included and plenty of time for photos or just soaking in silence between adventures—you’ll remember this desert evening long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried sandboarding?" That’s what our driver, Khalid, asked as we pulled up to the first big dune outside Abu Dhabi. I hadn’t — honestly, I was just hoping not to fall off the board in front of everyone. The sun was already starting to dip behind the dunes, that kind of orange-pink you only see in the desert. The air smelled like warm sand and something sweet — dates maybe? We’d already bounced around a bit in the 4x4 (my stomach still recovering), but everyone was laughing by then, even the quiet guy from Germany who barely spoke at first.

The quad bike part was wild. Thirty minutes goes fast when you’re trying not to eat dust or accidentally veer into a camel (don’t worry — they keep them far enough away). The engine buzzed under me and there was this moment where I just stopped at the top of a dune and looked out — endless sand, no city noise, just wind and my own heartbeat thumping. Our guide pointed out some tracks in the sand — fox maybe? Or just another group ahead of us. Hard to say. After that we visited a little camel farm; one of them tried to nibble my sleeve while I posed for a photo. I’m still finding bits of sand everywhere.

Back at camp it felt like stepping into someone’s living room — carpets everywhere, low tables, that smoky smell from the barbecue drifting over everything. Someone handed me Arabic coffee (tiny cup, strong as anything) and dates before dinner started. There were dancers spinning so fast their skirts blurred, fire performers lighting up the dark like it was nothing special. I got talked into trying shisha and let someone paint a henna tattoo on my hand while we watched the stars come out overhead. It’s weird how quiet it gets once the music stops — just people talking low and the sound of tea being poured somewhere nearby.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end of it all. Maybe it was sitting on that soft carpet under a sky full of stars or maybe just being far from city lights for once. Either way, if you’re thinking about an evening desert safari from Abu Dhabi with ATV riding and all that — well, I still think about that view from the top of the dune sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Desert Safari Adventure

• Desert safari with dune bashing
• Camel riding experience
• Sandboarding on dunes
• Cultural activities at desert camp
• Live entertainment: Fire Show, Belly Dance, Tanoura Show
• Barbecue dinner under stars

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, transport in a 4x4 vehicle with pickup is included.

How long is the ATV/quad bike ride during the tour?

The ATV/quad bike ride lasts for 30 minutes as part of your experience.

What kind of food is served at dinner?

A hot barbecue dinner is served along with starter food, Arabic coffee, tea, dates, water and soft drinks.

Are there live shows during this evening safari?

Yes—there are fire shows, belly dancing, Tanoura dancing performances and more at camp.

Can I try camel riding on this tour?

Yes—a camel riding session is included along with a visit to a camel farm.

Is sandboarding available on this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes—sandboarding (and skiing) on dunes is part of your experience.

Are infants or travelers with health issues recommended for this tour?

No—it’s not recommended for infants or travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Do I need previous experience to drive an ATV here?

No prior experience is needed; guides will assist you before your 30-minute ATV ride.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup in a 4x4 vehicle from Abu Dhabi, thrilling dune bashing sessions plus a 30-minute ATV/quad bike ride across sandy slopes. You’ll visit a camel farm for photos (and maybe some nibbles), try sandboarding or skiing if you want, then relax at a desert camp with shisha pipes available. Dinner features hot barbecue dishes alongside Arabic coffee and dates while you watch live fire shows, belly dancing and Tanoura performances under starry skies—plus henna tattoos and even Arabic costume photos if you’re feeling bold before heading back late evening.