Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: BBQ, Camel Ride & Local Guide

Summary

Evening desert adventure from Abu Dhabi with BBQ dinner

You’ll ride over rolling dunes outside Abu Dhabi with a local guide, try sandboarding or camel riding (or both if you’re brave), taste spiced Arabic coffee and fresh-grilled BBQ under desert stars, and watch live dance performances at a Bedouin-style camp. It’s an evening full of small surprises you’ll remember long after your shoes fill with sand.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the pickup because I couldn’t find my other shoe (sand gets everywhere here). Our driver, Khalid, just grinned when I finally made it to the Land Cruiser. “No rush,” he said, but I could tell he’d done this a thousand times. The city faded behind us fast — glass towers swapped for flat gold nothingness. It’s weird how quiet it gets out there. Even the air felt different, kind of dry and sweet, like you’re breathing in sun-baked stone.

The dune bashing part was wild — way more intense than I expected. My friend screamed (not me, I swear), and Khalid laughed so hard he had to wipe his eyes at one point. The sand is softer than it looks; it squeaks under your shoes when you step out for photos. There were camels waiting near a low fence — they chew in slow motion and look at you like they know something you don’t. Riding one was…awkward? But also sort of peaceful once you stop worrying about falling off.

At the camp, we got Arabic coffee and dates — the coffee’s spiced and a little bitter, which surprised me. Henna artists sat cross-legged on carpets; mine drew a flower on my wrist while her daughter watched cartoons on a phone nearby. Dinner was smoky from the grill — lamb kebabs and salads that tasted fresh even after hours in the heat. Later there was music and belly dancing; some people joined in but I mostly watched, too full to move much. Tried shisha for the first time (minty!), coughed a bit, everyone laughed.

The sun set behind the dunes in this slow orange fade that made everything look softer. I still think about that light sometimes — how it made even my dusty sneakers seem kind of magical for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Adventure

• Drive to Al Khaznah Desert
• Desert driving and dune bashing
• Visit camel farm
• Sandboarding near camp
• Camel ride
• Watch desert sunset and take pictures
• Enjoy Arabic hospitality with coffee, tea, and dates
• Unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water
• Dress in local attire for photos
• Take pictures with falcons
• Henna tattoo or painting
• Relax in Bedouin tent with carpet and pillows
• BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options
• Dance floor and music system
• Live belly dancing and Tanoura dance
• Smoke fragrant sheesha after dinner

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included by 4x4 vehicle.

How long does the desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 7 hours including travel time.

What activities are included on this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting, BBQ dinner, shisha smoking, live dance shows.

Is vegetarian food available during the BBQ dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children under 4 are not recommended; child seats can be requested for older kids.

What should I wear for the Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Comfortable clothing with closed shoes; warm clothes recommended from October to March.

Can pregnant travelers join this safari?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

Is alcohol served during the tour?

No alcohol is served; during Ramadan entertainment is also paused.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 Land Cruiser with a local guide driving into Al Khaznah desert for dune bashing and sunset photos. You’ll visit a camel farm for rides and try sandboarding near camp before relaxing in a Bedouin tent with Arabic coffee or tea and dates. Enjoy unlimited soft drinks plus a BBQ dinner (vegetarian options available), henna painting, shisha after dinner, live belly dancing and Tanoura shows before heading back to Abu Dhabi at night.