Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Live Shows

Desert adventure in Abu Dhabi with camel rides BBQ and live shows

You’ll feel your heart race across Abu Dhabi’s golden dunes before slowing down atop a gentle camel at sunset. Taste smoky BBQ under lantern-lit tents, try sandboarding (or just laugh trying), and watch fire dancers light up the desert night. This evening brings together wild fun and quiet moments you’ll remember long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s included

Your evening includes air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi, all dune bashing and sandboarding activities in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, a guided camel ride with photo opportunities (even with a falcon if you’re brave), plus snacks like dates with Arabic tea or coffee on arrival at camp. There’s a full BBQ buffet dinner—vegetarian options too—unlimited soft drinks throughout the night, traditional entertainment including belly dance and fire shows under desert stars before heading back late evening.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

75 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert adventure and cultural evening

• Dune bashing in 4x4 Land Cruiser
• Sandboarding on golden dunes
• Camel riding across desert
• Sunset photography in desert
• Visit camel farm and photo with falcon
• Try Arabic costumes and henna painting
• Arrive at Bedouin-style desert camp
• Enjoy BBQ buffet dinner
• Watch belly dance and fire shows
• Experience traditional Tanura and Sufi dances
• Relax with shisha smoking and unlimited soft drinks

The Experience

“You’re not going to scream?” our driver grinned as the Land Cruiser tipped over another dune. I probably did — it’s all a blur of sand flying up and my stomach dropping, everyone laughing and grabbing for something solid. Dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi is wilder than I thought. The air smelled like warm sand and engine oil, with this dry wind that gets everywhere. My friend tried to film but mostly caught her own face yelling. We stopped for photos just as the sun started dipping, orange light making the dunes look almost painted. There was this quiet — just wind and someone’s scarf flapping — that made me want to stand there forever.

I’d never ridden a camel before (they’re taller than you expect), but our guide Ali joked they were the “ships of the desert” and helped me up with this practiced patience. The camel ride was slow, kind of lurching, but peaceful in a weird way — you see everything from up high: kids running around, other groups taking photos with falcons (I tried holding one; it stared straight through me). Sandboarding was trickier than it looks on Instagram — I fell twice before sliding down halfway decent. Ali laughed but said I had “good style,” which I think was generous.

The camp felt like stepping into another world after all that bouncing around. Low tables, carpets everywhere, lanterns flickering as dusk set in. We drank sweet Arabic coffee (I spilled some on my sleeve) and ate dates while people lined up for henna or tried on those long robes for photos. The BBQ dinner was honestly more food than I expected — grilled meats, salads, smoky rice dishes — even veggie stuff if you wanted it. The belly dancing started right after we finished eating; then there was this fire show that made everyone gasp when the flames spun close enough to feel the heat on your face. I still think about lying back afterward under so many stars you forget you’re anywhere near a city.

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included in the tour.

What activities are part of the Abu Dhabi desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, camel riding, sandboarding, sunset photography stops, BBQ buffet dinner, live entertainment like belly dancing and fire shows.

Are vegetarian options available at the BBQ dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are offered at the buffet dinner.

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride is short but gives you time to experience riding and take photos; exact duration may vary by group size.

Is this safari suitable for children or families?

Yes, families are welcome; infants can use prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; service animals are allowed too.

What kind of live shows are performed at camp?

You’ll see belly dance performances, Sufi dance shows (Tanura), and fire shows during dinner at camp.

Are drinks included during the evening?

Unlimited soft drinks plus Arabic tea and coffee are included throughout your time at camp.