Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Dinner & Shows

Drive the dunes at sunset, then sit for dinner under the stars with live performances

Abu Dhabi desert safari is a 6-hour activity combining dune bashing in a 4×4, camel riding, sand boarding and cultural experiences with a full buffet dinner and live shows. Pickup from your hotel is included. The guide speaks English and leads the group through each stage. Children from age 4 are welcome, though the activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or serious cardiovascular conditions.

The experience

The day starts with pickup and a drive into the desert, where the real action begins: a 4×4 dune bashing session that winds through the sand dunes with enough speed and angle to feel the thrill. After the driving settles, you'll ride a camel, the ship of the desert, and try sand boarding if you want. Back at the camp, coffee, tea and sweets arrive while you watch the sunset, and women get the chance to have henna painted on their hands by a female expert. You'll also wear traditional Arabic dress for photos if you choose.

Dinner is a buffet spread with grilled meat and vegetarian options, served with free-flowing soft drinks and water. The evening fills with live entertainment: a belly dance performance, a tanura dance show (the spinning skirt tradition), and a fire show. The sitting area has carpets, pillows and cushions, and separate toilet facilities are available for men and women. The whole experience runs about 6 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• 4×4 dune bashing and short camel ride.
• sand boarding.
• henna painting for women and traditional Arabic dress to wear.
• coffee, tea and sweets on arrival.
• buffet dinner with barbecue and vegetarian options.
• free-flowing soft drinks and water.
• belly dance, tanura dance and fire shows.
• sitting area with carpets, pillows and cushions.
• separate toilet facilities.
• hotel pickup and return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:30 and 16:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 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 TRACK TOURISM

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide handling the route and timing through dune bashing, camel rides, and sunset stops. Pick a private 4×4 option if you'd rather control your own pace and which moments to linger on.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What exactly happens during the dune bashing part of the Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Dune bashing is a 4×4 drive through the desert dunes where the vehicle navigates the sand at angles and speeds designed to create the thrill of the ride. It's the centerpiece of the activity and what most people come for: the moment when you feel the real adventure of driving across the desert landscape.

Is the camel ride a long experience or just a short ride?

The camel riding is a short ride, not a lengthy trek. It's one of several activities packed into the afternoon and evening, alongside sand boarding and the cultural experiences at the camp.

What's included in the dinner, and are there options for different diets?

Dinner is a buffet with both grilled barbecue meat and vegetarian options, served with free-flowing soft drinks and water throughout the meal. The setup lets you choose what suits your appetite and dietary preferences.

What live shows are part of the evening entertainment?

The evening includes three performances: a belly dance show, a tanura dance show (the traditional spinning skirt dance), and a fire show. All happen at the camp after dinner.

Does the price include getting picked up from my hotel?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included in the safari. The English-speaking guide will arrange the timing with you, and the same transport brings you back at the end of the 6-hour experience.