Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Live Shows

Summary

Evening desert safari from Abu Dhabi with dune drive, camel ride, barbecue and shows

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi, then slow down as you sip tea on soft carpets watching sunset over endless sand. Ride a camel, try henna or sandboarding if you’re brave, and end your evening with barbecue dinner and live dance shows under desert stars.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the crunch of sand under my shoes as we stepped out of the 4x4 — the kind of fine, warm sand that gets everywhere but somehow feels good. Our driver, Khalid, grinned at us before letting some air out of the tires. “Ready?” he asked. I nodded, not really sure what to expect from this Abu Dhabi desert safari. The dunes looked soft in the late afternoon light, almost pinkish gold. Then suddenly we were flying over them — honestly, I squealed once or twice (okay, maybe three times). The car tilted so far I thought we’d tip over but Khalid just laughed and kept going. I could smell hot brakes and something sweet from someone’s spilled tea in the backseat.

After dune bashing (my heart was still thumping), we stopped for tea and these little date sweets that stuck to my fingers. There was this quiet moment where everyone just watched the sun drop behind the dunes — it got cooler fast and you could hear nothing but a bit of wind and someone’s phone camera clicking. I tried riding a camel named Rasha; she seemed unimpressed with my balance skills. Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” to our guide — probably butchered it but he smiled anyway.

Later on there was henna painting (I let them do one tiny flower on my wrist), sandboarding (harder than it looks!), and then we all sprawled on carpets under string lights for dinner. The barbecue smoke mixed with spices in the air — lamb skewers, grilled veggies, flatbread still warm. There were dancers too: swirling skirts and a fire show that made everyone gasp at least once. It felt like time stretched out here; I didn’t check my phone for hours. Even now I can picture those lanterns flickering against the dark sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and shows

• Arrive and enjoy coffee, tea, sweets
• Experience 4×4 dune bashing
• Stop for refreshment and sunset
• Ride camel briefly
• Try sand boarding
• Wear traditional Arabic dress
• Women get henna painting
• Relax in sitting area with cushions
• Enjoy buffet dinner with barbecue
• Drink free-flowing soft drinks and water
• Watch belly dance show
• Watch tanura dance show
• Watch fire shows

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Abu Dhabi desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel in Abu Dhabi.

What activities are part of this desert safari?

Dune bashing by 4x4, short camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting for women, BBQ buffet dinner, belly dance show, tanura dance show, fire show.

Are vegetarian options available at dinner?

Yes, there are vegetarian dishes included in the buffet dinner.

How long does the dune bashing last?

The dune bashing session is usually around 20-30 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available but not recommended for those with health concerns.

Are there separate toilet facilities for men and women?

Yes, separate toilets for men and women are provided at camp.

Can pregnant travelers join this safari?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to dune bashing activity.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup in Abu Dhabi by 4x4 vehicle for a guided drive into the desert with dune bashing, short camel riding experience, sandboarding session if you want to try it out, arrival refreshments like coffee or tea with sweets, henna painting (for women), soft drinks throughout the night plus a full barbecue buffet dinner with vegetarian options before returning to your hotel after live belly dance and fire shows beneath the stars.