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

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/6

Duration4h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · AR

PickupAt your hotel

Desert safari thrills in Abu Dhabi with BBQ dinner & live shows

You’ll feel every bump and laugh during dune bashing near Abu Dhabi before slowing down with a camel ride at sunset. Taste smoky barbecue under lantern light, try henna or sandboarding if you’re brave, and watch belly dance and fire shows after dark. It’s lively but there are quiet moments too — you might find yourself just listening to desert wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert safari with rides and entertainment

Pickup from hotel
Dune bashing in land cruiser
Camel ride and sand boarding
Henna painting for ladies and kids
Wear Arabic costumes for pictures
Enjoy unlimited soft drinks
BBQ buffet dinner with options
Watch Tanura dance show
Watch two fire shows
Watch two belly dance shows
Drop off at hotel

The Experience

“You’re not gonna scream, right?” our driver grinned in the rearview mirror as we buckled up for dune bashing outside Abu Dhabi. I tried to act cool but honestly, my stomach did a little flip when we hit that first sandy drop. The land cruiser slid and bounced — sand everywhere, sun low and orange behind us. I could smell the dust and something sweet from someone’s perfume in the back seat. After a while, you just start laughing because there’s nothing else to do. Our guide Khalid told us stories about his childhood here — how he learned to drive on these dunes before he was even old enough for a license.

We stopped for photos at the top of a ridge (I still have sand in my shoes) and then watched some folks try sandboarding — harder than it looks, especially if you’re wearing jeans. There were camels waiting nearby, chewing quietly and blinking like they’d seen it all before. The camel ride was slower than I expected but kind of peaceful, just this gentle sway and the sound of wind over the dunes. Someone handed me a tiny cup of sweet tea and I burned my tongue because I never wait long enough for things to cool down.

By sunset we reached the camp — lanterns flickering, smells of charcoal and spices hanging in the air. There was henna painting (my attempt looked like a toddler’s drawing), Arabic costumes for photos (Li laughed when I tried one on), and endless soft drinks if you needed to cool off. Dinner was this big BBQ buffet — smoky chicken, grilled veggies, flatbreads warm from the fire. While we ate, dancers spun and fire performers did their thing under the stars. The belly dance show had everyone clapping along; honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in it all. At some point I just leaned back on a cushion and watched sparks float up into the dark sky — felt far from city noise for once.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and dropoff from Abu Dhabi or nearby areas by land cruiser for dune bashing across golden sands.
chances to try sandboarding.
a gentle camel ride.
Arabic costumes for fun photos.
unlimited soft drinks.
henna painting for women and kids.
access to a comfortable camp with smoking area.
a full BBQ buffet dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
plus Tanura dance shows, two fire performances under the stars, and two lively belly dance acts before heading back at night.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Desert Safari Abu-Dhabi